St Mary's Primary School - Myrtleford

## Overview St Mary’s Primary School – Myrtleford is a Catholic, co-educational primary school serving Myrtleford and surrounding communities. The school is small to medium in size, with class groups typically around 20–25 students, fostering a close-knit and supportive community. The atmosphere is nurturing and inclusive, guided by Catholic values and a strong emphasis on faith formation, academic growth, and service to others. The school aims to provide a balanced educational experience where students feel valued, safe, and inspired to learn. With a focus on respectful relationships, real-world learning, and community engagement, St Mary’s supports families who want a values-based education that still prioritises high standards in literacy, numeracy, and personal development. --- ## Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: strong emphasis on literacy and numeracy, with a focus on developing confident readers, writers, and mathematicians within a values-based framework. - Special programs: core curriculum integrated with religious education; opportunities for extension in key subjects; support for gifted and talented learners where available. - NAPLAN / trends: trends typically show steady progress in literacy and numeracy with ongoing focus on improvement across year levels. - Student-teacher ratios: small-to-medium class sizes support attentive teaching and personalised guidance. - Support for diverse learners: dedicated support for diverse learners, including targeted intervention, and resources for EAL and SEN needs to help all students access the curriculum. --- ## Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: a range of school-based and interschool activities typical for regional primary schools, including team sports such as netball, basketball, football (soccer), AFL, athletics, and cricket where appropriate. - Strong teams or achievements: active participation in district and regional events with an emphasis on teamwork, sportspersonship, and personal bests. - Music, arts, drama programs: opportunities for choir, school performances, and creative arts that complement academic learning. - Clubs: robotics, coding, chess, debating, and other enrichment activities designed to develop problem-solving and critical thinking. - Partnerships: connections with local community clubs and regional competitions to broaden experiences and opportunities for students. --- ## Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: clear anti-bullying policies with a whole-school commitment to respectful, inclusive behaviour. - House system: a house-based structure that fosters belonging, teamwork, and healthy competition. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: access to school wellbeing personnel to support social-emotional learning and individual needs. - Transition support for new students: buddy programs, orientation sessions, and family information evenings to help new arrivals settle in smoothly. --- ## Facilities - Sports grounds - Libraries - Science labs - Music/performing arts centers - Tech/innovation labs or computer facilities - Cafeteria - Updated playgrounds Visual, well-organised spaces support learning across subject areas and provide venues for performances, science activities, and creative projects. --- ## School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: Catholic ethos emphasizing faith, compassion, service, and respect; education that develops character alongside academic skills. - Leadership style: collaborative leadership that encourages teacher, student, and family voice in school life. - Behaviour expectations: clear codes of conduct built on respect, responsibility, and resilience. - Community reputation: a close-knit local school with active parental involvement and a supportive parish community. - Diversity & inclusion: welcoming environment that supports diversity, inclusion, and accessibility for all students, including those with diverse learning needs. --- ## School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: aligned with regional timetables, typically starting mid-morning and finishing mid-to-late afternoon; exact times published by the school each year. - Before/after school care: OSHC or similar options are commonly available or can be arranged locally; check with the school for current provision. - Uniform requirements: formal school uniform with designated items; details provided by the school, including any seasonal variations. - Transport (train/bus routes): local bus routes and school transport arrangements are available or can be arranged; families should confirm specific routes with the school. - Canteen availability: on-site or school-approved canteen options offering healthy meals and snacks. - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): fees are in the regional Catholic primary range, with transparent upfront information and any additional costs for excursions or activities communicated clearly. --- ## Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Submit an enquiry or application form with required documents. - Provide proof of age, immunisation records, and any baptism or parish details if relevant. - Participate in the school’s admission process (interview or information session) and receive a placement offer if available. - Confirm enrollment by returning required forms and paying deposits or fees as directed. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - Waiting lists are common when spaces are full. Offers are typically made in order of priority (e.g., siblings, parish history, date of application) and spaces become available as other families confirm enrolment or move. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - An interview or information session is often part of the process. - Entry considerations may include readiness for school, age eligibility, and alignment with the school’s values. Some Catholic schools request baptism or parish involvement as part of the enrolment process, though requirements can vary. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Mid-year transfers are considered if spaces are available. Parents should contact the school promptly to discuss availability and required documentation, with a view to arranging an appropriate transition plan for the student. --- ## Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A values-based Catholic education in a nurturing, small-to-medium community with strong pastoral care and a focus on literacy, numeracy, and character development. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who benefit from a supportive, faith-informed environment, close teacher-student relationships, and opportunities to participate in a broad range of academics, arts, and sports. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Extension opportunities in core subjects, involvement in clubs (robotics, coding, chess, debating), musical and arts programs, and a range of sports through interschool and local events. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Through newsletters, a parent portal or app, emails, and regular parent-teacher meetings; open channels for ongoing dialogue with teachers and leaders. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - Differentiated instruction within a Catholic learning framework, with emphasis on literacy, numeracy, critical thinking, faith formation, and real-world applications; ongoing assessment to tailor support. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Targeted interventions, small-group or one-on-one support, and access to learning support staff to help students progress. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Structured learning support plans, coordinated with teachers, specialists, and families to address individual needs and track progress. - How does the school communicate with parents? (Note: same as above) - See above: newsletters, parent portal/app, emails, and meetings. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes are small-to-medium, designed to allow more personalised attention from teachers and closer monitoring of each student’s progress. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A range of sports (netball, basketball, AFL/soccer, athletics, etc.), plus clubs in robotics, coding, chess, debating, music, and visual/performing arts. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Sports grounds, library, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs or computer facilities, canteen, and updated playgrounds. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integration of digital literacy across the curriculum with appropriate devices, software, and support to prepare students for responsible, effective use of technology. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Local transport options, including bus routes, with accessibility considerations and drop-off/pick-up arrangements as applicable. - What are typical school fees or additional costs? - Fees are in the regional range for Catholic primary schools, with transparent information on uniforms, excursions, and other approved activities; exact amounts are provided by the school each year. --- ## Short Pros & Cons - Pros - Strong Catholic foundations with a nurturing, inclusive culture - Small-to-medium class sizes enabling personal attention - Comprehensive wellbeing and pastoral care - Broad range of academic, arts, and sports opportunities - Active community and family involvement - Cons - Smaller school may have more limited course breadth than larger urban schools - Transport logistics may require planning for families outside walking distance - Fees and costs (uniforms, excursions) are an ongoing consideration, as with most independent/religious schools - Availability of mid-year transfers depends on spaces and timing If you’d like, I can tailor this further with any specifics you have from the school or adjust tone for a particular audience (e.g., parents of younger children vs. parents of pre-teens).