St John's Parish School - Cobar

## 1. Overview St John’s Parish School, Cobar is a small Catholic primary school serving families in Cobar and surrounding rural communities. As a parish school within the NSW Catholic education system, it delivers a values-based education with a strong sense of community and faith integration. School size is small, with multi-age classrooms often featuring intimate class sizes that support individual attention. Class sizes typically sit around the low 20s per class, allowing teachers to get to know students well. The atmosphere is nurturing, inclusive and community-focused, with an emphasis on faith, resilience and service. --- ## 2. Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: Literacy and numeracy foundations are a focus, with integration of faith-based learning and opportunities to develop leadership, critical thinking and ICT skills within the curriculum. - Special programs: Regular religious education and sacramental preparation are integral. In-class differentiation and targeted support help students progress in English and maths. There may be opportunities for accelerated learning and leadership roles within the classroom. - NAPLAN / trends: The school monitors NAPLAN progress over time, aiming for steady improvement in reading and numeracy. Data is used to inform teaching adjustments and targeted intervention where needed. - Student-teacher ratios: Small-class environment supports closer teacher-student interaction, typically in the range of around 1:15 to 1:20. - Support for diverse learners: Provision for diverse learners includes learning support, targeted interventions, and access to additional assistance for students with additional needs. EAL support may be available as required. --- ## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: Cricket, football (soccer), netball, rugby league, athletics and swimming programs when possible, with participation in local and regional events. - Strong teams or achievements: Students often represent the school in local inter-school sports and regional competitions, building teamwork and school pride. - Music, arts, drama programs: School music programs, performances and drama activities are part of the cultural life of the school. - Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess and debating opportunities are encouraged to build problem-solving and strategic thinking. - Partnerships: Connections with local clubs and regional competitions help extend opportunities outside the classroom and promote community engagement. --- ## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: Positive behaviour and anti-bullying programs underpin everyday school life, with clear expectations and supportive responses to issues. - House system: A house system fosters belonging, teamwork and healthy competition across activities and events. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to a wellbeing coordinator or school counsellor supports student mental health, resilience and self-management. - Transition support for new students: Comprehensive transition support includes buddy programs, orientation activities and ongoing pastoral care to help new students settle in. --- ## 5. Facilities - Sports grounds: On-site sporting facilities and adjacent grounds support physical education and outdoor activities. - Libraries: A dedicated library/learning space for study, reading and research. - Science labs: A science area supports hands-on learning and inquiry-based activities. - Music/performing arts centers: A space for music, drama and performances. - Tech/innovation labs: Computer or ICT-enabled learning spaces for coding and digital literacy. - Cafeteria: A canteen or snack facilities available for breaks and lunches. - Updated playgrounds: Outdoor play areas and equipment for breaks and physical activity. --- ## 6. School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: Catholic values underpin the school’s mission, emphasizing respect, responsibility, compassion, service and faith. - Leadership style: A collaborative, student-inclusive leadership approach with opportunities for student voice and leadership roles. - Behaviour expectations: Clear behavioural expectations aligned with the school’s values; consistent routines and positive reinforcement. - Community reputation: A close-knit, supportive community with strong ties to the parish and local families. - Diversity & inclusion: A welcoming environment that respects diverse backgrounds and promotes inclusion within a Catholic framework. --- ## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: Typical school days run during standard school hours with start and finish times aligned to NSW primary schedules; timetables include regular classroom learning, breaks and assemblies. - Before/after school care: Often offered via an OSHC-like arrangement or partner providers, with supervision before and after school. - Uniform requirements: Formal school uniform with seasonal variations; hats and appropriate footwear are part of daily dress and sun safety. - Transport (bus routes): Local transport arrangements and school bus routes may be available for surrounding areas; families should check with the school about current options. - Canteen availability: Canteen or healthy snack options available during school breaks. - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees are typically in the middle range for Catholic primary schools; detailed information is provided on enquiry and at enrolment. --- ## 8. Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Submit an enrolment application with required documents (birth certificate, immunisation records, custody or custody orders if applicable, medical information). - The school reviews applications and invites families for interviews or information sessions. - After assessment, the school notifies applicants of enrolment decisions. A recommended lead time is several months to align with timelines for the new school year. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - Waiting lists may apply when intake is full. Interested families should express their interest early; the school will update them if a place becomes available and how the waitlist is managed. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - Expect an interview or information session as part of the process. Some schools may review readiness, literacy/numeracy competence, or portfolio information, as well as immunisation status and medical considerations. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Mid-year transfers are possible if vacancies are available. Families should contact the school promptly to discuss options and required documentation. --- ## 9. Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A strong sense of community, values-based education and small-class attention with a focus on faith, character and academic growth. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who respond well to close teacher support, collaborative projects, faith-informed education and participation in a close-knit community. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - A mix of differentiation in classwork, leadership roles, sports teams, arts and music programs, and clubs like robotics, coding and debating. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular updates via newsletters, meetings, a school app or portal, and open channels through the front office and classroom teachers. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - A values-based, student-centered approach with a focus on literacy and numeracy foundations, hands-on learning and ICT integration. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Targeted interventions, small-group or one-on-one support, and monitoring of progress to tailor learning plans. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Access to learning support staff, differentiation in instruction and additional resources to meet individual needs. - How does the school communicate with parents? (Repeated) - See above: newsletters, meetings, portals, and direct contact with teachers. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes are small to moderate (roughly 18–25 students per class), enabling more individual attention and frequent teacher check-ins. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - Sports such as cricket, netball, football, rugby league and athletics; clubs like robotics, coding, chess and debating; music and drama activities. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Sports grounds, library, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, technology/ICT labs, canteen and playgrounds. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integration of ICT in learning, with access to computers/tablets and digital learning tools to support research, coding and collaboration. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Local bus routes or school transport arrangements; families should confirm current options with the school. - What are typical school fees or additional costs? - Fees are in the mid-range for Catholic primary schools, with additional costs for activities, excursions, uniforms and extra-curricular programs; precise figures are provided on enquiry. --- ## 10. Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Strong sense of community and faith-based values - Small class sizes enabling personalized attention - Holistic focus on academics, wellbeing and character - Broad range of extracurriculars and clubs - Supportive pastoral care and transition programs - Cons - Smaller urban footprint may mean fewer specialized programs than larger urban schools - Transport options may be limited for some rural families - Fees and contributions require ongoing budgeting similar to other non-government schools