St Mary's Catholic College

## 1. Overview St Mary’s Catholic College is a Catholic, community-focused school serving families in Casino, NSW. It is a small to mid-sized campus that typically features class sizes around 20–25 students, creating a nurturing and inclusive learning environment. The school emphasises faith-based education, service, and academic growth, with a culture that supports collaboration, respect, and opportunities for leadership. ⸻ ## 2. Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: Strong focus on English, Mathematics, Science, and Religious Education, with emphasis on critical thinking, literacy, and numeracy. The school also supports leadership development and opportunities to engage with languages and digital learning. - Special programs: Gifted and Talented pathways, accelerated learning options where appropriate, and a clear pathway to senior secondary programs. Strong pastoral and leadership development programs complement academic study. - NAPLAN / Ofsted trends: NAPLAN trends typically show steady literacy and numeracy progress year over year, with consistent performance in reading and numeracy and stable writing results. Ofsted is a UK body; in Australia, school performance is tracked via NSW/Australian reporting frameworks. - Student-teacher ratios: Class sizes are designed to be manageable, with student-teacher ratios around 1:12 to 1:18 in many classes, enabling more individualized attention. - Support for diverse learners: Dedicated support for diverse learners, including English as an Additional Language (EAL) assistance, learning support specialists, and Individual Learning Plans (ILPs) or similar tailored supports for students with additional needs. ⸻ ## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: A range of sports including football (soccer), rugby league, rugby union, basketball, cricket, netball, athletics, and tennis. Seasonal programs help students explore multiple disciplines. - Strong teams or achievements: Competitive school teams participate in regional competitions, with opportunities to represent the school in inter-school events and gala days. - Music, arts, drama programs: School ensembles, choir, and drama productions provide pathways for performance, creativity, and collaboration. - Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating, and other academic or interest-based clubs help students develop problem-solving and teamwork skills. - Partnerships: Local community collaborations and participation in regional competitions and events reinforce practical, experiential learning and community ties. ⸻ ## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: Whole-school anti-bullying policy, student-led initiatives, and a focus on building respectful, inclusive relationships. - House system: House groups support belonging, leadership opportunities, and school spirit through events and friendly competition. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: On-site wellbeing staff and access to counselling to support students’ emotional and social development. - Transition support for new students: Orientation programs, buddy systems, and targeted supports to assist new students settling into the school community. ⸻ ## 5. Facilities - Sports grounds: Outdoor playing fields and courts for a range of sports and physical education. - Libraries: Central library with study spaces and resources to support independent learning. - Science labs: Well-equipped science laboratories to support hands-on experimentation. - Music/performing arts centers: Spaces for music, drama, and performances. - Tech/innovation labs: Practical spaces for digital learning, coding, and technology projects. - Cafeteria: On-site canteen serving a variety of meals and healthy options. - Updated playgrounds: Safe, age-appropriate outdoor play and learning spaces. ⸻ ## 6. School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: Faith-based education focused on service, respect, integrity, and excellence, with a commitment to forming the whole person. - Leadership style: Collaborative and servant leadership, encouraging students to take initiative while supporting one another. - Behaviour expectations: Clear behavioural standards aligned with school values; emphasis on respectful conduct, responsibility, and accountability. - Community reputation: Known for a friendly, faith-centered community that values family involvement and student well-being. - Diversity & inclusion: Welcomes students from diverse backgrounds and supports inclusive practices in classroom and community activities. ⸻ ## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: Typical day runs from start of morning to mid-afternoon (for example, about 8:30 am to 3:15 pm), with variations by year level. - Before/after school care: Often available through school-run programs or partner providers; check current offerings. - Uniform requirements: Formal uniform with seasonal options; guidelines for summer and winter wear as part of the school’s dress code. - Transport (train/bus routes): Bus services and public transport options available to accommodate families from surrounding areas. - Canteen availability: Canteen or lunch facilities on-site offering a range of meal and snack options. - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees typically align with other systemic Catholic schools in the region, described as moderate; specifics vary by year level and program. ⸻ ## 8. Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Interested families should submit an application/Expression of Interest with supporting documentation (e.g., proof of identity, baptism/family details, and any parish affiliation). The school will outline the timeline, interviews or information sessions, and required steps for enrolment. The timeline typically spans several weeks to a few months depending on intake and capacity. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - Yes, there may be a waiting list if demand exceeds available places. Waiting list priorities commonly include siblings of current students, parish affiliation, and date of application, with places allocated as spaces become available. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - Entry may involve an application, documentation review, and an interview or information session. Some schools also require evidence of student readiness and alignment with school values; religious affiliation or parish details may be requested where applicable. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Mid-year transfers can be possible subject to space and availability. Transfer applicants should provide a current school transcript, latest reports, and evidence of enrolment in the receiving year level; an interview or meeting may be required. ⸻ ## 9. Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A faith-centered education with a strong sense of community, supportive pastoral care, smaller class sizes, and emphasis on values, service, and personal growth. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who value a holistic education, want a supportive community, and are committed to academic and personal development within a Catholic framework. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - A range of academic programs (Gifted & Talented pathways, leadership opportunities), competitive sports teams, performing arts, music ensembles, drama productions, robotics, coding, debating, and other clubs. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular updates via newsletters, emails, parent portals, and meetings; formal parent-teacher interviews and open information sessions are common. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - A balanced approach combining strong literacy and numeracy foundations with inquiry-based learning, pastoral care, and opportunities for leadership and service. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Dedicated learning support staff, EAL support, ILPs or equivalent plans, and targeted interventions within small groups or one-on-one sessions. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Early identification, personalised learning plans, and access to teachers and support staff who specialise in intervention strategies. - How does the school communicate with parents? (Yes, repeated) - See above: regular updates via multiple channels, with opportunities for feedback and involvement in school activities. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes around 20–25 students, with opportunities for targeted teacher support and small-group instruction as needed. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - Wide range of sports, music, arts, drama, and clubs such as robotics, chess, coding, and debating, with regular participation in inter-school events. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Sports grounds, libraries, science labs, music/performing arts facilities, tech/innovation labs, a canteen, and updated playgrounds. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integration of digital tools to support learning, with access to devices, software, and teacher-guided initiatives for 21st-century skills. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Bus services and public transport options are available; school facilities are designed with accessibility in mind. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Fees are described as moderate and in line with other systemic Catholic schools in the region; exact figures vary by year level and program. ⸻ ## 10. Short Pros & Cons list Pros - Strong Catholic identity with values-based education - Supportive, small-to-mid-sized community - Focus on pastoral care and student well-being - Manageable class sizes enabling more individual attention - Broad range of extracurriculars and clubs - Positive opportunities for leadership and service Cons - May have fewer specialized programs than larger urban schools - Transport and distance considerations for regional families - Fees are applicable (as with most systemic Catholic schools) - Availability of mid-year places depends on space and intake ⸻