## 1. Overview
St John the Evangelist Catholic Primary School is a Catholic primary school serving families in the Campbelltown area. The school combines faith-based values with a focus on providing a well-rounded education, aiming to nurture both academic achievement and personal growth within a caring community.
The school is small-to-medium in size, fostering a close-knit atmosphere where class sizes are typically in the low-to-mid 20s. The environment is nurturing and inclusive, with a strong emphasis on faith, respect, and community involvement.
## 2. Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: English literacy and numeracy are priorities, with an emphasis on developing foundational skills across the curriculum. Religious education is integrated as a core part of learning, alongside STEM and inquiry-based activities to build critical thinking.
- Special programs: Gifted and Talented opportunities and accelerated learning options are available where possible, complemented by school-based enrichment within the regular curriculum and Catholic Education Office initiatives.
- NAPLAN / trends: The school monitors progress over time, focusing on literacy and numeracy growth and using data to inform teaching and targeted support. Trends typically show steady improvement in key literacy and numeracy areas.
- Student-teacher ratios: The school strives for small-to-mid class groups to support individual attention and formative feedback, enabling timely intervention where needed.
- Support for diverse learners: EAL (English as an Additional Language) support and SEN (special educational needs) provisions are available, with inclusive practices and targeted supports to meet diverse learner needs.
## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
- Sports offered: Common options include soccer, netball, basketball, cricket, AFL, and athletics, with opportunities for inter-school sports participation.
- Strong teams or achievements: Students regularly participate in local inter-school competitions and fixtures; the school encourages teamwork, sportsmanship, and school pride.
- Music, arts, drama programs: Music education and performing arts programs are available, including school ensembles or choirs and opportunities to perform.
- Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, debating, and other clubs support inquiry, problem-solving, and critical thinking outside the classroom.
- Partnerships: The school may engage with local clubs, diocesan events, and regional competitions to broaden opportunities for students.
## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: A proactive, whole-school anti-bullying program and clear reporting pathways promote a safe and respectful environment.
- House system: A house structure fosters belonging, peer support, and healthy, friendly competition across grades.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to wellbeing staff or a school counsellor supports students’ social and emotional needs.
- Transition support for new students: Buddy systems, orientation activities, and targeted transition support help new students settle into the school community.
## 5. Facilities
- Sports grounds: Dedicated outdoor spaces for sports and physical education.
- Libraries: A well-stocked library supports independent reading and research across subjects.
- Science labs: Practical science spaces for inquiry and hands-on experiments.
- Music/performing arts centers: Facilities for music education and drama activities.
- Tech/innovation labs: Access to technology and digital learning spaces to support coding and STEAM projects.
- Cafeteria: On-site canteen or lunch provisions, with healthy meal options.
- Updated playgrounds: Safe, modern outdoor play areas for constructive breaks and recreation.
## 6. School Values & Community Culture
- School values / mission: A values-driven Catholic education emphasizing faith, respect, compassion, responsibility, and service.
- Leadership style: Student leadership opportunities (e.g., school captains or student council) alongside collaborative staff leadership and open channels for student voice.
- Behaviour expectations: Clear behavioural expectations underpinned by restorative practices and consistent consequences.
- Community reputation: A welcoming, faith-centered community known for care, inclusivity, and active parent involvement.
- Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to welcoming families from diverse backgrounds and ensuring inclusive learning opportunities for all students.
## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: Typical daytime hours with standard start and finish times; before/after school care options may be available.
- Before/after school care: Available or available through partnerships/extension services (subject to enrollment and local arrangements).
- Uniform requirements: Practical, school-approved uniform with expectations outlined in the student handbook.
- Transport: Local bus routes and public transport options, with information provided to families on routes and accessibility.
- Canteen availability: On-site or partner canteen services offering healthy options and lunch orders.
- Fees: Fees are typically in the low-to-medium range for private Catholic primary schools, with occasional additional costs for excursions and activities.
## 8. Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Complete an application and submit required documents.
- Attend any open days or information sessions.
- Participate in any required interviews or family information sessions (if applicable).
- Await offer of placement within the school’s intake cycles; confirm enrolment by the stated deadline.
- Receive details on orientation and start dates.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Yes, a waiting list may apply when grade capacity is reached.
- The school typically places applicants based on application date, sibling policy, parish considerations, and space availability.
- Families will be kept informed about their status and any expected timelines.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Entry requirements may include standard documentation and alignment with the school’s faith-based values.
- Tests are not normally required for general entry; some cases may involve short assessments or interviews to understand needs and fit.
- In some situations, information from parish affiliations or prior schooling may be requested.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers are possible if spaces are available and appropriate documentation is provided.
- Prospective families should contact the school administration as early as possible to discuss timing and process.
## 9. Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A welcoming Catholic community that prioritizes faith-based values, strong pastoral care, solid academics, and a range of extracurricular opportunities.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who value community, respect for others, active engagement in learning, and participation in faith, sport, and arts activities.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Enrichment in literacy and numeracy, STEM-related activities, accelerated or enrichment tasks within the curriculum, and a broad array of sports, arts, and clubs such as robotics, coding, chess, and debating.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular newsletters, school app or portal updates, parent-teacher meetings, and timely communications about events and student progress.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- A balanced, student-centered approach that combines strong literacy and numeracy instruction with inquiry-based learning, faith integration, and inclusive practices.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Targeted interventions, small-group instruction, differentiated learning, EAL and SEN support, and ongoing progress monitoring.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Access to additional tutoring, adjusted supports within the classroom, and collaboration with families to create effective learning plans.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Class sizes typically fall in the low-to-mid 20s, with a focus on providing teacher-led guidance, feedback, and small-group support where needed.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A range of sports (e.g., soccer, netball, basketball, cricket, AFL), music and drama programs, and clubs such as robotics, coding, chess, and debating.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Sports grounds, a library, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, a canteen, and updated playgrounds.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integrated technology use across the curriculum with opportunities for coding, digital literacy, and responsible use of devices.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Information on local bus routes, proximity to public transport, and accessibility options for families; details provided by the school.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- Fees fall into the low-to-medium range for private Catholic primary schools, with potential additional costs for excursions and some programs.
## 10. Short Pros & Cons list
- Pros
- Strong sense of community and faith-based values
- Nurturing atmosphere with supportive staff
- Broad range of academic, sports, arts, and club opportunities
- Focus on wellbeing, pastoral care, and student leadership
- Inclusive environment with support for diverse learners
- Cons
- Enrollment may involve waiting lists or limited availability in popular year levels
- Fees are higher than public schooling and vary by program and activities
- Availability of certain enrichment programs may depend on funding and staffing
- Transport options may be more limited for families outside the immediate area
- As with many Catholic schools, some families may prefer non-faith-based education
