St Francis of Assisi Catholic Primary School

1. Overview St Francis of Assisi Catholic Primary School Tarneit is a Catholic, private primary school that serves families in the Tarneit area. The school aims to provide a faith-filled, values-based education within a welcoming community. - School type: Catholic private primary - School size: Medium - Class size: Approximately 20–24 students per class - Atmosphere/culture: Nurturing, inclusive, and faith-informed; strong sense of community and belonging 2. Academics & Learning St Francis of Assisi emphasizes solid academic foundations alongside faith formation, with opportunities for enrichment and targeted support. - Academic strengths: Strong focus on literacy and numeracy, integrated Religious Education, and a pathway to digital literacy and inquiry-based learning. - Special programs: Targeted learning support and extension/enrichment opportunities; faith formation and service learning as core components. - NAPLAN / trends: Schools in this sector typically show steady improvement and consistency across year groups; check latest public reporting for current trend details. - Student-teacher ratios: Generally around 1:15 to 1:22, varying by year level and class composition. - Support for diverse learners: EAL/D support and differentiated instruction; targeted supports for students with additional learning needs (SEN), with inclusive practices in place. 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths A strong focus on physical activity, arts, and student clubs, with opportunities to compete and develop beyond the classroom. - Sports offered: Soccer, basketball, netball, AFL-style activities, athletics, cricket, and general PE programs; participation in interschool events. - Strong teams or achievements: Active participation in district/interschool competitions; emphasis on teamwork, discipline, and personal bests. - Music, arts, drama programs: School choir, music lessons, performing arts opportunities and school productions. - Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, debating, and other interest groups as offered each year. - Partnerships: Local community and diocesan partnerships supporting competitions, events, and external programs. 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care Wellbeing is a core priority, with structures to support emotional, social, and spiritual health. - Anti-bullying approach: Clear policies and proactive programs promoting respectful relationships and a safe school culture. - House system: House groups support community, sports, and leadership activities (structure designed to foster belonging and healthy competition). - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school wellbeing staff to support students and families; is complemented by pastoral care from teachers and chaplains where applicable. - Transition support for new students: Orientation programs, buddy systems, and gradual onboarding to help new students settle in. 5. Facilities Facilities are designed to support a range of learning and wellbeing activities, with visual, student-friendly spaces. - Sports grounds - Libraries - Science labs - Music/performing arts centers - Tech/innovation labs - Cafeteria - Updated playgrounds 6. School Values & Community Culture The school communicates clearly what kind of community it aims to build and the values it lives by. - School values / mission: Catholic ethos centered on faith, service, respect, compassion, and integrity. - Leadership style: Collaborative and inclusive, with opportunities for student leadership and input from families and parish partners. - Behaviour expectations: Positive behaviour framework with restorative approaches and consistent expectations. - Community reputation: Strong ties with the parish and local community; emphasis on service and community involvement. - Diversity & inclusion: Welcoming environment for families from diverse backgrounds; commitment to inclusion and equal opportunity. 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations Practical information to help families plan daily routines and participation. - School hours: Typical daytime schedule with start and finish times aligned to school calendar; students participate in a full school day. - Before/after school care: Available through school-approved providers or on-site arrangements; check current offering. - Uniform requirements: Clear uniform policy with designated items; hats and sun protection policy in line with school guidelines. - Transport (train/bus routes): Local transport options including school bus routes and public transport; walking and drop-off arrangements as per policy. - Canteen availability: On-site canteen or lunch-order program available; daily lunch options may vary by year. - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees fall in the moderate range for Catholic primary schools; precise figures available through the school’s current fee schedule. 8. Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Submit an application with supporting documents; complete any required forms and pay applicable fees. - The school provides information on timelines for intake (Prep and other year levels), with offered places following assessment and family interviews. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - Yes, places can be limited; waiting lists may operate when all places are filled, with priority given to siblings, parish considerations, and enrolment policies. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - Enrollment typically includes an application, a family interview, and alignment with the Catholic ethos. Some year levels may include readiness discussions or assessments as part of the process. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Mid-year transfers are considered on a case-by-case basis, subject to vacancy and alignment with enrolment policy. 9. Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? Families often choose for the strong Catholic ethos, a supportive community, solid academics, and opportunities for faith formation, service, and personal growth. - What type of student thrives at this school? Students who are respectful, engaged, cooperative, and motivated to grow academically, socially, and spiritually typically thrive here. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? A range of extension options exist, including clubs (robotics, coding, debating), interschool sports, performing arts, and leadership opportunities, along with targeted academic supports. - How does the school communicate with parents? Regular updates through newsletters, parent portals, school app or equivalents, and scheduled parent-teacher interviews. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? Holistic, faith-informed education with a focus on literacy and numeracy, differentiated instruction, and inquiry-based learning. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? Targeted literacy/numeracy support, EAL assistance, and differentiated instruction are available to assist students who need extra help. - What support is available for academic challenges? Access to teachers, aides, and wellbeing staff; appropriate referrals for additional external support if needed. - How does the school communicate with parents? (Note: same as above) See above: newsletters, portals, calls, interviews. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? Class sizes are typically around 20–24 students, with teacher attention and available support staff to assist individual needs. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? A wide range of sports and clubs (including sports teams, robotics, coding, chess, debating) and arts programs. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? Sports grounds, library, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, canteen, and updated playgrounds. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? Integration of digital literacy and technology in learning; use of devices and classroom tech with appropriate digital citizenship guidance. - What transport and accessibility options are available? Local bus routes and access to public transport; walking zones and parking/drop-off arrangements as per school policy. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? Fees are in the moderate range for Catholic primary schools; additional costs may apply for excursions, camp, uniform, and activities. 10. Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Strong Catholic identity and values-based education - Compassionate, inclusive atmosphere and community feel - Solid focus on literacy and numeracy with targeted supports - Broad range of extracurriculars and clubs - Healthy emphasis on wellbeing, pastoral care, and student leadership - Cons - As a medium-sized Catholic primary, spaces can be limited during peak enrollment periods - Fees are applicable as a private school; families should review the current fee schedule - Some specialized programs or advanced options may depend on year level and staffing - Transport options depend on local routes and availability; may require coordinating with bus services Notes for readers - Enrolment details, timelines, and exact figures can change; please verify current information with the school’s administration or official communications.