St Mary of the Cross Catholic Parish School

## 1. Overview St Mary of the Cross Catholic Parish School, Windsor is a Catholic primary school in Brisbane, offering a faith‑based, values‑driven education for students in Prep to Year 6. The school aims to cultivate a nurturing, inclusive community where children develop academically, spiritually, and socially. School size is small to medium, enabling a close‑knit atmosphere. Class sizes are typically in the low to mid‑20s, fostering personalised attention and supportive relationships between students and teachers. The culture emphasises care, service, and collaboration, with a strong focus on building character alongside academic growth. ⎯ ## 2. Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: English and Maths are core strengths, complemented by strong Religious Education, digital literacy, and a focus on high‑quality literacy and numeracy outcomes. - Special programs: Catholic faith formation, leadership opportunities, and integration of technology and creative arts. Opportunities for student voice and learning across disciplines are encouraged. - NAPLAN trends: Trends over recent years show steady improvement and consistency in literacy and numeracy, with continued participation and engagement across year groups. - Student-teacher ratios: Roughly 1:18 to 1:22, supporting targeted support and small‑group instruction. - Support for diverse learners: EAL/D support available; dedicated learning support team; individualised plans and differentiated instruction to assist students with additional learning needs. ⎯ ## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: Soccer, rugby league, cricket, basketball, and athletics are commonly available, with opportunities to represent the school in local inter‑school events. - Strong teams or achievements: Competitive participation in local Catholic school networks with opportunities for interschool sport pathways and team recognition. - Music, arts, drama: Active music programs, choir, and drama/performing arts activities to support student creativity and performance. - Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, debating, and other STEM and humanities clubs to broaden interests. - Partnerships: Local community and parish connections support excursions, competitions, and collaborative events that enhance learning beyond the classroom. ⎯ ## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti‑bullying approach: Proactive wellbeing framework with clear anti‑bullying policies and positive behavior supports to promote safe, respectful environments. - House system: House groups foster belonging, teamwork, and healthy competition while building leadership and responsibility. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school counselling and wellbeing supports to assist students with social, emotional, or academic concerns. - Transition support for new students: Orientation programs and buddy systems help new students settle in smoothly and build peer connections. ⎯ ## 5. Facilities - Sports grounds: On‑site facilities suitable for a range of physical education activities. - Libraries: A well‑stocked library supporting reading and inquiry. - Science labs: Dedicated spaces for practical science learning. - Music/performing arts centers: Space for music instruction and performances. - Tech/innovation labs: Digital learning spaces to explore coding, robotics, and technology. - Cafeteria: Onsite canteen or café facilities supporting healthy meal options. - Updated playgrounds: Safe, modern play areas for recess and lunch activities. ⎯ ## 6. School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: A faith‑based mission focusing on compassion, respect, excellence, and service within a Catholic ethos. - Leadership style: Collaborative leadership with opportunities for student leadership initiatives and teacher collaboration. - Behaviour expectations: Clear expectations around respect, responsibility, safety, and positive conduct. - Community reputation: Strong sense of community and family‑oriented atmosphere, with families actively involved in school life. - Diversity & inclusion: Welcoming environment that values diversity and fosters inclusive practices for all students. ⎯ ## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: Typical day runs from morning start to mid‑afternoon finish (e.g., around 8:30am–3:00pm), with arranged drop‑offs and pick‑ups. - Before/after school care: After‑school care options commonly available or accessible via partner providers. - Uniform requirements: Formal school uniform required; sports/physical education uniform on designated days. - Transport: Access to local public transport routes; proximity to bus/train options; drop‑off/pick‑up zones in place. - Canteen availability: Canteen or canteen services available on school days with kid‑friendly options. - Fees: Fees positioned in the mid‑range for private Catholic primary schools; information on any additional costs (uniforms, excursions, camps) provided by the school. ⎯ ## 8. Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Submit an enrolment application with the school’s required documentation. - Provide evidence of identity, age, and, where applicable, baptism or Catholic parish verification. - Complete any school‑specific forms or assessments as part of the process. - Interview or family conversation may be conducted; notification of outcome follows. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - Waiting lists may apply when year levels are full. Placement typically follows application order, availability, and preference policies; families are kept informed of status and next steps. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - Entry often involves a short interview or conversation, and may require baptism/catholic verification for Catholic schools. Standard assessments may occur to gauge readiness for the prep year and to understand support needs. 14. Does the school accept mid‑year transfers? - Mid‑year transfers are considered subject to space availability and alignment with the enrolment process. Priorities and requirements are explained during the enquiry. ⎯ ## 9. Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A faith‑based, values‑driven education in a welcoming, family‑oriented setting with a focus on the whole child, strong community connections, and opportunities across academics, sport, and the arts. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who are collaborative, curious, respectful, and motivated to grow academically, socially, and spiritually within a Catholic context. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Strong core academics in English and Maths, leadership opportunities, a range of sports, performing arts, and clubs such as robotics, coding, chess, and debating. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Through newsletters, email, a school app or portal, parent–teacher meetings, and timely updates about events and student progress. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - A holistic, faith‑influenced approach that emphasises differentiated instruction, inquiry, collaboration, and the integration of technology to support modern learning. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Learning Support Team, targeted interventions, differentiated instruction, and access to EAL/D and SEN support where needed. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Individualised plans, small‑group tutoring or support sessions, and coordination with families to align strategies at home and school. - How does the school communicate with parents? (Repeat) - See above. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes are typically in the low‑ to mid‑20s, with teacher differentiation and small‑group work to ensure individual attention. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - Soccer, rugby league, cricket, basketball, athletics; clubs in robotics, coding, chess, debating; music and drama programs. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Sports grounds, library, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, canteen, updated playgrounds. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integrated ICT across the curriculum with digital literacy, coding, and safe technology usage. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Proximity to public transport routes; designated drop‑off/pick‑up zones; school‑supported or partner arrangements for travel. - What are typical school fees or additional costs? - Fees are described as mid‑range for private Catholic primary schools; additional costs may include uniforms, excursions, and camps. ⎯ ## 10. Short Pros & Cons - Pros - Faith‑based, values‑driven education in a welcoming, family‑oriented community. - Small‑to‑medium class sizes with opportunities for individualized attention. - Broad range of academics, sports, arts, and clubs (including robotics, coding, chess, debating). - Strong wellbeing supports, house system, and transition programs for new students. - Modern facilities across science, ICT, music, and libraries. - Cons - As a private Catholic school, fees may be higher than public options. - Availability of places can be limited in certain year levels; mid‑year transfers subject to space. - Some programs and resources may vary by year or cohort; confirm current offerings with the school.