St John Fisher College

## 1. Overview St John Fisher College is a Catholic secondary college serving families in the Bracken Ridge area. It is a medium-sized school that aims to balance faith-based values with strong academic and co-curricular opportunities. The school focuses on creating an inclusive, nurturing atmosphere where students can grow academically, socially, and spiritually. The college emphasises community, support, and personal growth, with a culture that encourages respect, responsibility, and service. Students are encouraged to participate across academic and extracurricular programs to develop well-rounded skills and a sense of belonging within the school community. --- ## 2. Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: English, Science, Mathematics/STEM, and Religious Education are central to the curriculum, with emphasis on literacy across subjects and critical thinking. - Special programs: There are pathways for accelerated learning and opportunities for leadership development and enrichment activities to extend motivated students. - NAPLAN trends: Over recent years, the school has aimed for stable to improving performance in Reading and Numeracy, with targeted supports for students who need extra help. - Student-teacher ratios: Class sizes and teacher contact typically provide substantial opportunities for guidance, with a focus on accessible teacher support. - Support for diverse learners: The college offers EAL/SEN support, learning adjustments, and a dedicated team to assist students requiring additional academic or wellbeing help. --- ## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: A broad range of traditional secondary school sports, with participation in regional competitions and school teams. - Strong teams or achievements: The college competes in inter-school events and maintains active representative programs across sports. - Music, arts, drama programs: A structured music and performing arts program supports ensembles, productions, and personal development in the arts. - Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating and other clubs run to develop skills beyond the classroom. - Partnerships: The school often participates in local competitions and works with community and sports partners to provide enrichment opportunities. Note: Sports and extracurricular specifics can vary year to year; check with the school for current offerings and teams. --- ## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: A formal anti-bullying policy and targeted programs support a safe, respectful school environment. - House system: The college uses a house-based structure to foster belonging, teamwork, and pastoral care. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: A dedicated wellbeing team provides counseling and guidance for personal, social, and academic matters. - Transition support for new students: Orientation programs, buddy systems, and transition supports help new students settle into school life smoothly. --- ## 5. Facilities - Sports grounds: Access to grounds suitable for a range of sports and fitness activities. - Libraries: On-site libraries with study spaces and resources for research and reading. - Science labs: Well-equipped laboratories to support practical experiments and inquiry-based learning. - Music/performing arts centers: Dedicated spaces for music, drama, and performance activities. - Tech/innovation labs: Technology and innovation spaces to support coding, design, and digital projects. - Cafeteria: On-site dining facilities for students. - Updated playgrounds: Modern outdoor spaces for recreation and socializing. Note: Facilities are updated periodically; confirm current facilities with the school. --- ## 6. School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: A Catholic education emphasizing faith, integrity, service, and respect within a collaborative learning community. - Leadership style: A leadership approach that blends student voice with pastoral care and staff collaboration to support growth and responsibility. - Behaviour expectations: Clear codes of conduct centered on respect, responsibility, and safety for all community members. - Community reputation: The college is regarded within the local Catholic educational community for its values-led approach and commitment to student development. - Diversity & inclusion: Inclusive practices are promoted to support students from diverse backgrounds and with different learning needs. --- ## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: Typical daily timetable with start and finish times aligned to secondary school norms. - Before/after school care: Availability of extended care or supervision options may be offered through the school or partner providers. - Uniform requirements: A formal uniform policy with expected attire for daily wear and any special occasions. - Transport (train/bus routes): Access to public transport routes serving the Bracken Ridge area; school bus or transit options may be available. - Canteen availability: Canteen or hot meal options are generally available on-site. - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees tend toward a moderate level for a Catholic secondary college; exact amounts vary by year and selected programs. Note: For precise hours, care options, transport details, uniform, and current fee bands, please refer to the school’s official communications. --- ## 8. Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Applications are typically submitted in advance of the school year, with an established timeline for documentation, assessments (if applicable), and interview steps. Timelines vary by intake year, so confirm the latest schedule with the school. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - Some intakes may have waiting lists depending on capacity. Waiting lists are usually managed by date of application and any school-specific criteria; check the current policy with the admissions team. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - Entry may involve an application, documentation (identity, residency, and previous schooling), and an interview. Some Catholic schools may request pastoral references or additional information as part of the process. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Mid-year transfers may be possible if there is capacity and appropriate documentation. Availability can vary by term, so contact the admissions team as early as possible. --- ## 9. Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - It offers a Catholic, values-based education with a supportive community, balanced with strong academics and broad extracurricular opportunities. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who value community, want to engage in academic and co-curricular programs, and appreciate a faith-informed environment. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Academic enrichment, leadership opportunities, co-curricular clubs (robotics, coding, debating), arts and performing arts programs, and sport teams. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Through regular newsletters, parent portals, parent-teacher meetings, and scheduled information sessions. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - A combination of classroom-based instruction, inquiry-based learning, and targeted supports to meet diverse learner needs. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Learning support services, EAL, SEN assistance, and targeted interventions as part of a holistic wellbeing and learning plan. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Access to tutors, mentor guidance, study skill programs, and additional time or adjustments where appropriate. - How does the school communicate with parents? (Repeated) - See above: newsletters, portals, meetings, and events. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes are designed to be manageable with access to teacher support, typically in the mid-20s, with opportunities for individual assistance through tutorials or pastoral care. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A range of sports, music and arts programs, and clubs such as robotics, chess, coding, and debating. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Sports grounds, libraries, science labs, music/performing arts centers, tech/innovation labs, cafeteria, and updated playgrounds. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integration of technology across learning with digital literacy, coding, and online resources as part of the curriculum. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Public transport access and potential school-related transport arrangements; check local options for the current year. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Fees are generally moderate for a Catholic secondary college; specific charges vary by year and program, so verify the current fee schedule. --- ## 10. Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Catholic values-based education with supportive pastoral care - Moderate class sizes and accessible teacher support - Broad opportunities across academics, sports, arts, and clubs - Inclusive environment with programs for diverse learners - Active student leadership and community involvement - Cons - As a faith-based school, culture and activities reflect Catholic traditions; may not suit families seeking non-religious environments - Availability of mid-year transfers and enrolments depends on capacity - Specific programs, facilities, and fees can change; verify with current school information --- Note: The content above is a draft prepared to help families quickly understand the school’s profile. Please verify all details with the school’s official sources or admissions team to ensure accuracy and currency.