Overview
St Mary’s Primary School – Kalgoorlie is a Catholic, co-educational primary school serving families in Kalgoorlie and the surrounding region. The school emphasises faith-based education, character development, and high-quality teaching in a caring, inclusive environment. It is a small-to-medium sized school with a warm, family-like atmosphere that supports students to thrive academically, socially and spiritually.
Class sizes are kept deliberately manageable to encourage strong teacher-student relationships and personalised learning. The overall culture is nurturing and inclusive, with a focus on community, service, and helping every child reach their potential.
Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: Literacy and numeracy are foundational priorities, with opportunities to engage in STEM activities, digital literacy, and strong reading programs. The school typically integrates faith-based values with everyday learning to support holistic development. Leadership and personal development are encouraged through classroom responsibilities and school activities.
- Special programs: Religious Education is central to the curriculum, with pathways for sacraments and faith formation. Where available, there are extension or gifted-talent opportunities and targeted learning supports.
- Support for diverse learners: Comprehensive support for diverse learners, including tailored interventions, Learning Support for students who need extra help, and inclusive education practices. EAL and SEN supports are provided as needed within the school’s framework.
- Sports offered: The school participates in local inter-school competitions and offers core team sports such as netball, basketball, football (soccer), cricket, and athletics. There are opportunities to represent the school in various regional events.
- Strong teams or achievements: The school competes in local school sports events and showcases commitment to teamwork, sportsmanship, and achievement across age groups.
- Music, arts, drama programs: Music and performing arts are valued, with possibilities for school choirs, ensembles, and drama productions as part of the broader curriculum.
- Clubs: Common clubs include robotics, coding, chess, debating, and other STEM or arts activities that promote critical thinking and creativity.
- Partnerships: Local community partnerships and connections to regional competitions or programs support students’ development in sport, science, and arts.
Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: The school promotes a positive behaviour framework with clear expectations and proactive supports to create a safe and welcoming environment for all students.
- House system: A house-based structure helps foster belonging, leadership, and healthy competition across year levels.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to wellbeing support and guidance is available to students to support social-emotional development and resilience.
- Transition support for new students: Orientation activities, buddy programs, and transitional planning help new students settle in smoothly.
Facilities
- Sports grounds: On-site sports facilities and outdoor play areas support active learning and physical education.
- Library: A well-resourced library supports literacy and learning across the curriculum.
- Science labs: Science learning spaces/experimentation areas are available to engage students in practical investigations.
- Music/performing arts centers: Dedicated spaces for music, drama, and performance activities.
- Tech/innovation labs: Computer or ICT spaces support digital literacy and project-based learning.
- Cafeteria: On-site canteen or meal facilities provide convenient food options.
- Updated playgrounds: Safe, modern playgrounds for active play and exploration.
- School values / mission: A faith-centered mission emphasising integrity, service, respect, and care for others within a Catholic ethos.
- Leadership style: Student voice and leadership opportunities through classroom roles and house activities, guided by supportive staff.
- Behaviour expectations: Clear expectations around respect, responsibility, and kindness; consistent, fair discipline aligned with pastoral care.
- Community reputation: A welcoming, family-friendly Catholic community known for supportiveness and a focus on holistic student development.
- Diversity & inclusion: Inclusive practices and a welcoming environment for students from diverse backgrounds within the Catholic community.
School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: Typical start and finish times aligned with WA primary schedules; regular school day with established break times.
- Before/after school care: After-school care and activities are available to support working families.
- Uniform requirements: A school uniform policy with specified attire and safety guidelines.
- Transport (train/bus routes): Bus routes or school transport options may be available to support families across the region.
- Canteen availability: Canteen or food service options are available on-site.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees are positioned to be accessible within the local Catholic school sector; actual fees are confirmed on enrolment materials.
Enrolment & Admissions
- What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Start with an expression of interest or application, followed by submission of required documents (e.g., birth certificate, immunisation, and parish information where relevant).
- The school conducts an intake review and may include a brief meeting or interview with families and students.
- Confirmed timelines vary by year and year level; families are guided through the steps with an enrolment officer or principal.
- Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Waiting lists are common when year-level capacity is reached. Applications may be placed on a waiting list with priority given to siblings and enrolment order.
- The school will inform families of expected wait times and any opportunities for earlier placement if spaces become available.
- Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Generally, there is no external entrance exam for primary-level admission, but a short interview or orientation meeting with families and students is common.
- The school may request proof of immunisations and other standard enrolment documentation; faith-based expectations or parish involvement may be discussed as part of the enrolment process.
- Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers are sometimes possible, subject to space and transitional planning. A smooth transfer plan is typically developed to support continuity in learning and wellbeing.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A caring Catholic community that supports academic growth, character development, and faith formation in a small-to-medium school setting.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who respond well to a supportive, inclusive environment with a focus on reading, numeracy, faith, and service to others.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Access to enrichment programs in literacy, numeracy, STEM, arts, music, drama, and sport; clubs such as robotics, coding, chess, and debating; and active participation in inter-school competitions.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular updates through newsletters, portals, parent-teacher conferences, and school events; clear channels for reporting progress and wellbeing.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- A student-centered approach that integrates faith with learning, emphasising literacy, numeracy, critical thinking, and collaboration.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Targeted intervention through a Learning Support framework, small-group or one-on-one support, and differentiation within the classroom.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Access to teaching staff, learning support staff, and wellbeing professionals to develop customised plans and monitor progress.
- How does the school communicate with parents? (Repeat)
- See above; ongoing, transparent communication tailored to families’ needs.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A range of sports and clubs, including team sports and STEM/arts clubs, with opportunities to participate in inter-school events and performances.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Sports grounds, library, science labs, music/arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, canteen, and updated outdoor play areas.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integrates digital literacy and technology use across the curriculum, with age-appropriate ICT resources and opportunities for coding and problem-solving.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Transport options such as school bus routes or local arrangements; accessibility considerations are addressed to support all families.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- Fees are set to align with the Catholic primary sector; specific costs are confirmed on enrolment materials and can be discussed with the school administration.
Short Pros & Cons list
- Strong Catholic values and faith formation within a nurturing, inclusive environment
- Supportive wellbeing and pastoral care with a focus on character development
- Broad range of sports, arts, and STEM/tech opportunities
- Active community involvement and parent engagement
- Being a Catholic school, enrolment may prioritise Catholic families and parish involvement
- Remote location considerations for families living outside Kalgoorlie
- Waiting lists can occur in popular year levels
- Public transport options may vary; some families may rely on school transport or car parking.
Note: Please verify all details with the school to ensure accuracy for your Enrolments & FAQ page.
