St Francis Xavier Primary School - Corio

## 1. Overview St Francis Xavier Primary School is a Catholic primary school serving families in Corio, VIC. The school offers a small-to-medium sized community that focuses on forming students through faith, service, and education. Class sizes are typically around 20–25 students, supporting a collaborative and supportive learning environment. The atmosphere is inclusive and nurturing, with an emphasis on respect, responsibility and active participation in both faith and learning. As a Catholic school, the school aims to blend academic achievement with values-based education, encouraging students to contribute positively to their school and broader community. The culture is community-minded, with strong ties to families and local parish life, and a commitment to developing well-rounded, engaged learners. ⸻ ## 2. Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: core literacy and numeracy, with a focus on reading comprehension, writing, and mathematical problem-solving; emphasis on inquiry-based learning and foundational STEM concepts. - Special programs: faith-based education integrated with general learning; opportunities for leadership roles and collaborative projects; targeted support to meet diverse learner needs. - NAPLAN / trends: steady engagement with national assessments, with school leadership reviewing results to guide improvements year over year. - Student-teacher ratios: typical primary-class ratios that support differentiated teaching; emphasis on small-group instruction within regular class time. - Support for diverse learners: dedicated support for EAL students when needed; learning support and intervention strategies for students requiring additional assistance; access to SEN planning and inclusive practices. ⸻ ## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: common primary programs such as soccer, Australian rules football, netball, basketball, athletics, and cricket; opportunities to participate in school and district events. - Strong teams or achievements: participation in inter-school sporting activities; competitive spirit and teamwork fostered through house competitions and local carnivals. - Music, arts, drama programs: music education and ensembles, opportunities for school drama and performing arts experiences; involvement in school productions or showcases. - Clubs: robotics, chess, coding, debating and other co-curricular activities that support problem-solving and critical thinking. - Partnerships: connections with local community clubs and inter-school competitions to broaden opportunities and exposure to sport and cultural activities. ⸻ ## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: positive behaviour framework that emphasizes respect, empathy, and inclusion; proactive classroom and whole-school anti-bullying initiatives. - House system: house structure that fosters belonging, healthy competition, mentorship, and leadership opportunities for students. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: access to school-based wellbeing support to assist with social-emotional development and student concerns. - Transition support for new students: buddy systems, orientation activities, and gradual integration to help students settle into the school community. ⸻ ## 5. Facilities - Sports grounds: on-site play spaces and courts for physical education and games. - Libraries: school library or learning commons supporting reading and research. - Science labs: dedicated spaces for hands-on science activities and investigations. - Music/performing arts centers: dedicated rooms or spaces for music, drama, and rehearsal. - Tech/innovation labs: computer or STEM spaces to support digital learning and coding activities. - Cafeteria: on-site canteen or lunch facilities offering healthy options. - Updated playgrounds: modern, safe play spaces with age-appropriate equipment. ⸻ ## 6. School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: faith-informed education emphasizing respect, service, compassion, and responsibility. - Leadership style: collaborative leadership with opportunities for student voice and leadership roles; strong parent involvement and partnerships. - Behaviour expectations: clear codes of conduct and consistent expectations across classrooms and playgrounds. - Community reputation: positive standing within the local community, with supportive parent networks and parish connections. - Diversity & inclusion: welcoming environment that aims to include students from varied backgrounds and abilities. ⸻ ## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: typical primary-day schedule, commonly from morning start around 9:00 am to afternoon finish around 3:00 pm (may vary by year level). - Before/after school care: available through external providers or school-affiliated programs to support working families. - Uniform requirements: formal uniform with defined dress options for different terms and seasons; consistent uniform expectations. - Transport (train/bus routes): access via local bus routes and proximity to public transport; dismissals planned with travel sibling groups and families in mind. - Canteen availability: canteen or lunch service offering everyday healthy options. - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): fees typical of Catholic primary schools, with information provided by the school for materials, activities, and excursions; families advised to check current schedules and optional costs. ⸻ ## 8. Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Submit an online expression of interest or official application. - Provide required documentation (birth certificate, proof of residency, parish details where applicable, immunisations). - Home/parent information session and school interview or meeting; prep classes or tours may be offered. - Timeline varies by intake year; prospective families should contact the school early to confirm deadlines and rolling admissions where available. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - Some year levels may have a waiting list; priority often given to siblings and Catholic community members. - Waiting lists are usually managed by date of application and space availability; families are contacted when places become available. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - Generally, a family interview or meeting with the principal or coordinator; assessment is typically related to readiness for school and alignment with the school’s values. - No high-stakes entrance exams for primary-level enrolment; emphasis on fit with the school’s culture and supports. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Mid-year transfers are possible subject to space and smooth transition arrangements. - Transfer procedures include coordinated information sharing, student records, and transition planning with teachers. ⸻ ## 9. Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - Catholic values integration with strong community connections, supportive staff, and a focus on well-rounded development. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who value a faith-informed, inclusive community, a collaborative learning environment, and participation in both academics and activities. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Access to extension activities within class, involvement in sports teams, music and drama programs, and a range of co-curricular clubs. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular newsletters, emails, a parent portal or app, and scheduled parent-teacher conferences; open channels for informal communication. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - A balanced approach combining literacy, numeracy, inquiry-based learning, and faith-based education; differentiation to meet diverse learner needs. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - In-class differentiation, targeted literacy/numeracy interventions, and access to learning support staff or specialists. - What support is available for academic challenges? - School-based counsellors or wellbeing staff, learning supports, and collaboration with families to create personalised plans. - How does the school communicate with parents? (duplicate) - See above: newsletters, emails, portal/app, and parent-teacher meetings. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes typically around 20–25 students; teaching teams incorporate small-group instruction to support individual needs. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A range of sports, music, arts, and clubs such as robotics, chess, coding, and debating; participation often supported through school and community partnerships. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Sports grounds, library, science spaces, music/performing arts facilities, and technology learning areas. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integration of ICT and coding into the curriculum; a focus on digital literacy and safe, purposeful use of technology. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Access to local bus routes and nearby transport services; structured drop-off/pick-up arrangements for safety. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Fees vary by year level and activities; families should consult the school for a current breakdown, including uniforms, excursions, and resources. ⸻ ## 10. Short Pros & Cons list Pros - Catholic values-based education with a nurturing, inclusive culture - Small-to-medium class sizes enable differentiated learning - Strong emphasis on wellbeing, pastoral care, and community involvement - Broad range of co-curriculars: sports, arts, and clubs - Support for diverse learners with available interventions and resources Cons - As a smaller school, there may be fewer specialist programs than larger campuses - Some programs and activities may rely on external providers or community partnerships - Enrollment can be competitive depending on year level and space availability ⸻