St John the Apostle Primary School

## 1. Overview St John the Apostle Primary School is a Catholic, co-educational primary school serving families in the Florey area of Canberra, ACT. The school emphasises faith-based education within a nurturing, inclusive community and aims to support students to grow academically, socially and spiritually. - School type: Catholic - School size: small to medium - Class size: typically around 20–24 students per class - Atmosphere/culture: nurturing, inclusive, faith-centered with a focus on community involvement Note: For the most current enrolment numbers and class configurations, check the latest school materials or contact the school directly. --- ## 2. Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: English/literacy and numeracy are core priorities, with opportunities to integrate faith-informed values and real-world learning. The school also supports student leadership and development of foundational skills across other subjects. - Special programs: Religious Education as a central component; opportunities for leadership through student council or service projects; targeted literacy and numeracy support as needed; digital literacy and basic ICT experience embedded in learning. - NAPLAN / trends: Public trend data for individual schools is published periodically; expect a focus on improving literacy and numeracy progress and maintaining consistency across year levels. For precise trends, refer to the school’s annual report or My School data. - Student-teacher ratios: Typical primary-class structures aim for low-to-mid class sizes with available teacher aides or supports to help individual attention where needed. - Support for diverse learners: Support for EAL (where applicable) and SEN/Learning Support is typically available, with planning to help students access curriculum and participate fully. Note: Specific programs and exact ratios can vary by year level and cohort. Check the school’s current documentation for precise details. --- ## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: A range of team and individual sports commonly available (e.g., soccer, netball, basketball, athletics, rugby/football, and swimming programs where feasible). The school usually participates in local inter-school activities and community events. - Strong teams or achievements: Participation in inter-school competitions and local leagues is common; achievements vary by year. The school often highlights sportsmanship, teamwork and personal bests. - Music, arts, drama programs: Opportunities typically exist through school choirs, general music education and performing arts activities. - Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating and other lunchtime or after-school clubs are commonly available to extend learning beyond core subjects. - Partnerships: Collaborations with local clubs, sporting associations or community groups may provide additional pathways and competitions. Note: Specific offerings can differ by year and cohort; confirm current clubs and teams with the school. --- ## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: A proactive framework focused on safe, respectful behavior, with clear processes for reporting and supporting anyone affected. - House system: A house-based structure is commonly used to foster belonging, healthy competition and collective responsibility in students. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to wellbeing support staff is typically available to help students with emotional, social or behavioural needs. - Transition support for new students: Orientation activities, buddy programs and targeted support help new students settle in smoothly. This section is designed to build trust by showing a commitment to student wellbeing and a supportive school environment. --- ## 5. Facilities - Sports grounds: Outdoor play and sporting areas suitable for a range of activities. - Libraries: Library spaces for reading, study and research. - Science labs: Scientific learning resources to support inquiry and hands-on experiments. - Music/performing arts centers: Dedicated spaces or rooms for music, drama and performances. - Tech/innovation labs: ICT suites or classrooms equipped for digital learning and projects. - Cafeteria: On-site canteen or meal facilities for student meals and snacks. - Updated playgrounds: Well-maintained playgrounds and outdoor learning spaces. Visual, simple facilities information helps parents picture daily life at the school. --- ## 6. School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: Faith-informed education grounded in Catholic values of respect, compassion, service and integrity. - Leadership style: Typically collaborative and inclusive, with opportunities for student voice and staff mentorship. - Behaviour expectations: Clear codes of conduct aligned with promoting respect, responsibility and resilience. - Community reputation: Aims to be known as a welcoming, close-knit community that supports families and supports student growth. - Diversity & inclusion: Focus on inclusive practices and respect for diverse backgrounds and abilities. This section communicates the kind of students who thrive here and the community culture you can expect. --- ## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: Generally a daytime schedule typical of primary schools; exact start and finish times may vary by year level. - Before/after school care: Often available to support families with work commitments. - Uniform requirements: A prescribed school uniform is standard; details on items, colors and suppliers are provided by the school. - Transport: Availability of school bus routes or public transport options; information on drop-off and pick-up arrangements is provided by the school. - Canteen availability: Canteen or tuck shop services may be available on certain days. - Fees: Fees are typically in the moderate range for Catholic primary schools; may include voluntary contributions, and additional costs for camps, excursions and activities. Financial assistance or scholarship options may be available. For exact times, uniform specifics, transport routes and current fees, refer to the school’s official communications. --- ## 8. Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Complete an application form and submit required documents (birth certificate, immunisation records, proof of residency or enrolment eligibility). - Provide any requested Catholic education documents (where applicable) and attend an information session or interview if offered. - Timeline varies; apply ahead of your preferred start date. The school will outline key dates for applications, interviews and enrolment offers. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - If the school is oversubscribed, a waiting list may apply. Waiting list placement is typically determined by factors such as application date, sibling priority, and availability. The school will advise on how spaces are allocated. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - Entry requirements may include confirmation of Catholic education eligibility or parish involvement as applicable. Some schools conduct interviews or information sessions with families. Formal academic testing is not always used for primary enrolments; the process is primarily about fit, readiness and placement. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Mid-year transfers are possible if space is available. Parents should contact the enrolments team as early as possible to discuss space, class placement and required documentation. Note: Enrolment rules can change; confirm current procedures with the school. --- ## 9. Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A faith-based, values-oriented environment with a supportive, close-knit community; small-class feel and attention to individual student growth. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who value community, respect, collaborative learning and opportunities to contribute through service, leadership or clubs. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - A mix of literacy and numeracy emphasis, leadership roles, sports teams, music/drama activities, and clubs such as robotics, coding, chess and debating. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Through newsletters, email, phone calls, a school app or portal, and scheduled parent-teacher meetings. Regular updates on learning goals and student progress are typical. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - A whole-child approach with differentiated instruction, faith-integrated learning and the use of ICT to support engagement and understanding. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Targeted learning support and intervention programs, small-group instruction and collaboration with specialists as needed. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Early identification of needs, tailored planning, and access to learning support staff and resources to help students progress. - How does the school communicate with parents? - See above; ongoing, transparent communication is emphasised. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes are typically around 20–24 students, with opportunities for teachers to provide individualized attention through small-group work and targeted supports. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A range of sports, arts and clubs (e.g., robotics, chess, coding, debating) with opportunities to participate in inter-school events and performances. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Sports grounds, library, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, technology/ICT facilities, canteen, and updated playgrounds. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integration of digital literacy across the curriculum, with ICT resources and digital citizenship education. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Bus routes or public transport options may be available; school will provide details on drop-off, pick-up, accessibility and parking. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Fees are generally in the moderate range for a Catholic primary school, with possible additional costs for camps, excursions and uniforms. Financial assistance or subsidies may be available. --- ## 10. Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Catholic, values-driven education with a close-knit, supportive community - Small to medium class sizes fostering individual attention - Range of extracurriculars (sports, arts, clubs) and leadership opportunities - Focus on wellbeing, inclusion and pastoral care - Modern facilities and learning spaces supporting various subjects - Cons - As a smaller school, offerings may vary year to year and may not match every large-area program - Fees typical of Catholic primary schools; some families may incur additional costs for camps, uniforms and activities - Availability of specific clubs or sports can depend on enrolment numbers - Transport options may require families to coordinate with bus routes or local services Note: For the most accurate, up-to-date information, contact the school directly and review their latest prospectus and enrollment materials.