St Mary's Primary School - Casino

1. Overview

St Mary’s Primary School, Casino is a Catholic primary school serving families in the Casino NSW area. The school is best described as small to medium in size, with class environments that foster close teacher–student relationships and a strong sense of community. Class sizes typically sit in the range of around 20–25 students, allowing for individual attention within a supportive, faith-centered setting. The atmosphere is nurturing and inclusive, with a focus on values, respect, and creating a welcoming place where families feel part of a caring school community.

1. Academics & Learning

• Academic strengths: Foundations in English and mathematics with a balanced emphasis on science, ICT, and religious education. The school supports developing strong literacy and numeracy skills early, while also encouraging inquiry and critical thinking across subjects.
• Special programs: Gifted and Talented/special endorsement opportunities, faith formation programs, and access to library and literacy enhancement activities. There may be targeted supports to help students develop leadership and research skills.
• Support for diverse learners: Inclusive education practices are in place, including EAL/D support where needed and targeted assistance within the class or via specialist staff to help students with additional learning needs.

1. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths

• Sports offered: A range of team and individual sports commonly available, such as soccer (football), rugby league, cricket, netball, and athletics, with opportunities to participate in local school and district competitions.
• Strong teams or achievements: Regular participation in local sports carnivals and diocesan or district events, with emphasis on teamwork, fair play, and personal bests.
• Music, arts, drama programs: Active involvement in music and performing arts, including school ensembles, choir or band, and drama productions that showcase student talents.
• Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding and computer clubs, debating, and other academic or interest-based groups are offered to broaden student experiences.
• Partnerships: Engagement with local community clubs and regional competitions to extend learning beyond the classroom and provide real-world outlets for skills.

1. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care

• Anti-bullying approach: A clear, school-wide anti-bullying policy supported by restorative practices and a safe, respectful learning environment.
• House system: A house or pastoral grouping system to build team spirit, leadership, and belonging through school events and activities.
• Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to wellbeing staff or part-time counsellors to support students’ emotional and social needs.
• Transition support for new students: Orientation activities, buddy programs, and targeted supports to help new students settle into the school community.

1. Facilities

• Sports grounds: Dedicated outdoor spaces and fields suitable for physical education, sport, and active play.
• Libraries: A well-resourced library to support reading, researching, and independent learning.
• Science labs: Practical science spaces that enable hands-on learning and experiments.
• Music/performing arts centers: Rooms or spaces for music instruction, rehearsals, and performances.
• Tech/innovation labs: Computer or media labs to support digital learning and technology projects.
• Cafeteria: On-site canteen or dining area offering healthy meal options.
• Updated playgrounds: Safe, age-appropriate play areas and outdoor equipment for recreation and breaks.

1. School Values & Community Culture

• School values / mission: A faith-infused education upholding Catholic values such as respect, compassion, responsibility, and service to others.
• Leadership style: Shared leadership with opportunities for student voice through councils or leadership roles, and collaborative approaches among staff and families.
• Behaviour expectations: Clear behavioural standards anchored in restorative approaches and positive reinforcement, promoting responsible, respectful conduct.
• Community reputation: Known for a welcoming and supportive environment, where families feel connected and involved in school life.
• Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to inclusive practices and celebrating diversity within the school community.

1. School Logistics & Daily Operations

• School hours: Typical school day runs mid-morning to mid-afternoon with start and finish times aligned to NSW primary schedules; some schools offer after-school care options.
• Before/after school care: Availability of after-school care programs or services, often via external providers contracted to run on-site at the school.
• Uniform requirements: School uniform policy with standard daily wear and a separate sports/physical education uniform; details provided by the school.
• Transport (train/bus routes): Access to local bus services or school-approved transport options; proximity to main roads or towns may influence accessibility.
• Canteen availability: On-site or approved canteen offering healthy options for students.
• Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees typically fall in the low-to-mid range for Catholic primary schools; exact amounts vary by year and family arrangements; check with the school for current schedules.

1. Enrolment & Admissions

1. What is the enrolment process and timeline?

• Submit an enrolment application or expression of interest with required documentation (birth certificate, immunisation records, parish details, and any other school-specific forms).
• Provide supporting documents (e.g., birth certificate, proof of address, baptism/catholic community details if applicable).
• Complete any required information sessions or interviews and participate in a school tour or orientation if offered.
• The school will advise on timelines for offers, acceptance, and enrolment deposits; late-year admissions follow vacancy availability and process.

1. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?

• Many Catholic primary schools use a waiting list when classes are full. Placement often considers factors such as sibling priority, parish affiliation, and order of application. Vacancies are offered when spaces arise, and families are contacted accordingly.

1. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?

• Entry typically involves confirmation of Catholic education expectations and may include an interview or information session for parents and sometimes students. Some schools may have limited assessments to understand learning needs or alignment with school programs.

1. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?

• Mid-year transfers are possible if a vacancy exists and all documentation is in order. Transition supports or bridging arrangements may be provided to help the new student settle in mid-year.

1. Frequently Ask Questions

• Why Parents Choose This School?

- A caring, faith-based environment that values each child, strong community connections, supportive teachers, and a focus on holistic development across academics, faith, and wellbeing.

• What type of student thrives at this school?

- Students who respond well to a close-knit community, values-based education, consistent routines, and opportunities to participate in a range of academic, sporting, and artistic activities.

• What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?

- Broad offerings in literacy and numeracy development, science and ICT, visual and performing arts, sports teams, clubs (robotics, chess, coding, debating), and leadership opportunities for older students.

• How does the school communicate with parents?

- Regular newsletters, parent-teacher conferences, a student reporting process, and digital platforms or portals that provide updates on learning, events, and notices.

• What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?

- A balanced, student-centered approach blending explicit instruction with inquiry, collaboration, and evidence-based practices, underpinned by Catholic values and inclusive education.

• How does the school support students who need extra academic help?

- Targeted in-class supports, small-group interventions, EAL/D and SEN supports, and access to wellbeing staff to address learning and emotional needs.

• What support is available for academic challenges?

- Individualized plans, progress monitoring, and timely intervention strategies to help students catch up or advance in areas of difficulty.

• How does the school communicate with parents? (repeat)

- See above: newsletters, parent-teacher conferences, and school portals.

• What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?

- A variety of sports (e.g., soccer, netball, cricket, rugby league, athletics), music and performing arts programs, and clubs like robotics, chess, coding, and debating.

• What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?

- Outdoor sports grounds, a library, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, a canteen, and updated playgrounds.

• What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?

- Integration of ICT to support learning, digital citizenship, and age-appropriate use of technology across the curriculum with access to computer or media labs and classroom devices.

• What transport and accessibility options are available?

- Local transport and school-provided or partner arrangements for safe access to school; information on routes and accessibility available from the school office.

• What are the typical school fees or additional costs?

- Fees are generally in the low-to-mid range for NSW Catholic primary schools; exact amounts depend on year level and family arrangements; consult the school for current fees and possible concessions.

1. Short Pros & Cons list

Pros

• Catholic, values-based education with a focus on character and community
• Small to medium school environment fostering close relationships
• Strong emphasis on literacy, numeracy, and holistic development
• Supportive wellbeing and inclusive practices
• Wide range of extracurricular activities and clubs
• Active family and community involvement

Cons

• Smaller scale may mean fewer specialist programs than larger schools
• Availability of certain electives or advanced programs can vary by year
• Waiting lists can occur during peak intake periods
• Transport options may depend on local routes and availability
• Fees are typical for Catholic schools and may require planning for additional costs

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