St Mary's Catholic Primary School - Toukley

1. Overview (1–2 paragraphs max) St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Toukley is a co-educational Catholic primary school serving students from Prep to Year 6. The school aims to provide a small-to-medium, family-friendly environment where faith-based values, inclusive education, and holistic development are central. Class sizes are generally manageable to enable strong teacher–student relationships and personalised support. The atmosphere is nurturing and community-focused, with an emphasis on respect, responsibility, and service. Students are encouraged to participate in faith, sport, arts, and leadership opportunities within a supportive, collaborative culture. ⸻ 2. Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: Strong literacy and numeracy foundations, with integrated faith-based learning that reinforces values alongside skills. Opportunities exist in STEM, the arts, and English language development. - Special programs: Religious education and sacramental programs are integrated into the curriculum, with student leadership and enrichment opportunities available through school activities and initiatives. - NAPLAN / trends: Typical trends show consistent progress and steady performance over time, with a focus on improving individual learning outcomes and growth. - Student-teacher ratios: Approximately 1:18–1:25, depending on year level and class configuration, enabling attentive teaching and support. - Support for diverse learners: Dedicated support for diverse learners, including EAL/D assistance and targeted SEN support through in-class differentiation and small-group programs. ⸻ 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: Soccer, netball, cricket, basketball, rugby league, athletics, and guest coaching opportunities through local clubs and programs. - Strong teams or achievements: Participation in district and local competitions with a focus on teamwork, skill development, and sportsmanship. - Music, arts, drama programs: School choirs, music lessons, and occasional drama/performing arts productions and concerts. - Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating, and other enrichment clubs are available to extend learning beyond the classroom. - Partnerships: Connections with local community clubs and organizations to provide additional coaching, fixtures, and competitions. ⸻ 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: Proactive pastoral care and a clear anti-bullying policy, with programs emphasising respectful relationships and positive behaviour. - House system: House groups participate in inter-house events and activities, fostering belonging and healthy competition. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school-based wellbeing staff or counselors to support student wellbeing and mental health. - Transition support for new students: Buddy programs, orientation sessions, and transition activities to help new students settle smoothly. ⸻ 5. Facilities - Sports grounds: Onsite ovals and courts for outdoor sport and activities. - Libraries: A well-stocked library supporting reading and research across year levels. - Science labs: Dedicated spaces for science and STEM-related learning. - Music/performing arts centers: Music rooms and a multipurpose space for performances and drama. - Tech/innovation labs: Computer or makerspace areas to support digital learning and coding. - Cafeteria: Onsite canteen offering healthy lunch options. - Updated playgrounds: Modern playground and outdoor learning spaces for recreation and exploration. ⸻ 6. School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: Catholic values such as faith, respect, compassion, responsibility, and service underpin daily life and learning. - Leadership style: Collaborative leadership with opportunities for student voice and leadership roles; open channels between staff, students, and families. - Behaviour expectations: Clear expectations aligned with positive behaviour for learning and consistent consequences. - Community reputation: A welcoming school with active parish involvement and strong ties to families and local community. - Diversity & inclusion: Inclusive environment that supports students from diverse backgrounds with appropriate adjustments and programs. ⸻ 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: Typically 9:00 am–3:00 pm (with variations for specific year levels and assemblies). - Before/after school care: OSHC or similar arrangements may be available to support families before and after school. - Uniform requirements: School uniform policy with both everyday wear and sport/active uniform options; details provided by the school. - Transport (bus routes): Local transport options and bus routes available to families; check current routes with the school or local transport providers. - Canteen availability: On-site canteen with healthy meal and snack options. - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees are in the low-to-mid range for regional Catholic primary schools; exact amounts vary by year level and program. ⸻ 8. Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Submit an expression of interest or application with required documents (birth certificate, baptism certificate, immunisation records, proof of address, etc.). - Attend an open day or information session if offered, followed by any school-specific interviews or meetings. - Receive an offer if a vacancy is available; complete enrolment paperwork and return required documentation prior to the start of the academic year. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - Waiting lists are common when vacancies are limited. Applications are typically placed on a waitlist and prioritised by factors such as sibling attendance, parish affiliation, and residential location. The school will advise on approximate wait times and next steps. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - Most Catholic primary schools in NSW do not require formal academic entrance tests. An interview or information session and documentation (baptism/sacramental status, immunisation, and family information) may be part of the process to understand fit and values alignment. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Mid-year transfers are possible if there are vacancies. Families should contact the admissions team to discuss availability, enrolment paperwork, and the transition plan for a smooth start. ⸻ 9. Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A faith-based, inclusive environment with a focus on values, strong literacy and numeracy foundations, and a supportive community that nurtures the whole child. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who benefit from a small-to-medium, collaborative setting, engagement in faith-based learning, and participation in a broad range of academics, arts, and sport. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Enrichment programs in literacy and numeracy, STEM and arts activities, leadership roles, sports teams, music and drama, robotics, coding, debating, and other clubs. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular updates via newsletters, emails, and the school portal; parent-teacher conferences; information evenings; and open lines of communication with teachers and leadership. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - Student-centred, differentiated instruction with emphasis on literacy, numeracy, faith-based learning, critical thinking, and real-world application. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Targeted support through in-class differentiation, small-group interventions, EAL/D support, and access to a learning support team. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Individualised plans, tutoring opportunities, and collaboration with families to set achievable goals within the school’s timelines. - How does the school communicate with parents? - See above: regular updates, two-way channels with teachers, and parent information sessions. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes commonly sit around 20–26 students, with teachers able to provide targeted instruction and individual feedback within the learning day. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A range of sports (soccer, netball, cricket, basketball, rugby league, athletics), music and drama, and clubs such as robotics, chess, coding, and debating. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Sports grounds, library, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, ICT/maker spaces, canteen, and updated outdoor play area. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integration of ICT across the curriculum, with access to computers or devices in classrooms and opportunities for coding and digital projects. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Local bus routes and school transport options; accessible entry points and parking arrangements; inquire with the school for current details. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Fees are generally in the low-to-mid range for regional Catholic primary schools, with additional costs for uniforms, excursions, and voluntary contributions. ⸻ 10. Short Pros & Cons list Pros - Strong faith-based culture with inclusive, values-driven education - Manageable class sizes and supportive teacher–student relationships - Broad range of academics, arts, and sports with enrichment opportunities - Robust wellbeing and pastoral care, including house system and transition support - Dedicated facilities for learning, performing arts, and technology - Active community and parish involvement creating a welcoming environment Cons - As a regional Catholic school, some specialist programs may be fewer in number than larger city schools - Uniforms and voluntary costs can add to overall expenditure - Transport options depend on local routes and can vary by family location - Availability of mid-year transfers depends on vacancies and timing ⸻