## Overview
St. Liborius Primary School, Eaglehawk is a Catholic co-educational primary school that focuses on a faith-based, values-driven education. The school aims to foster a nurturing and inclusive environment where students develop academically, socially, and spiritually.
The school is small to medium in size, with class sizes typically around 20–25 students. The atmosphere emphasizes warmth, community, and a partnership between home, parish, and school to support each child’s growth.
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## Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: emphasis on literacy and numeracy alongside strong religious education and personal development. Opportunities are provided to develop critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Special programs: faith formation integrated with learning; access to Gifted and Talented options where available; arts, music, and hands-on learning experiences to support diverse learners.
- NAPLAN / trends: schools in the region generally monitor year-to-year progress with a focus on improving reading and numeracy outcomes; outcomes are tracked to tailor targeted supports.
- Student-teacher ratios: typical class sizes are around 20–25 students with specialist teachers for areas such as Art, Music, and Physical Education.
- Support for diverse learners: inclusive education practices, targeted support for EAL (English as an Additional Language) learners, and learning support staff for students needing extra assistance.
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## Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
- Sports offered: a broad range including netball, basketball, cricket, soccer, athletics, and AFL-style activities appropriate for primary students.
- Strong teams or achievements: participation in district and inter-school events with opportunities to represent the school in various sports.
- Music, arts, drama programs: active music program, school choir or ensembles, and drama opportunities that complement classroom learning.
- Clubs: robotics, chess, coding, debating, and other STEM or literacy clubs typically offered to extend learning outside the classroom.
- Partnerships: connections with local community clubs and regional sport associations to support competitions, coaching, and development.
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## Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: proactive policies and restorative practices, emphasis on respectful behavior and a safe school climate.
- House system: house groups support participation in events, teamwork, and a sense of belonging.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: access to wellbeing staff to support students’ social-emotional learning and mental health.
- Transition support for new students: orientation activities, buddy systems, and family introductions to ease transitions into the school community.
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## Facilities
- Sports grounds: ovals and multi-use sporting spaces for physical education and games.
- Libraries: well-stocked library with reading programs and library skills development.
- Science labs: dedicated spaces for hands-on science activities and experiments.
- Music/performing arts centers: rooms and spaces for music, drama, and performance.
- Tech/innovation labs: computer and maker-space areas to support digital learning and creativity.
- Cafeteria: school canteen or lunch program supporting healthy eating options.
- Updated playgrounds: modern and safe play spaces for breaks and outdoor learning.
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## School Values & Community Culture
- School values / mission: Catholic values emphasizing respect, responsibility, compassion, and service; faith-informed learning integrated across the curriculum.
- Leadership style: inclusive leadership with opportunities for student voice and family involvement; collaborative decision-making with staff and parish partners.
- Behaviour expectations: clear conduct policies aligned with positive behavior supports and restorative practices.
- Community reputation: strong ties with the parish and local community; welcoming environment for families and a focus on partnership between home and school.
- Diversity & inclusion: commitment to a welcoming, inclusive culture that respects individual differences and supports all learners.
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## School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: typical day runs from morning to mid-afternoon with start and finish times consistent with regional primary schedules.
- Before/after school care: OSHC or similar programs available to support working families.
- Uniform requirements: school uniform policy with seasonal variations; guidance provided by the school on acceptable attire.
- Transport (train/bus routes): regional bus services and local transport options; walking and cycling encouraged where feasible.
- Canteen availability: on-site canteen or lunch program supporting healthy meals and snacks.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Catholic primary fees in the mid-range for the region; specifics provided by the school’s current fee schedule.
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## Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Submit an application with required documentation (birth certificate, immunization records, and any requested forms). Tours or information sessions are usually offered; families are notified of next steps and interview/transition processes as applicable. Application timelines vary by year and capacity.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Waiting lists may operate when capacity is reached. Allocation typically considers enrolment priorities (e.g., siblings, parish affiliation) and space availability. Families are kept informed about their position and expected timelines.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Primary school entry generally focuses on enrollment documentation and suitability for the school environment. Some intake processes may include informal conversations or meetings, but formal entrance tests are not common for Year 1–6 in this context. Religious education alignment and family involvement may be part of the process.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers are possible subject to available space and enrolment policies. Prospective families should contact the enrolments office promptly to discuss options and required documentation.
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## Frequently Ask Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A values-driven Catholic community with a nurturing environment, strong focus on literacy and numeracy, and opportunities for faith formation, wellbeing, and belonging.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who respond well to a supportive, inclusive setting with a balanced emphasis on academics, faith, and community involvement.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Enrichment in literacy and numeracy, specialist arts programs, music and drama, sports teams, and clubs such as robotics, coding, and debating.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular updates through newsletters, parent-teacher conferences, digital portals, and open days; responsive channels for concerns and celebrations.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- A student-centered approach combining traditional instruction with hands-on learning, collaboration, and opportunities to develop critical thinking and resilience within a Catholic framework.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Targeted learning support, small-group or one-on-one assistance, and partnerships with specialists to address diverse learning needs.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Early identification, tailored interventions, and ongoing progress monitoring to help students catch up or accelerate as appropriate.
- How does the school communicate with parents? (Repeat)
- See above: multiple channels including meetings, notifications, and digital updates.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Typical class sizes around 20–25, with specialist teachers and targeted support to ensure individual attention where needed.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A broad range of sports, music, arts, and clubs (robotics, chess, coding, debating), plus inter-school competitions and community partnerships.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Sports grounds, libraries, 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 learning tools and computer education within the curriculum, with access to technology resources and safe, guided use.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Local transport options, bus routes, and infrastructure supporting walking or cycling where feasible.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- Fees are in the mid-range for regional Catholic primary schools; families should consult the current fee schedule for exact amounts.
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## Short Pros & Cons list
- Pros:
- Catholic, values-driven environment with a nurturing, inclusive culture
- Small to medium school size with manageable class sizes
- Broad academics with emphasis on literacy, numeracy, and faith formation
- Wide range of sports, arts, and clubs; strong wellbeing supports
- Active community and parish connection; opportunities for parental involvement
- Cons:
- As a smaller school, capacity may limit certain year-level intake or specific programs in some years
- Fees exist as part of Catholic schooling; families should review the current schedule
- Availability of mid-year transfers depends on space and admissions policies
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