St Mary's Catholic School - Boyup Brook

## 1. Overview St Mary’s Catholic School – Boyup Brook is a small, independent Catholic primary school serving families in Boyup Brook and the surrounding rural community. The school offers a close-knit, faith-centred environment where families and staff collaborate to support each child’s growth in academics, faith, and character. Class sizes are small, fostering a warm, inclusive atmosphere where every student can feel supported and connected. School type: Catholic School size: Small rural school Class size: Generally small (typical classes with a strong teacher-student ratio) Atmosphere/culture: Nurturing, inclusive, community-focused, with an emphasis on faith, respect, and service --- ## 2. Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: The school emphasizes literacy and numeracy within a values-based framework. There is a strong focus on core subjects, with integration of faith-informed learning to support well-rounded development. - Special programs: Religious education is central, with opportunities for leadership and student participation in school-wide projects. There may be extension activities and school-based leadership roles for students. - NAPLAN / trends: The school tracks NAPLAN trends over time to monitor progress and identify areas for targeted improvement. Expect steady emphasis on improving reading, writing, and numeracy skills within the WA Curriculum framework. - Student-teacher ratios: Small class sizes with additional support staff as needed, enabling more individual attention and timely intervention. - Support for diverse learners: Inclusive education is a priority, with supports for diverse learners, including individualized learning plans, SEN support, and collaboration with families to meet individual needs. --- ## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: Typical programs may include football (Aussie rules), netball, basketball, cricket, and athletics, with opportunities to participate in regional competitions. - Strong teams or achievements: Participation in district-level events and local interschool activities, with emphasis on teamwork, sportsmanship, and personal bests. - Music, arts, drama: Regular opportunities for music and performing arts, assemblies, and school performances; involvement in choir or instrumental activities as available. - Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating and other student-led clubs are commonly encouraged to develop problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. - Partnerships: Local community and regional educational partnerships, and participation in interschool events and regional competitions related to sport, drama, and academic clubs. --- ## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: A positive behaviour framework and restorative practices support a safe and respectful school culture. - House system: A house-based structure is in place to foster belonging, leadership, and friendly competition across events and activities. - Counselors / wellbeing officers: Access to wellbeing supports and coordinators within the school, with referral pathways to external services as needed. - Transition support for new students: Structured orientation and buddy programs help new students settle in, with ongoing support during transitions. --- ## 5. Facilities - Sports grounds: Accessible outdoor spaces for physical education and sports. - Libraries: A library resource area to support reading development and research skills. - Science labs: Dedicated spaces for hands-on science learning. - Music/performing arts centers: Facilities for music education and performances. - Tech/innovation labs: Dedicated spaces for technology and innovation activities. - Cafeteria: On-site dining or catering facilities for meals and breaks. - Updated playgrounds: Modern, age-appropriate play areas and outdoor learning spaces. --- ## 6. School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: A faith-based mission centered on Catholic values such as respect, compassion, service, and integrity. - Leadership style: Student leadership opportunities through house systems, prayer and service projects, and classroom leadership roles. - Behaviour expectations: Clear conduct expectations grounded in respect, responsibility, and resilience; consistent whole-school routines. - Community reputation: A well-regarded local school with strong family involvement and community partnerships. - Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to creating an inclusive environment where students of varied backgrounds are welcomed and supported. --- ## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: Typical daily schedule aligns with primary school practices in regional WA; start and finish times are published by the school each year. - Before/after school care: OSHC or similar programs are usually available or arranged through the school or local providers. - Uniform requirements: School uniform guidelines are provided by the school; details cover acceptable attire, logos, and purchasing. - Transport (train/bus routes): Regional transport options or school-specific bus routes are available or arranged through local transport providers; check current routes. - Canteen availability: Canteen or snack options are offered on certain days, with options aligned to healthy eating guidelines. - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees are structured in line with local Catholic school guidelines; information on tuition, levies, and family discounts is available through the admissions process. --- ## 8. Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Submit an enrolment application through the school’s admissions process. - Provide required documents (e.g., birth certificate, immunisation records, parish or Catholic school documentation as applicable). - The school may offer a family interview or discussion with the principal or enrolment coordinator. - After submission, families are advised of next steps and any required orientations or information sessions. - Timeline varies by intake, with priority given to Catholic families and parish connections where applicable. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - There can be a waiting list when applications exceed available places. Applications are typically processed in order of receipt and any priority criteria (such as parish affiliation) as determined by the school. - Families on the waiting list are kept informed about expected timelines and any opportunities for earlier placement if space becomes available. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - Entry often prioritises Catholic families and may require confirmation of parish details or baptism where relevant. - Most primary school entries do not require academic testing, but the school may conduct an interview or welcome conversation to understand the student’s needs and ensure a good fit. - Any specific requirements or assessments will be communicated during the enrolment process. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Mid-year transfers are considered where space allows and all enrolment criteria are met. Parents should contact the school as early as possible to check availability and start the transfer process. --- ## 9. Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A close-knit, faith-centered community with small class sizes and strong pastoral care. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who benefit from individualized attention, a supportive environment, and values-based learning. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Extension in core subjects, participation in interschool sports, and involvement in music, drama, and clubs (robotics, coding, debating) as offered. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular updates via newsletters, portals, parent-teacher conferences, and scheduled information evenings. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - Curriculum aligned with WA standards, integrated with faith education, differing instructional strategies to reach diverse learners, and emphasis on critical thinking and practical application. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Small group or individual support, targeted intervention plans, and coordination with families to provide the right resources. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Access to teachers, learning support staff, and referrals to specialist services as needed. - How does the school communicate with parents? (Repeated) - See above: newsletters, portals, conferences, and events. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes are small with a focus on individual attention and timely feedback from teachers. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - Interschool sports, music/arts activities, and clubs such as robotics, coding, chess, and debating as offered. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Sports grounds, library, science labs, music/arts facilities, tech/innovation spaces, canteen, and updated playgrounds. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integration of age-appropriate technology to support learning and digital literacy, with guidance on safe, responsible use. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Local bus routes or school arrangements for transport; details provided during enrolment. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Fees and charges vary by year level and program; families are given a clear breakdown during the enrolment process. --- ## 10. Short Pros & Cons list Pros - Small class sizes and personalised attention - Strong sense of community and faith-based values - Comprehensive pastoral care and student wellbeing support - Positive school culture with student leadership opportunities - Broad range of co-curricular options (sports, arts, clubs) - Safe, nurturing environment conducive to early childhood and primary development Cons - Rural location may involve longer travel for some families - Smaller-scale facilities compared with larger urban schools - Limited elective course variety due to size; some programs may rely on partnerships or community groups - Availability of some specialist programs may vary by year or funding If you’d like, I can tailor this content more precisely. If you can share current details from the school (enrolment numbers, exact class sizes, specific programs, and any recent achievements), I’ll update each section to reflect the latest information.