## 1. Overview
St Joseph's Catholic College in Katherine is a Catholic co-educational school community serving families in the Katherine region. As a Catholic institution, it emphasises faith-based learning, values, and a supportive environment where students are encouraged to grow academically, socially, and spiritually. The college operates as a small-to-medium school, offering a community-focused atmosphere with close teacher-student relationships and a strong sense of belonging.
- School type: Catholic
- School size: Small–medium
- Class size: Typically around 18–24 students per class
- Atmosphere/culture: Nurturing, inclusive, faith-based, with a focus on community and standards of care
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## 2. Academics & Learning
St Joseph's Catholic College prioritises robust learning across core subjects while integrating faith-informed values. The school aims to build solid literacy and numeracy foundations and provides opportunities for students to explore STEM, English, leadership, and languages within a supportive framework.
- Academic strengths: Literacy and numeracy focus, STEM/STEAM pathways, English, leadership development, and inclusion of language studies
- Special programs: Gifted and Talented opportunities where available; accelerated learning options within the school program; participation in regional education initiatives
- NAPLAN / Ofsted trends: Trends show steady year-on-year improvement and consistency with regional averages, with continued focus on literacy and numeracy development
- Student-teacher ratios: Approximately 1:12 to 1:15 (varies by year level and class)
- Support for diverse learners: EAL (English as an Additional Language) support and targeted SEN (Special Educational Needs) assistance; inclusive education framework and dedicated learning support staff
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## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
For many families, the school’s extracurricular and sporting options are a key consideration. St Joseph's Catholic College provides a range of activities that balance sport, arts, and clubs.
- Sports offered: Football (soccer), basketball, rugby/league, athletics, netball, and other locally available activities
- Strong teams or achievements: Participation in regional school competitions and inter-school events; emphasis on team effort, sportsmanship, and personal development
- Music, arts, drama programs: School band, choir, and drama involvement; opportunities to participate in school productions and performances
- Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating, and other student-led clubs
- Partnerships: Collaborations with local community clubs, regional athletics programs, and Catholic Education networks for competitions and development
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## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
Wellbeing and pastoral care are central to the school ethos, helping students feel secure, valued, and capable of achieving their best.
- Anti-bullying approach: Proactive, zero-tolerance stance with restorative practices and ongoing education around respectful behaviour
- House system: House groups to promote belonging, healthy competition, and peer support
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to wellbeing staff and school counsellors to support mental health, anxiety, and personal development
- Transition support for new students: Orientation programs, buddy systems, and targeted supports to help new students settle in quickly
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## 5. Facilities
The college provides a range of facilities designed to support learning, creativity, and physical activity.
- Sports grounds
- Libraries
- Science labs
- Music/performing arts centers
- Tech/innovation labs
- Cafeteria
- Updated playgrounds
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## 6. School Values & Community Culture
Parents want to know the character and culture of the school community. St Joseph's Catholic College emphasises values-based education within a supportive community.
- School values / mission: Faith, respect, compassion, service, and academic excellence
- Leadership style: Relational and collaborative; student voice and involvement in school life
- Behaviour expectations: Clear positive-behaviour framework with consistency and fairness
- Community reputation: Close-knit, supportive, and engaged with families and local community
- Diversity & inclusion: Welcoming environment that respects different backgrounds and beliefs, with emphasis on inclusion
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## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations
Practical information helps families plan around school life.
- School hours: Typically start mid-morning to early afternoon; precise times vary by year level
- Before/after school care: Available options for before- and after-school care through the school or local partners
- Uniform requirements: School uniform required; clear guidelines for daily wear and sport-specific uniforms
- Transport (bus routes): Local bus services and school transport arrangements serving Katherine and surrounding areas
- Canteen availability: On-site canteen offering light meals and healthy options
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees are in the moderate range for Catholic education in the region; exact amounts vary by year level and program
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## 8. Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Submit an application with required documents (birth or immunisation records as applicable)
- Provide school reports and proof of residence if requested
- Complete any required interview or meeting with the leadership team
- Receive an enrolment offer or waitlist placement; confirm acceptance within the stated timeframe
- Timelines vary; early applications improve chances of securing a place
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Waiting lists may operate when year-level intake is full
- Applications remain on the list until a place becomes available
- Early application is advised to improve likelihood of enrollment
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Typically an application and interview/meeting process for secondary years
- May require documentation such as immunisation records and birth certificates
- No standard nationwide entrance exams; decisions are based on fit, documents, and availability
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Yes, subject to place availability and curriculum alignment
- Prospective mid-year families should contact the school early to discuss options and timetabling
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## 9. Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A values-based Catholic education with a supportive, close-knit community; focus on literacy, numeracy, and pastoral care; opportunities across academics, sport, and arts in a nurturing environment.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who respond well to a caring, faith-informed culture, who value strong teacher support, and who enjoy a balanced program with opportunities in sports, arts, and leadership.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Academic extension through targeted programs and leadership experiences; competitive and recreational sports; music, drama, arts programs; clubs such as robotics, coding, chess, and debating.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular updates through newsletters, email, and parent portals; clear channels with teachers, year coordinators, and the leadership team; annual reporting and progress comments.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- Values-based, student-centered learning that supports literacy and numeracy development, with differentiation to meet diverse learner needs and opportunities for leadership and collaboration.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Targeted learning support, EAL and SEN assistance, and access to teachers or specialists to create individualised plans and interventions.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Additional tutoring, in-class accommodations, and progress monitoring to identify and address gaps in knowledge or skills.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Typical class sizes around 18–24 students, with teacher attention and small-group support as needed.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A range of sports (soccer, basketball, rugby, athletics, etc.), music and drama, 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 spaces, technology/innovation labs, a cafeteria, and updated play areas.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integration of technology across the curriculum, digital literacy, and safe, responsible use of devices to support learning.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Local bus routes and school transport arrangements; accessible facilities and parking provisions as part of daily operations.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- Fees are moderate within the regional Catholic education sector; details vary by year level and program and are provided by the school’s finance office.
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## 10. Short Pros & Cons list
Pros
- Strong Catholic identity and values-based education
- Supportive, close-knit community with good student-teacher relationships
- Focus on literacy and numeracy alongside STEM, arts, and leadership
- Comprehensive wellbeing and pastoral care
- Range of extracurricular activities and clubs
- Inclusive environment with EAL and SEN support
Cons
- Smaller school size may mean fewer specialized programs than larger metropolitan schools
- Remote location can impact access to some external events or opportunities
- Transport times may vary for families living outside Katherine
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