## 1. Overview
St John Bosco College is a Catholic co-educational school in Western Australia that aims to combine faith-based education with strong academic and social development. The college focuses on creating a nurturing, inclusive environment where students are encouraged to grow academically, spiritually, and personally.
- School type: Catholic
- School size: Medium
- Class size: Typically in the low-to-mid 20s
- Atmosphere/culture: Nurturing, inclusive, academically focused with an emphasis on community and service
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## 2. Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: English and Mathematics are core strengths, with solid programs in STEM and Religious Education. Leadership development and language studies are supported to foster well-rounded learners.
- Special programs: Catholic Education framework with opportunities for accelerated learning and gifted/talented pathways where available.
- NAPLAN trends: Trends in recent years show steady performance and gradual improvement in several domains (e.g., reading and numeracy) with consistent achievement relative to WA benchmarks.
- Student-teacher ratios: Classrooms typically maintain small-to-mid sized groups, with student-teacher ratios around 1:12 to 1:18, enabling more individualized attention.
- Support for diverse learners: EAL support and targeted assistance for students with SEN, along with individual learning plans and inclusive teaching practices.
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## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
- Sports offered: Football (soccer), basketball, netball, athletics, swimming, and other school-based activities.
- Strong teams or achievements: Regular participation in local inter-school competitions and Catholic schools’ leagues, with opportunities for representative selection and team development.
- Music, arts, drama programs: Active music program and opportunities in drama/performing arts, including school productions and concerts.
- Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating, and other interest-based clubs to support practical and intellectual skills.
- Partnerships: Engagement with local clubs and external programs for competitions, coding clubs, and talent development.
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## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: Clear anti-bullying policies, positive behaviour expectations, and proactive strategies to foster a respectful school climate.
- House system: House groups to promote belonging, friendly competition, and peer support.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school counsellors or wellbeing staff who support mental health, resilience, and social-emotional learning.
- Transition support for new students: Orientation activities, buddy programs, and targeted support to help new students settle in smoothly.
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## 5. Facilities
- Sports grounds: On-site sports fields and courts for varied physical activities.
- Libraries: Well-equipped library spaces to support reading, research, and study.
- Science labs: Science facilities for practical experiments and inquiry-based learning.
- Music/performing arts centers: Dedicated spaces for music practice, ensembles, and performances.
- Tech/innovation labs: Modern spaces for STEM learning, robotics, coding, and digital projects.
- Cafeteria: On-site canteen or dining facilities offering healthy options.
- Updated playgrounds: Safe, age-appropriate outdoor play areas and recreation spaces.
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## 6. School Values & Community Culture
- School values / mission: A Catholic values-based education emphasizing faith, integrity, service, respect, and compassion.
- Leadership style: Student-centered and collaborative, with teacher guidance and student input in learning and community activities.
- Behaviour expectations: Clear codes of conduct aligned with the school’s values; emphasis on respect, responsibility, and resilience.
- Community reputation: Known for a welcoming, faith-filled community that supports students’ academic and personal growth.
- Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to inclusive practices and respect for a diverse student body.
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## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: Typical start and finish times align with local WA school schedules; daily routines designed to support focus and balance.
- Before/after school care: Available through on-site or partnered providers to support families.
- Uniform requirements: Full school uniform worn during the school day and on related activities.
- Transport (bus routes): Access to local transport options and school-approved bus routes where available.
- Canteen availability: Canteen or on-site dining options offering healthy meals and snacks.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees are in the medium range for WA Catholic schools, with typical additional costs for uniform, excursions, and activities.
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## 8. Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Submit an online or paper application form with required supporting documents (birth certificate, immunisation records, baptism details if applicable, and any SEN/EAL information).
- School reviews and documentation checks are completed; applicants may be invited to attend an information session or interview.
- Notification of outcome is provided within a few weeks after the application is reviewed; enrollment is confirmed after meeting any conditions and payment of relevant fees.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Yes, there can be a waiting list when intake demand exceeds vacancies. Priority often given to siblings and local proximity, with the balance managed by the school based on admissions criteria.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Most applicants participate in an informational interview or student interview, with a parent interview as part of the process. Some years may include assessments to understand learning needs or EAL/SEN requirements. Baptism or Catholic community involvement is often considered but not always mandatory.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers are considered subject to vacancies, space in the desired year level, and completion of required documentation (transcripts, attendance, and health records). Early inquiry is advised.
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## 9. Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A values-based Catholic education with a supportive community, good academic programs, balanced with strong pastoral care and extracurricular options.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who value a faith-informed community, smaller to medium class sizes, inclusive teaching, and a holistic approach to growth in academics, sport, arts, and service.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Strong core academics with opportunities in STEM, English, and languages; competitive sports, music and drama programs, and clubs such as robotics, coding, chess, and debating.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular emails, newsletters, compliance with school portals or apps, parent-teacher meetings, and timely updates about events and student progress.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- Student-centered learning that blends faith-based education with inquiry, collaboration, and practical applications; emphasis on developing critical thinking and independent learning skills.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Targeted learning support, EAL assistance, SEN services, and individualized learning plans; small group interventions and access to specialist staff as needed.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Additional tutoring or intervention programs, progress monitoring, and tailored strategies to help students meet their learning goals.
- How does the school communicate with parents? (Repeated)
- See above: regular updates via email/newsletters/portals, and scheduled conferences.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Class sizes are in the low-to-mid 20s, enabling more teacher-student interaction and targeted support.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A broad range of sports (e.g., football, basketball, netball, athletics), arts (music, drama), and clubs (robotics, coding, chess, debating).
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- On-site sports grounds, libraries, science labs, music/performing arts facilities, tech/innovation labs, a canteen, and updated outdoor play areas.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Emphasis on digital literacy and safe, responsible use of technology; dedicated computer/tech facilities and integration of digital tools into learning.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Access to local transport options and school-supported routes where available, with considerations for accessibility and parking.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- Fees fall in the medium range for WA Catholic schools, with expected additional costs for uniforms, books, excursions, and extra-curricular activities.
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## 10. Short Pros & Cons list
- Pros
- Catholic values-based education in a supportive, inclusive environment
- Medium-sized classes enabling individualized attention
- Balanced focus on academics, faith development, and wellbeing
- Broad range of sports, arts, and clubs
- Strong pastoral care and transition support for new students
- Cons
- Fees can be a consideration for some families (relative to other options)
- Demand may lead to waiting lists in popular year levels
- Availability of certain specialist programs may vary year by year
- Location considerations may impact commute for some families
