## 1. Overview
St Francis of Assisi Catholic Primary School, Humpty Doo is a Catholic, co-educational primary school serving families in the Humpty Doo area and surrounding northern suburbs. The school emphasises faith-based values, community involvement and a holistic approach to learning, aiming to support each child’s academic, social and spiritual development.
With a small-to-medium school footprint, classes are intimate enough to foster strong teacher-student connections. Class sizes typically run around 20–25 students, which supports individual attention, collaboration and a supportive, nurturing atmosphere.
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## 2. Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: Focus on literacy and numeracy from early years, with enrichment in STEM, digital literacy and humanities. The school integrates faith-informed learning to build character and critical thinking.
- Special programs: Opportunities for accelerated learning and gifted/talented pathways where available, along with robust religious education integrated into the curriculum.
- NAPLAN trends: Over recent years, trends show steady progress in reading and numeracy with consistent performance in writing, reflecting ongoing attention to core skills.
- Student-teacher ratios: Class sizes around 20–25 students; teacher aides and support staff help maintain small-group instruction and targeted support.
- Support for diverse learners: Strong inclusion focus with EAL support, dedicated learning support staff and targeted interventions to assist students with diverse learning needs.
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## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
- Sports offered: Soccer, AFL, netball, basketball and athletics are commonly available, with opportunities to participate in district and inter-school events.
- Strong teams or achievements: Students participate in inter-school fixtures and local competitions, with a focus on teamwork, sportsmanship and personal development.
- Music, arts, drama programs: School music programs, choir or ensembles and annual drama or musical productions contribute to a well-rounded arts experience.
- Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess and debating are among the popular clubs, promoting problem-solving and critical thinking outside the classroom.
- Partnerships: Connections with local clubs, regional sport associations and inter-school competitions support broader athletic and creative development.
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## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: Whole-school wellbeing strategies, clear anti-bullying policies and a supportive culture that promotes respect and inclusion.
- House system: A house-based structure fosters belonging, friendly competition and community spirit across year levels.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to a wellbeing team and pastoral support to assist students with social-emotional needs and transitions.
- Transition support for new students: Orientation sessions, buddy programs and proactive communication to help newcomers settle in smoothly.
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## 5. Facilities
- Sports grounds: Dedicated spaces for outdoor activities and physical education.
- Libraries: A well-stocked library supporting reading for pleasure and research.
- Science labs: Modern science facilities to support hands-on inquiry and exploration.
- Music/performing arts centers: Space for music rehearsals, performances and drama activities.
- Tech/innovation labs: Keeps students engaged with digital learning and STEM projects.
- Cafeteria: On-site dining facilities and lunch options.
- Updated playgrounds: Safe, modern play areas to encourage active breaks and outdoor learning.
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## 6. School Values & Community Culture
- School values / mission: Grounded in Catholic faith, with a focus on Respect, Responsibility, Compassion andIntegrity in daily life and learning.
- Leadership style: Collaborative and inclusive, with opportunities for student voice and leadership through class roles and student councils.
- Behaviour expectations: Clear, consistently applied behavioural expectations aligned with the school’s values framework.
- Community reputation: Strong ties with families and the local community, built on trust, faith-based education and reliable communication.
- Diversity & inclusion: Welcomes families from diverse backgrounds and is committed to an inclusive environment where every student can thrive.
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## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: Typically around the start mid-morning to mid-afternoon schedule (e.g., 8:30/8:45 am–3:00 pm), with variations by year level and term.
- Before/after school care: OSHC (out-of-school-hours care) options are available to support working families.
- Uniform requirements: School uniform standard with guidance on everyday wear and sport uniform for physical activities.
- Transport (train/bus routes): Availability of school bus services and local transport options to support commuting families.
- Canteen availability: Can be a school canteen or lunch-order system to provide meals and snacks.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees are in the moderate range for Catholic primary schools in the area, with information provided by the school to families.
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## 8. Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Submit an enrolment application or expression of interest.
- Provide required documents (birth certificate, proof of custody if applicable, immunisation records, prior school reports).
- Complete any school assessments or interview processes as part of the admissions step.
- Receive a placement offer based on availability and processing timeline; follow the school’s communications schedule for next steps.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Yes, there is often a waiting list when places are full. Offers are made in order of availability and may prioritise siblings and enrolled Catholic families where applicable.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Some enrolments may include an interview or a readiness discussion, along with standard documentation. Religious education may be discussed as part of the enrolment process.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers are considered if a place is available; applicants should provide current school records and relevant documentation to facilitate a smooth transition.
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## 9. Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A values-based Catholic education with a supportive, close-knit community, small-class attention and a focus on holistic development.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who value faith-inspired learning, strong relationships with teachers, and active participation in both academics and community life.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Extended programs in literacy/numeracy, STEM and digital learning; a variety of sports, arts, music and clubs such as robotics, coding, chess and debating.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular newsletters, parent-teacher meetings, digital platforms (where applicable), and direct communication channels with teachers and administration.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- A holistic, inclusive approach that integrates Catholic values with evidence-based teaching practices, focusing on core skills while nurturing character.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Targeted interventions, learning support staff, and access to small-group or one-on-one assistance within the classroom.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Diagnostic assessments, tailored learning plans and ongoing progress reviews to adjust support as needed.
- How does the school communicate with parents? (Repeated)
- See above: newsletters, meetings, and digital updates.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Class sizes typically around 20–25 students, with additional teacher aides and small-group instruction to support individual attention.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A broad range of sports (soccer, AFL, netball, basketball, athletics), plus clubs in robotics, coding, chess and debating; arts and music programs are also offered.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Modern facilities including sports grounds, library, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, a canteen, and updated playgrounds.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integration of ICT across the curriculum, with devices and digital learning tools to support teaching and learning, alongside safety education.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- School transport options (including bus routes where available) and accessible facilities; information provided by the school.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- Fees are in the moderate range for the region; additional costs may include excursions, uniform items and voluntary contributions.
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## 10. Short Pros & Cons list
Pros
- Catholic, values-driven education with a nurturing, inclusive culture.
- Small-to-medium class sizes enable strong teacher-student relationships.
- Wide range of academics, sports, arts and tech clubs to support diverse interests.
- Robust wellbeing and pastoral care with house system and transition support.
- Modern facilities across science, technology, music and libraries.
Cons
- Rural or outer-suburb location may mean longer travel for some families.
- As a smaller school, some highly specialised programs may be limited compared with larger urban schools.
- Fees are present (typical for non-government Catholic schools) and can add up with uniforms and excursions.
- Availability of certain extracurriculars can vary by year and cohort size.
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