St Laurence's Catholic Primary School

## Overview St Laurence's Catholic Primary School is a Catholic, co-educational primary school serving families in Dubbo, NSW. The school focuses on faith-based learning within a welcoming, community-minded environment. - School type: Catholic - School size: Small-to-medium - Class size: Typically 18–25 students per class - Atmosphere/culture: Nurturing, inclusive, and community-focused The school aims to support each child’s academic development while fostering values such as respect, compassion and responsibility. Strong parent involvement and a supportive community help create a positive learning atmosphere for students from Kindergarten to Year 6. --- ## Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: Emphasis on literacy and numeracy, with a commitment to STEM learning, creative problem solving and leadership development. Focus on developing foundational skills to equip students for future study. - Special programs: Gifted and talented opportunities and enrichment activities, integration of technology and digital learning, and faith-informed learning experiences aligned with the Catholic ethos. - NAPLAN / trends: Over recent years, trends show stability and gradual improvement in core areas such as reading, writing and numeracy, with ongoing focus on targeted support where needed. - Student-teacher ratios: Generally around 1:12 to 1:20, varying by year level and class composition. - Support for diverse learners: EAL and SEN support available, with targeted intervention, inclusive education practices and access to learning adjustments as appropriate. --- ## Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: A range of team and individual sports, including soccer, netball, cricket, rugby league/FIFO-friendly options, basketball and athletics; swimming during the warmer terms when available. - Strong teams or achievements: Active participation in local district competitions and school-level representative pathways; emphasis on teamwork and personal bests. - Music, arts, drama programs: School music ensembles, choir, and drama opportunities; participation in school productions and performances. - Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating, and other enrichment clubs offered to build problem-solving and critical thinking skills. - Partnerships: Collaboration with local sports clubs, community organisations and diocesan events to broaden opportunities and competition pathways. --- ## Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: Proactive, restorative practices with clear anti-bullying policies and student wellbeing supports. - House system: House-based activities to foster belonging, leadership, teamwork and healthy competition. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school wellbeing staff or a dedicated counsellor to support social, emotional and mental health needs. - Transition support for new students: Buddy programs, orientation sessions and family transition supports to help newcomers settle in smoothly. --- ## Facilities - Sports grounds: On-site multi-purpose fields and play spaces for physical education and recreation. - Libraries: Library facilities supporting literacy and independent reading. - Science labs: Dedicated spaces for hands-on science exploration and experiments. - Music/performing arts centers: Areas for music practice, rehearsals and small performances. - Tech/innovation labs: ICT spaces and learning labs to support digital learning and coding. - Cafeteria: On-site canteen or lunch facilities for student meals and snacks. - Updated playgrounds: Modern, safe outdoor play areas with age-appropriate equipment. --- ## School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: Faith-based learning grounded in Catholic values such as compassion, respect and responsibility; emphasis on character education and service. - Leadership style: Collaborative and student-inclusive, with opportunities for student voice in school life and decision-making. - Behaviour expectations: Clear codes of conduct, consistent routines and restorative approaches to behaviour management. - Community reputation: Positive, family-friendly reputation with active parent involvement and community support. - Diversity & inclusion: Welcoming to families from diverse backgrounds; committed to inclusive education and equal opportunity for all students. --- ## School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: Typical day begins in the morning and ends in the afternoon; exact start/end times may vary by year level and term. - Before/after school care: Availability of before- and after-school care or supervision arrangements. - Uniform requirements: School uniform required; details outlined by the school (uniform shop, permissible variants, and times). - Transport (train/bus routes): Bus services and local transport options available; proximity to bus stops and walking/cycling routes supported. - Canteen availability: Canteen or lunch facilities available to students. - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees fall in the low-to-medium range for NSW Catholic primary schools; specific annual and term costs, levies and contributions vary by year level and activities. --- ## Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Submit an enrolment application within the school’s intake period. - The school reviews applications and offers are issued in line with available places and alphabetical/priority considerations. - Families may be invited to an information session or interview as part of the process. - Confirmation of enrolment is provided after a successful offer and any required documentation is submitted. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - There can be a waiting list when places are limited. The school manages placement based on published enrolment policies, availability, and relevant priorities. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - Primary-entry testing is not typically required; conversations or interviews with families may occur as part of the enrolment process. Documentation such as birth certificates and immunisation records are usually requested. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Mid-year transfer requests may be considered depending on vacancies and timetable fit; the school will assess suitability and placement on a case-by-case basis. --- ## Frequently Ask Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A faith-based, values-driven environment with a supportive community, strong focus on literacy and numeracy, and opportunities across sport, arts and STEM. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who value a caring, inclusive community, participation in faith-informed learning, and engagement in a balanced mix of academics, sport and arts. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Enrichment programs in literacy and numeracy, STEM and digital learning; choir and drama; sports teams; robotics, chess, coding and debating clubs; opportunities to participate in local competitions and events. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular newsletters, parent portals, emails, school events calendar, and parent-teacher meetings. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - A structured, evidence-informed approach to literacy and numeracy, with integration of technology and a focus on holistic development and Catholic values. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Targeted literacy and numeracy support, learning adjustments, and access to learning support staff or specialists. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Additional tutoring or small-group interventions, personalised learning plans, and collaboration with families to monitor progress. - How does the school communicate with parents? (repeated) - See above: newsletters, portal, and direct communication with teachers and leaders. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes typically range from 18–25 students, with teacher-led instruction and small-group or targeted support where needed. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A range of sports (soccer, netball, cricket, AFL/basketball, athletics), music and arts programs, and clubs such as robotics, chess, coding and debating. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - On-site 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 digital tools and ICT in daily learning, access to devices and coding/clubs to build digital literacy and problem-solving skills. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Local bus routes and transport options, with consideration given to walking/cycling routes and accessible facilities. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Fees are in the low-to-medium range for NSW Catholic primary schools, with additional costs for uniform, excursions and optional activities. Exact amounts vary by year level and activities. --- ## Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Catholic, values-driven education in a supportive, inclusive community - Balanced focus on academics, sport, arts and technology - Small-to-medium class sizes enabling individual attention - Strong wellbeing supports and transition assistance for new students - Cons - Fees and contributions are necessary; families should budget for uniform and activities - Availability of places may vary year to year, potentially affecting enrolment timing - Extracurricular opportunities may depend on year level and term time - Some programs or facilities may vary by year and funding cycles