# Overview
St Mary’s Primary School Geelong is a Catholic co-educational primary school that focuses on delivering a values-based education within the Geelong community. As a mid-sized school, it supports a close-knit, supportive atmosphere where students are known by name and encouraged to strive for personal best.
- School type: Catholic
- School size: Medium
- Class size: Approximately 22–26 students per class
- Atmosphere/culture: Nurturing, inclusive, faith-based with a focus on community and well-being
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# Academics & Learning
St Mary’s Geelong emphasises strong literacy and numeracy foundations, with a clear focus on English, Maths and integrated STEM across year levels. The school also fosters leadership and has opportunities for students to engage in targeted enrichment.
- Academic strengths: English, STEM, leadership development; opportunities in languages (e.g., Indonesian or other community-supported language programs)
- Special programs: Gifted & Talented pathways or accelerated learning options where available; Catholic faith formation integrated with learning
- NAPLAN trends: Steady improvement in key domains (reading and numeracy) over recent years, with a focus on closing gaps and supporting students at all levels
- Student-teacher ratios: Generally low-to-mid ranges typical for primary settings (roughly 1:15–1:22, varying by year level)
- Support for diverse learners: Strong inclusive education approach with EAL and SEN support provided through in-school teams and targeted interventions
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# Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
Sports and a broad range of activities are a priority, with opportunities for competitive teams and broad participation.
- Sports offered: Netball, soccer, basketball, Australian rules football, cricket, athletics, and general physical education
- Strong teams or achievements: Involved in interschool and regional competitions; emphasis on teamwork, sportsmanship and personal improvement
- Music, arts, drama programs: School-led music and performing arts programs to support creativity and expression
- Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating and other interest clubs offered periodically
- Partnerships: Connections with local clubs, regional competitions and community arts/sports programs to broaden opportunities
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# Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
Wellbeing is central to student success, with a proactive approach to creating a positive school climate.
- Anti-bullying approach: Clear policies, positive behaviour support, and restorative practices
- House system: House groups to foster friendly competition, belonging, and leadership opportunities
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to pastoral care staff to support emotional and social development
- Transition support for new students: Structured orientation, buddy systems and gradual integration programs to help new students settle
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# Facilities
The school’s facilities support a well-rounded program across academics, arts, sports and technology.
- Sports grounds: On-site playing fields and courts
- Libraries: Dedicated library spaces with a range of resources
- Science labs: Practical science learning spaces
- Music/performing arts centers: Rehearsal and performance areas to support creative programs
- Tech/innovation labs: Digital learning and hands-on technology spaces
- Cafeteria: On-site canteen or dining services supporting healthy eating options
- Updated playgrounds: Modern, age-appropriate play spaces
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# School Values & Community Culture
St Mary’s Geelong aims to cultivate compassionate, respectful and responsible students who act with integrity.
- School values / mission: Faith-based education grounded in Catholic values; respect, responsibility, and service
- Leadership style: Student voice through class leadership, student councils and program involvement
- Behaviour expectations: Clear code of conduct aligned with school values; consistent, fair expectations
- Community reputation: Welcomes families from diverse backgrounds; active parish and community involvement
- Diversity & inclusion: Emphasis on inclusion, belonging and respect for all students
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# School Logistics & Daily Operations
Essential daily logistics help families plan around school life.
- School hours: Typically 9:00 am–3:15 pm (with variations by year level)
- Before/after school care: Available or coordinated through local providers/programs
- Uniform requirements: Standard school uniform policy with details from the school
- Transport: Local bus routes and school transport information available through regional networks
- Canteen availability: Canteen or lunch program in operation
- Fees: Moderate range; information provided at enrolment and on the school’s fees schedule
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# Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
Enrolment process and timeline
- Submit an online or paper enrolment application with required documentation (birth certificate, immunisation records, etc.)
- Application assessment and confirmation of eligibility
- Family interview or information session may be part of the process
- Offer of placement or notification of waiting list status
- Final enrolment confirmation and paperwork completed to secure a place
Waiting list
- Waiting lists may operate if all places are filled; places are typically offered based on criteria such as date of application, siblings already enrolled, parish affiliation, and educational needs
Entry requirements, tests, or interviews
- Primary school entry often does not require formal entrance tests; some schools may conduct an interview or information session to understand family expectations and student needs
Mid-year transfers
- Mid-year transfers are possible depending on vacancy, availability of places, and required transfer documentation
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# Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A values-based Catholic environment that focuses on academically solid learning, wellbeing, and community involvement.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who are curious, communicative, socially aware and committed to doing their best across academics, faith and community activities.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Enrichment in literacy and numeracy, leadership opportunities, STEM activities, arts and music programs, and competitive or recreational sports alongside clubs like robotics, chess, coding, and debating.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular newsletters, parent portals, email, and scheduled meetings; open lines of communication with teachers and administration.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- A balanced approach that integrates the Australian Curriculum with faith formation, differentiation for diverse learners, and opportunities for student voice.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Targeted interventions in literacy and numeracy, EAL/SEN support, and small-group or one-on-one assistance as needed.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Academic coaching, progress monitoring, adjustment plans, and collaboration with families to set achievable goals.
- How does the school communicate with parents? (Repeat of earlier item)
- See above: newsletters, portals, direct updates from teachers, and parent-teacher interviews.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Class sizes typically 22–26 students with teacher differentiation and targeted support to ensure individual attention within the classroom.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A range of sports (netball, soccer, basketball, football, athletics), music and arts programs, 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, tech/innovation labs, canteen, and updated playgrounds.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integration of technology in learning with age-appropriate devices and software to support collaboration, research and digital literacy.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Local bus routes and school transport information available; access to school facilities for students with accessibility needs.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- Fees are in the moderate range for primary Catholic schools; detailed fees provided at enrolment and on the school’s published schedule.
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# Short Pros & Cons list
- Pros
- Catholic values-based education with a supportive, inclusive culture
- Medium-sized community that balances relationship feel with a broad range of programs
- Strong literacy and numeracy focus alongside STEM, arts and leadership opportunities
- Diverse extracurriculars and clubs; active wellbeing and pastoral support
- Modern facilities across science, technology, arts and sport
- Cons
- As a mid-sized school, demand can create waiting lists for popular year levels
- Uniforms and certain programs may require regular purchases; costs vary by family
- Availability of some specialty programs or mid-year transfers depends on vacancies
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