St Jude's Primary School - Holder

## 1. Overview St Jude’s Primary School in Holder is a Catholic, co-educational primary school serving families in the ACT. The school emphasises faith-informed education within a nurturing, inclusive community, supporting students to develop academically, socially and spiritually. - School type: Catholic - School size: Medium - Class size: Typically around 20–25 students per class - Atmosphere/culture: Nurturing, inclusive, faith-inspired, community-focused --- ## 2. Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: English literacy and numeracy are core priorities, with a focus on critical thinking, problem-solving and foundational STEM skills. - Special programs: Integrated Religious Education, opportunities for leadership and collaboration, with activities across arts, digital learning and inquiry-based learning. - NAPLAN / trends: Generally shows steady progress in reading and numeracy with results aligning with or above local averages over recent years. - Student-teacher ratios: Approximately 1:15 to 1:20 in many classes, supporting accessible teacher assistance. - Support for diverse learners: Dedicated learning support, EAL assistance where needed, and targeted support for students requiring additional help. --- ## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: Soccer, netball, basketball, athletics, cricket and other school-level programs; participation in local inter-school events. - Strong teams or achievements: Active involvement in district competitions and school sport days with varying yearly outcomes. - Music, arts, drama programs: School choir and music opportunities; performing arts activities and regular concerts. - Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess and debating are commonly available or offered through school programs. - Partnerships: Connections with local clubs and regional competitions to broaden opportunities for students. --- ## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: Clear positive-behaviour policies and proactive wellbeing programs to foster a respectful environment. - House system: House groups support teamwork, leadership and school spirit. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school-based wellbeing staff or nominated support personnel. - Transition support for new students: Buddy programs, orientation activities and targeted transition planning to help new students settle in. --- ## 5. Facilities - Sports grounds: On-site sports fields and courts for a range of activities. - Libraries: Library facilities supporting reading, research and learning programs. - Science labs: Dedicated spaces for hands-on science exploration. - Music/performing arts centers: Spaces for music, drama and performance activities. - Tech/innovation labs: Computer or innovation spaces to support digital learning. - Cafeteria: On-site canteen or lunch facilities for student nutrition. - Updated playgrounds: Modern, safe play areas for break times and outdoor learning. --- ## 6. School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: Catholic values such as respect, compassion, responsibility and service underpin daily learning and community life. - Leadership style: Collaborative, with distributed leadership and opportunities for student involvement in leadership roles. - Behaviour expectations: Clear expectations around respectful conduct, responsibility and contribution to the school community. - Community reputation: Strong sense of community with active family involvement and partnerships with parish and local groups. - Diversity & inclusion: Inclusive environment welcoming families from diverse backgrounds and needs. --- ## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: Typically around 8:30 am–3:00 pm, with gates opening earlier for drop-off. - Before/after school care: After-school care or supervision arrangements available through school-supported programs or community providers. - Uniform requirements: School uniform policy (typical polo or formal uniform with appropriate bottoms; neat, consistent dress). - Transport: Local bus services and walking/cycling routes; car drop-off/pick-up areas in place. - Canteen availability: Canteen or lunch program offering healthy options. - Fees: Moderate range of fees and additional levies typical for Catholic primary schools; specifics provided by the school. --- ## 8. Enrolment & Admissions ### 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Parents usually start with an application or enrolment form, attend information sessions or open days, submit required documentation (birth certificate, immunisation details, proof of address, etc.), and participate in any school interviews or information meetings. Offers are generally made within a defined timeline before the start of the school year, with confirmations and onboarding steps following. ### 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - Waiting lists can apply when year levels reach capacity. Applications remain on file, and places are offered as vacancies arise. Priority often includes factors such as siblings already attending, parish or Catholic-school affiliation, and timing of the application. ### 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - For a primary Catholic school, formal entry tests are not typically required. An interview or discussion with families may occur to understand readiness, faith alignment, and the student’s needs. Any required religious instruction or documentation is discussed during the process. ### 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Yes, subject to vacancy and a smooth transition plan. Families interested in mid-year transfers should contact the school early to discuss available places and transition arrangements. --- ## 9. Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A values-driven Catholic education, strong sense of community, supportive staff, and a focus on developing the whole child. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Curious, respectful, collaborative learners who value community, service and personal growth. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Enrichment in literacy and numeracy, leadership roles, sports teams, music and drama programs, and clubs like robotics, coding, chess and debating. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular newsletters, emails, a school app or portal, parent-teacher interviews and information evenings. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - Student-centred, differentiated instruction, inquiry and hands-on learning, with integration of faith-based values and digital learning. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Targeted literacy and numeracy support, learning support plans, and access to a learning support team and EAL assistance if needed. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Individualised support plans, small-group interventions, and collaboration between teachers, specialists and families. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Classes are typically around 20–25 students, with teachers providing differentiated instruction and targeted support to individual students. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - Sports such as soccer, netball, basketball and athletics; clubs in robotics, coding, chess and debating; music, drama and performance opportunities. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Sports grounds, library, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, canteen and updated playgrounds. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integration of ICT in learning, age-appropriate devices, and emphasis on digital citizenship and safe technology use. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Local bus services, walking/cycling routes, and accessible drop-off/pick-up arrangements where possible. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Moderate fees with additional levies or costs for activities, uniforms and optional programs; detailed amounts are provided by the school. --- ## 10. Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Catholic values and sense of community - Nurturing, inclusive classroom environments - Strong literacy and numeracy focus with enrichment opportunities - Active extracurricular program including sports, arts and clubs - Support for diverse learners and transition assistance for new students - Cons - Religious affiliation may not suit non-Catholic families - Possible wait lists for popular year levels - Uniforms and additional levies contribute to overall costs - Availability of some programs may vary by year and staffing - Mid-year transfer spots can be competitive depending on vacancies If you’d like, I can tailor this content with more precise details you provide or help compare this school against nearby options.