St Mary's Primary School - Hampton

## 1. Overview - School type: Catholic primary - School size: Medium (roughly 250–350 students) - Class size: 20–25 students - Atmosphere/culture: Nurturing, inclusive, faith-based community with a focus on values and belonging ⸻ ## 2. Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: Strong English/literacy and numeracy foundations; integrated Catholic Studies; emphasis on critical thinking, communication, and wellbeing; opportunities to develop leadership and community-mindedness - Special programs: Religious education and faith formation; EAL (English as an Additional Language) support; Gifted and Talented opportunities (where available); library programs and STEAM activities; targeted interventions as needed - NAPLAN / trends: Historical data typically show stable or improving progress in key areas; consult the latest school annual report for current trend details - Student-teacher ratios: Approximately 1:12–1:20 across the school; typical class sizes of 20–25 - Support for diverse learners: EAL support, learning support plans, in-class assistance, and referral pathways for additional needs; inclusive education practices ⸻ ## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: Soccer, netball, basketball, AFL-inspired activities, cricket, athletics, swimming programs - Strong teams or achievements: Participation in local inter-school competitions with opportunities for representative selection and school-level recognitions - Music, arts, drama programs: School choir, instrumental music lessons, regular drama/performing arts productions - Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating - Partnerships: Local clubs and community groups; participation in inter-school competitions and arts/cultural partnerships ⸻ ## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: Clear anti-bullying policies, positive behaviour support, and peer-buddy programs - House system: House activities and events to foster teamwork, leadership, and belonging - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school wellbeing staff or a designated counsellor/wellbeing coordinator - Transition support for new students: Orientation programs, buddy systems, and targeted transition support to help new families settle in ⸻ ## 5. Facilities - Sports grounds: Dedicated outdoor spaces for physical education and sport - Libraries: On-site library with reading resources and study areas - Science labs: Equipped spaces for hands-on experiments and science learning - Music/performing arts centers: Music rooms and performance spaces - Tech/innovation labs: ICT/STEAM-focused areas for coding and technology activities - Cafeteria: On-site canteen offering healthy meal options - Updated playgrounds: Well-maintained outdoor play spaces ⸻ ## 6. School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: Catholic values-centered education emphasizing respect, compassion, service, and integrity - Leadership style: Collaborative leadership with student voice and opportunities for leadership roles - Behaviour expectations: Clear code of conduct emphasizing respect, responsibility, and kindness - Community reputation: Positive standing within the local parish and broader community - Diversity & inclusion: Inclusive environment welcoming families from diverse backgrounds ⸻ ## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: Typical day from around 9:00 am to 3:30 pm, with supervision from 8:30 am; before/after school care available by arrangement - Before/after school care: Available or arranged through partner providers; details on enrollment - Uniform requirements: School uniform policy with designated daily wear and sports uniform on PE days (sun hats for outdoor activities) - Transport (train/bus routes): Access via nearby public transport; designated drop-off/pick-up zones; parking considerations - Canteen availability: On-site canteen or lunch-order options; healthy meal choices - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees fall in the low-to-mid range for Catholic primary schools; additional costs may apply for camps, excursions, and certain activities ⸻ ## 8. Enrolment & Admissions - 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Submit expression of interest or application - Complete school-specific forms and documents - Possible interview or information session - Offer of place and confirmation of enrolment - Orientation or transition activities before the start of the school year - 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - Some year groups may have a waiting list; priority often given to siblings and parish/religious community considerations; offers made as vacancies occur - 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - Requirements commonly include verification of parish/baptism details; some schools may conduct short information sessions or interviews; formal entrance testing is not typical for most Catholic primary schools - 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Yes, subject to vacancies; requires appropriate documentation and an intake process to align with the new term ⸻ ## 9. Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A values-based, caring community with strong pastoral care and a focus on the holistic development of each child - What type of student thrives at this school? - Kind, curious, engaged, respectful students who value community and learning - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Extension in literacy and numeracy, leadership opportunities, a range of sports teams, music and drama, and clubs such as robotics, chess, coding, and debating - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular newsletters, school app/portal updates, parent-teacher meetings, emails, and SMS reminders - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - Student-centered, differentiated instruction; inclusive education; integration of technology and Catholic values across the curriculum - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - In-class supports, targeted interventions, learning plans, and access to specialist staff (e.g., EAL and learning support) - What support is available for academic challenges? - Additional tutoring or small-group sessions, referrals to appropriate specialists, and ongoing teacher collaboration for effective planning - How does the school communicate with parents? - See above: consistent use of digital platforms, newsletters, and meetings - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Classes typically around 20–25 students; teachers provide regular formative feedback and opportunities for small-group or one-to-one support - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A broad offering including clubs (robotics, chess, coding, debating) and a range of team sports - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Comprehensive facilities for sports, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, and arts/media resources - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integrated ICT across the curriculum with interactive tools, computer/lab access, and emphasis on digital citizenship - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Access via public transport nearby, with designated drop-off/pick-up zones and parking; accommodates different family travel needs - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Fees are in the low-to-mid range for primary Catholic schools; occasional additional costs for camps, excursions, and voluntary contributions ⸻ ## 10. Short Pros & Cons - Pros - Values-based Catholic education with a caring, inclusive community - Strong pastoral care and wellbeing focus - Broad range of academics, arts, and sports opportunities - Support for diverse learners and a culture of belonging - Active parent and community engagement - Cons - Religious alignment may not suit all families - Competition for vacancies in popular year groups - Smaller school size may limit some elective options compared with larger schools - Some extra activities may incur costs beyond standard fees