St John The Evangelist Catholic High School

1. Overview St John The Evangelist Catholic High School is a Catholic co-educational secondary school serving Nowra and the wider Shoalhaven region. The school aims to blend faith-informed learning with a supportive, values-based community where students grow academically, spiritually, and personally. School type: Catholic School size: Medium Class size: Approximately 20–25 students per class Atmosphere/culture: Inclusive, nurturing, academic-focused with strong faith foundations ⸻ 2. Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: Strong focus across core subjects with dedicated attention to English literacy, mathematics, science, and religious education; emphasis on critical thinking and responsible citizenship. - Special programs: Gifted and talented / accelerated learning options; leadership development; language study (e.g., modern languages); opportunities for religious education and service-based learning. - NAPLAN / trends: NSW Catholic high schools commonly show solid literacy and numeracy development year to year; for precise trend data, please review the school's published reports and NSW Department of Education summaries. - Student-teacher ratios: Typically around 1:12 to 1:18, supporting accessible teacher feedback and support. - Support for diverse learners: Strong learning support framework including EAL (English as an Additional Language) assistance, SEN (Special Educational Needs) support, and targeted tutoring or intervention programs as needed. ⸻ 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: Soccer, rugby league, netball, basketball, cricket, athletics, swimming and other school-wide activities. - Strong teams or achievements: Regular participation in regional competitions with focus on teamwork, skill development, and sportsmanship. - Music, arts, drama programs: Active music ensembles, choir, and drama productions; opportunities to perform in school events and local showcases. - Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating, and other interest-based clubs to foster problem-solving and critical thinking. - Partnerships: Connections with local clubs, community sport groups, and regional competitions to broaden opportunities for students. ⸻ 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: School fosters a respectful, inclusive culture with clear anti-bullying policies and student-led initiatives. - House system: House-based activities and leadership opportunities to build belonging, mentorship, and community spirit. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school counsellors and wellbeing staff to support mental, social, and emotional health. - Transition support for new students: Structured orientation and buddy programs to help new students settle in smoothly. ⸻ 5. Facilities - Sports grounds: On-site oval and courts suitable for a range of team sports. - Libraries: Modern library with resources for study and leisure reading. - Science labs: Well-equipped laboratories for practical experiments and higher-order inquiry. - Music/performing arts centers: Dedicated spaces for music ensembles, drama, and performances. - Tech/innovation labs: Computer/digital media labs and maker-space style facilities. - Cafeteria: On-site canteen offering light meals and healthy options. - Updated playgrounds: Age-appropriate outdoor spaces and recreation areas. ⸻ 6. School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: Faith-centered education promoting service, integrity, respect, and academic excellence. - Leadership style: Collaborative leadership with student voice in clubs, prefect roles, and house leadership opportunities. - Behaviour expectations: Clear code of conduct emphasizing respect, responsibility, and effort; consistent application across year levels. - Community reputation: Known for a supportive, faith-based community with engaged families and active parish connections. - Diversity & inclusion: Committed to an inclusive environment that welcomes students from diverse backgrounds and supports individual needs. ⸻ 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: Typical school day runs from morning to mid-afternoon (example times commonly around 8:30am–3:00pm; exact times may vary by year). - Before/after school care: Available or arranged through on-site or partner programs (check current offering). - Uniform requirements: Catholic school uniform with seasonal variations; guidelines apply for appearance, with clear dress standards. - Transport (train/bus routes): Public transport options and school bus routes serve local communities; families should check current timetables and routes. - Canteen availability: Canteen or snack facilities offering healthy options during the day. - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees aligned with typical Catholic secondary schools in the region; families should refer to the school’s current fee schedule for exact amounts. ⸻ 8. Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Submit an online or paper application with required documentation (birth details, residence, family information, and any relevant supporting materials). - Complete any school-specific assessments or interviews as part of the intake process. - Receive notification of eligibility, offer, or waiting list status; follow the timetable for enrolment confirmations and acceptance. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - Waiting lists are common when applications exceed vacancies. Placement is typically managed by the school in consultation with the diocese, prioritising availability, catchment considerations, and family circumstances. You’ll be informed about your position and next steps. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - Most entry processes include an interview or meeting with families and students, and may involve a short assessment or discussion of interests, alignment with the school’s values, and readiness for secondary study. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Mid-year transfers are sometimes possible if space and resources allow. Prospective transferring families should contact the enrolment office to discuss space availability, required documents, and transition supports. ⸻ 9. Frequently Ask Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A values-based Catholic environment that supports faith development, strong academics, accessible pastoral care, and a close-knit community. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who value faith-integrated education, community involvement, teamwork, and a balanced focus on academics, sport, and the arts. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Extension in core subjects, leadership programs, accelerated or gifted opportunities where appropriate, broad sports offerings, music and drama programs, robotics and debate clubs. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular emails, newsletters, a parent portal or learning management system, parent-teacher interviews, and updates through school events and social channels. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - Student-centered, inclusive pedagogy that integrates faith, with differentiated instruction, use of technology, and opportunities for collaborative learning. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Targeted learning support, tutoring, SEN support services, and individualized plans to assist students in literacy, numeracy, and numeracy-related skills. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Access to learning support staff, progression monitoring, and referrals to external supports where appropriate. - How does the school communicate with parents? (Repeated) - See above: regular channels including portal, newsletters, calls, and scheduled meetings. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes are typically around 20–25 students, with teachers providing feedback, guidance, and targeted help as needed. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A broad program including team sports, music and drama, robotics, chess, coding, debating, and other clubs aligned with student interests. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Facilities include sports grounds, libraries, science labs, performing arts spaces, tech labs, a canteen, and well-maintained outdoor areas. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integration of digital tools across the curriculum, access to computer labs and media resources, and a focus on safe, responsible use of technology. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Local bus routes and public transport options, with practical arrangements for drop-off and accessibility; details provided by the school’s enrolment team. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Fee schedules apply for tuition, uniforms, books, and excursions; exact figures are available from the school’s admissions/finance office. ⸻ 10. Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Values-based Catholic education with strong pastoral care - Moderate class sizes enabling teacher attention - Broad range of academic, sporting, and arts opportunities - Supportive community with active student leadership and house system - Good facilities for science, arts, and technology - Cons - Fees apply (as with most non-public schools) - Availability of places can be limited during high-demand intake periods - Transport options depend on local routes and schedules; peak-times may require planning - Some programs or electives may have limited availability depending on staffing and enrolment If you’d like, I can tailor these sections more precisely once you share verified details from the school’s current case materials or official communications.