## Overview
St Joseph’s Glen Innes is a Catholic, co-educational primary school that provides a values-based education within a supportive rural community. The school aims to nurture the whole child—academically, spiritually and socially—through a welcoming, faith-filled environment.
With a small to medium school size, class sizes typically run around 20–25 students, enabling teachers to know each child well and tailor learning to individual needs. The atmosphere is nurturing and inclusive, with a strong emphasis on community, respect and service in line with Catholic traditions.
⸻
## Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: Strong focus on literacy and numeracy foundations, with opportunities to engage in STEM activities and integrated ICT. Religious Education is a core part of the learning program, alongside the NSW curriculum in English, Maths, Science, HSIE and The Arts.
- Special programs: Classroom differentiation and enrichment opportunities within year levels; targeted support for able learners where appropriate.
- NAPLAN / trends: Public performance data varies year to year; the school participates in NAPLAN and aims for steady improvement in key areas such as reading and numeracy. Check the latest school data for current trends.
- Student-teacher ratios: Generally around 1:12–1:20, allowing for some individual attention and small-group support.
- Support for diverse learners: Access to EAL and SEN support where needed, with targeted interventions and inclusive education practices to help students succeed.
⸻
## Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
- Sports offered: A range of team and individual sports typical for the region, including netball, soccer, rugby league, cricket and athletics, with opportunities to participate in local inter-school events.
- Strong teams or achievements: Active participation in local competitions; success varies by year, but there is a focus on teamwork, sportsmanship and developing talent.
- Music, arts, drama programs: School music programs and likely opportunities for choir and school performances; involvement in drama and performing arts events.
- Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess and debating programs are often available, helping students develop problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
- Partnerships: Connections with local community groups and regional sporting and arts activities to broaden opportunities outside the classroom.
⸻
## Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: Clear anti-bullying policies, with a culture of respect, safety and inclusion supported by staff and peers.
- House system: House groups foster a sense of belonging, healthy competition and opportunities for leadership and teamwork.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to a school wellbeing team or counsellor to support student mental health, resilience and social-emotional learning.
- Transition support for new students: Orientation activities, buddy systems and pastoral care to help new students settle in smoothly.
⸻
## Facilities
- Sports grounds: On-site playing fields and courts suitable for a range of physical activities.
- Libraries: A well-equipped library supporting reading and research across the curriculum.
- Science labs: Science learning spaces to run experiments and hands-on investigations.
- Music/performing arts centers: An area or space dedicated to music and drama activities and performances.
- Tech/innovation labs: Computer or ICT resources available for digital learning and coding activities.
- Cafeteria: On-site canteen or cafeteria serving healthy options.
- Updated playgrounds: Modern, safe outdoor play spaces for recreation and learning breaks.
⸻
## School Values & Community Culture
- School values / mission: Catholic ethos centered on faith, service, compassion, respect and integrity; focus on character development alongside academic growth.
- Leadership style: Collaborative and child-centred, with opportunities for student leadership through roles such as school ambassadors or captains.
- Behaviour expectations: Clear behavioural codes aligned with respect for self, others and property; positive reinforcement and restorative practices.
- Community reputation: Known in the local area for a warm, supportive community and close connection between families, parish and school staff.
- Diversity & inclusion: Welcomes students from diverse backgrounds and emphasizes inclusive practices to support all learners.
⸻
## School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: Typically a start around 9:00 am and finish around 3:00 pm, with morning tea and lunch breaks.
- Before/after school care: Availability of before/after school programs or OSHC arrangements to support families.
- Uniform requirements: Formal school uniform with seasonal options; guidelines provided by the school.
- Transport: School bus routes and local transport options may be available; check with the school for specific routes.
- Canteen availability: Canteen or lunch program offering daily food choices.
- Fees: Fees fall in the moderate range for Catholic primary schools, with information provided to families at enrolment and via the school office.
⸻
## Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Inquiry → information session or open day → submission of enrolment application and supporting documents (birth certificate, immunisation records, Baptism certificate if applicable) → interview/family meeting if required → offer of place → completion of enrolment papers and orientation arrangements.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- There may be a waiting list depending on space. Priority is often given to siblings and parish families, with other applicants added to the list and processed as spaces become available. Early applications are advised.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Generally, no formal entrance exam is required for primary entry. Some schools may conduct a casual interview or family discussion to understand needs and fit. Documentation such as immunisation records and baptism certificates may be requested.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Yes, subject to space and availability. Prospective families should contact the school promptly to discuss transfer timing and to arrange necessary records (previous school reports, transfer certificate, etc.).
⸻
## Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A nurturing Catholic environment with small class sizes, personalized attention and a strong sense of community.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who benefit from close teacher-student relationships, faith-based values, inclusive learning and active participation in both academics and community life.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Enrichment within the classroom, clubs (robotics, coding, chess, debating), inter-school sports, music and drama programs, and leadership opportunities.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular newsletters, parent-teacher interviews, a school portal or app and timely updates via SMS or email.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- Differentiated, evidence-based instruction focused on literacy and numeracy, with integration of ICT and faith-based learning.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Targeted intervention in small groups, support from teachers and possible access to a dedicated wellbeing or learning support staff.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Individualized or small-group literacy/numeracy support, progress monitoring and ongoing communication with families.
- How does the school communicate with parents? (duplicate)
- See above: newsletters, portal, interviews, and direct updates from teachers.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Class sizes typically around 20–25 students, with teachers providing frequent close instructional time and small-group support.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A range of sports (netball, football, cricket, athletics), music and drama programs, and clubs such as robotics, coding, chess and debating.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Sports grounds, library, science labs, music/arts spaces, ICT/tech labs, canteen, and modern playgrounds.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integrated ICT across the curriculum, with devices and online learning tools and a focus on safe, responsible digital citizenship.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- School transport options such as bus routes may be available; please check with the school for current arrangements and accessibility.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- Fees fall into a moderate range for Catholic primary education, with notes on uniforms, excursions and other activities provided by the school.
⸻
## Short Pros & Cons list
- Pros:
- Strong Catholic values and a grounded sense of community
- Small to medium class sizes enabling personalized attention
- Inclusive environment with focus on Wellbeing and pastoral care
- Wide range of clubs, sports and arts opportunities
- Cons:
- Limited specialist facilities compared to larger urban schools
- Transportation options may be reliant on local routes and availability
- Enrolment numbers can affect availability of mid-year transfers and waitlists
- Neutral considerations:
- Fees are moderate and aligned with NSW Catholic primary schools
- Routine communications rely on school channels (portals/newsletters) for updates
⸻
