St Mary's Primary School - Dandenong

## 1. Overview St Mary’s Primary School in Dandenong is a Catholic, co-educational primary school that focuses on nurturing faith, learning and community. The school is medium-sized, offering a close-knit environment where students benefit from personalised attention in a respectful, supportive setting. Class sizes are typically around 20–25 students, balancing individual support with collaborative learning. The atmosphere is inclusive and faith-centered, emphasising academic growth, character development and a positive school culture. ⸻ ## 2. Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: Strong literacy and numeracy foundations with a practical focus on STEM, critical thinking and everyday problem solving. Language and arts learning are integrated to develop well-rounded communicators and creative thinkers. - Special programs: Gifted and talented opportunities and targeted learning support are available where appropriate. Religious education is integrated across the curriculum to reinforce Catholic identity and values. - NAPLAN / trends: Over recent years, the school has shown steady progress in reading and numeracy, with trends indicating ongoing improvement and sustained growth. - Student-teacher ratios: Classroom practices aim for small-group instruction and differentiated learning, with school-wide ratios typically in the vicinity of 1:15–1:20 and class sizes around 20–25 students. - Support for diverse learners: EAL support, SEN programs and Learning Support Officers help ensure inclusive access to learning for students with diverse needs. ⸻ ## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: Football (soccer), basketball, netball, cricket, AFL-style activities, athletics and cross-country are commonly supported, with opportunities for inter-school events and intramurals. - Strong teams or achievements: Active participation in inter-school sport and local competitions, with a focus on teamwork, sportsmanship and skill development. - Music, arts, drama programs: Choir, school bands and regular performing arts activities provide outlets for musical and dramatic talent. - Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, debating and other clubs support curious and motivated students beyond the classroom. - Partnerships: Connections with local clubs and diocesan events enhance opportunities for competitions, showcases and community engagement. ⸻ ## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: Clear anti-bullying policies and restorative practices are in place to promote respectful relationships and safe environments. - House system: A house structure fosters healthy rivalry, collaboration and sense of belonging through events and activities. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school-based wellbeing support and counselling helps students manage emotions, relationships and transitions. - Transition support for new students: Orientation programs, buddy systems and targeted supports help new students settle into the school community. ⸻ ## 5. Facilities - Sports grounds: On-site sports fields and courts support physical education and active play. - Libraries: A dedicated library space for reading, research and quiet study. - Science labs: Practical science spaces that support hands-on investigations. - Music/performing arts centers: Rooms and spaces for music, drama and performance activities. - Tech/innovation labs: Computing and digital learning facilities to develop technological literacy. - Cafeteria: On-site canteen providing healthy meal and snack options. - Updated playgrounds: Modern, safe play areas and outdoor learning spaces. ⸻ ## 6. School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: Catholic ethos underpins daily life, with a focus on respect, responsibility, compassion and service to others. - Leadership style: Student leadership opportunities and a collaborative approach where staff, students and families contribute to decision-making and school life. - Behaviour expectations: Positive behaviour framework with consistent expectations across classrooms and spaces. - Community reputation: Known for a welcoming, faith-filled and supportive community that partners with families in education. - Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to inclusive practices and respect for diversity within the school community. ⸻ ## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: Typical school day runs through the morning and afternoon sessions; exact start and finish times are published by the school each year. - Before/after school care: On-site or partnered before- and after-school care is available to families. - Uniform requirements: Clear uniform policy with seasonal variations (summer/winter) and sport uniform for physical education days. - Transport (train/bus routes): Access to public transport options and local bus routes; parking arrangements and drop-off/pick-up zones are outlined by the school. - Canteen availability: Canteen services offering meals and snacks on school days. - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees are in the local range for Catholic primary schools, typically including tuition/levies and essential costs; specific amounts are published by the school each year. ⸻ ## 8. Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Submit an application form with required documents, followed by any requested interviews or information sessions. The school will outline a timeline for application, assessment (if applicable) and notification of enrolment decisions. There may be intake periods aligned with the Victorian school year. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - Waiting lists can apply when vacancies are full. Applicants are usually kept on a waiting list in order of priority and date of application; vacancies are offered as spaces become available. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - Entry may involve an interview or information session and readiness considerations. Catholic identity requirements or family information may be part of the process, depending on school policy. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Mid-year transfers are considered subject to vacancies and alignment with the school’s enrolment process. Prospective families should contact the school early to discuss options. ⸻ ## 9. Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A welcoming, faith-based community with strong academic foundations and a focus on pastoral care and personal development. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who respond well to a caring, inclusive environment with opportunities to participate in sports, arts and leadership activities. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Enhanced literacy and numeracy programs, STEM activities, talent clubs (robotics, coding, chess, debating), music and drama programs, and inter-school sporting opportunities. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular updates through newsletters, portals, parent-teacher conferences and invited information sessions. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - Differentiated instruction, focus on core literacy and numeracy, integration of STEM and the arts, and a Catholic framework guiding values and character development. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Targeted learning support, EAL and SEN resources, and access to Learning Support Officers where appropriate. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Individual or small-group interventions, progress monitoring and collaboration with families to create support plans. - How does the school communicate with parents? - See above; expect regular updates and opportunities to engage with teachers and leadership. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes typically 20–25, with differentiated instruction and small-group opportunities to increase individual attention. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A range of sports (team and intramural), music and drama programs, and clubs such as robotics, coding, chess and debating. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Sports grounds, libraries, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs and a canteen. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integration of digital tools and computing in lessons to build digital literacy and prepare students for modern learning environments. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Access to public transport routes and defined drop-off/pick-up arrangements; parking and accessibility policies as published by the school. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Fees are in line with local Catholic primary schools and may include tuition, levies and uniform costs; exact amounts are provided in the school’s annual fee schedule. ⸻ ## 10. Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Strong Catholic identity with a nurturing, inclusive atmosphere - Solid literacy and numeracy foundations with STEM and arts integration - Broad extracurriculars (sports, music, clubs) and inter-school opportunities - Focus on wellbeing, pastoral care and supportive transition for new students - Family-friendly community with clear communication channels - Cons - Enrolment demand can create waiting lists or limited early-year vacancies - Fees and costs are in line with similar Catholic primary schools, which may be a consideration for some families - Availability of some programs may vary by year or cohort; check current offerings with the school ⸻