St Laurence's Parish School - Forbes

Overview

St Laurence's Parish School is a Catholic, co-educational primary school serving families in Forbes, NSW. As a parish school, it provides faith-based education aligned with the NSW syllabus, with a small-to-medium rural footprint that supports a close-knit community feel. Classes are typically multi-layered for a nurturing, family-friendly atmosphere that emphasises both academic growth and personal development.

The school offers a supportive environment where students are known by name, with strong pastoral care and active involvement in parish life. Families often value the blend of faith, community engagement, and a balanced approach to learning that encourages resilience, respect, and responsibility.

Academics & Learning

• Academic strengths: Focus on literacy and numeracy within a well-rounded curriculum, with integration of Catholic studies to support moral and ethical growth.
• Special programs: Religious education is a core component; where appropriate, opportunities for extension or targeted learning support are available within the school’s resources.
• Support for diverse learners: Inclusive approaches with support for diverse learners, including targeted interventions, EAL assistance as needed, and planning to address learning needs within the classroom.

Sports & Extracurricular Strengths

• Sports offered: Soccer, netball, cricket, rugby league, athletics, and swimming are commonly available through interschool programs and local competitions.
• Strong teams or achievements: Regular participation in regional or district-level interschool events; emphasis on teamwork, sportsmanship, and student leadership.
• Music, arts, drama programs: Active involvement in music and performing arts, with opportunities for choir, school productions, and public performances.
• Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, debating, and other interest-based clubs that emerge according to student interest and staffing.
• Partnerships: Connections with local clubs, parish activities, and regional Catholic education events; participation in interschool competitions and community events.

Wellbeing & Pastoral Care

• Anti-bullying approach: Proactive, school-wide strategies to promote respectful relationships, with clear expectations and student wellbeing supports.
• House system: House groups foster belonging, friendly competition, leadership, and teamwork across events such as sports and fairs.
• Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to a school-based wellbeing professional or designated staff for pastoral care and support; integrated with parish and community resources as needed.
• Transition support for new students: Buddy programs, orientation activities, and gradual entry processes to help new students settle in smoothly.

Facilities

• Sports grounds: Adequate outdoor play and sports spaces suitable for physical education and outdoor activities.
• Libraries: A library or well-resourced learning space supporting reading for pleasure and research.
• Science labs: Access to science resources or dedicated spaces for hands-on experiments and inquiry.
• Music/performing arts centers: A dedicated room or hall for music, drama, and performances.
• Tech/innovation labs: ICT resources and computer access to support digital learning and coding activities.
• Cafeteria: On-site canteen or lunch arrangements to support healthy eating.
• Updated playgrounds: Reflecting safe, age-appropriate play areas and equipment.

School Values & Community Culture

• School values / mission: Faith-centered education emphasising respect, responsibility, compassion, and service; aligned with Catholic faith and community involvement.
• Leadership style: Collaborative approach with opportunities for student voice through class roles, house leadership, and school initiatives.
• Behaviour expectations: Clear guidelines for respectful conduct, responsibility, and kindness reflected in daily routines and school events.
• Community reputation: Known for a welcoming, family-oriented atmosphere and active engagement with the local parish and Forbes community.
• Diversity & inclusion: Inclusive culture that welcomes families from varied backgrounds and supports equitable access to learning opportunities.

School Logistics & Daily Operations

• School hours: Typical day starts in the morning and ends in the afternoon with structured breaks; assembly times may be part of the routine.
• Before/after school care: OSHC or school-supervised care options are commonly available before and after school.
• Uniform requirements: Full school uniform policy with hats for sun protection; uniforms available through designated suppliers.
• Transport (train/bus routes): Local bus routes and car drop-off/pick-up arrangements commonly used; information provided by the school to families.
• Canteen availability: Canteen or lunch order options available to support convenient meal choices.
• Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees are generally moderate for a Catholic primary school, with family discount options and additional costs for excursions, activities, and uniforms.

Enrolment & Admissions

1. What is the enrolment process and timeline?

• Submit an expression of interest or complete the school’s enrolment application by the local deadline; documents such as birth certificate, immunisation records, and current school details are typically required. An interview or information session may be part of the process, followed by a placement decision within the published timeline.

1. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?

• Yes, waiting lists can occur when spaces are limited. The school may give priority to siblings and parish families or follow a defined intake order. Offers are made when places become available, and families are contacted accordingly.

1. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?

• Primary entry often involves an informal discussion or interview to understand family expectations and student readiness. Academic testing is not typically required for entry into primary years, but immunisation records and previous school reports are reviewed.

1. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?

-mid-year transfers are possible subject to vacancies and a smooth transition plan, including meeting with teachers, sharing student information, and aligning with the school calendar.

Frequently Ask Questions

• Why Parents Choose This School?
• What type of student thrives at this school?

- Students who benefit from a nurturing environment, strong sense of community, and opportunities to participate in both academics and pastoral activities.

• What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?

- Access to clubs (robotics, coding, chess, debating), involvement in sports and interschool events, and performing arts opportunities, with support for individual interests.

• How does the school communicate with parents?

- Through newsletters, school app or intranet, emails, parent-teacher meetings, and progress updates.

• What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?

- Curriculum aligned to NSW standards, with a focus on literacy, numeracy, and religious education; student-centered, inquiry-based learning within a supportive pastoral framework.

• How does the school support students who need extra academic help?

- Targeted interventions, small-group support, reading and maths support, and collaboration with families to create learning plans.

• What support is available for academic challenges?

- Access to learning support staff, differentiated instruction in the classroom, and consultation with families to address barriers to learning.

• How does the school communicate with parents?

- See above; multiple channels are used to keep families informed and engaged.

• What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?

- A range of sports (interschool options), music and arts programs, and clubs such as robotics, coding, chess, and debating when staffing and interest allow.

• What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?

- Sports grounds, library, science resources, performing arts spaces, ICT facilities, and a canteen area to support learning and activities.

• What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?

- Integrated ICT and digital learning routines with age-appropriate devices and software, emphasis on digital citizenship and safe online practices.

• What transport and accessibility options are available?

- Local bus routes and car drop-off/pick-up options; information provided by the school on accessibility and logistics.

• What are the typical school fees or additional costs?

- Moderate fees with potential family discounts; additional costs for uniforms, excursions, and optional activities.

Short Pros & Cons list

• Pros

- Close-knit Catholic community with a values-based education - Supportive staff and strong pastoral care - Balance of academics, faith formation, and extra-curriculars - Active parish and community involvement

• Cons

- Limited elective variety compared with larger schools due to size - Waiting lists can occur when spaces are full - Rural setting may involve longer travel for some families - Budget constraints can influence availability of some programs in certain years