St Mary’s Primary School - Scone

## 1. Overview St Mary’s Primary School, Scone is a Catholic, co-educational primary schoolserving families in the Scone region. The school focuses on nurturing faith, learning and community, with a strong connection to the local parish and wider Catholic tradition. It provides a small-to-mid sized school community where students can develop academically, socially and spiritually in a supportive environment. - School type: Catholic - School size: Small to medium - Class size: Typically around 20–24 students per class - Atmosphere/culture: Nurturing, inclusive, faith-based with a focus on belonging and core values ⸻ ## 2. Academics & Learning St Mary’s emphasises solid foundations in literacy and numeracy, with programs that integrate faith-based learning into everyday topics. Students are supported to develop critical thinking, creativity and practical problem-solving through hands-on activities and real-world applications. - Academic strengths: Literacy and numeracy foundations; integrated faith-based learning; emphasis on inquiry, numeracy routines and early STEM experiences - Special programs: Gifted & talented opportunities where available; targeted reading and numeracy support; collaborative learning projects - NAPLAN trends: Steady, regional-typical progress over previous years; consistent performance improvements rather than fluctuating scores - Student-teacher ratios: Approximately 1:14 to 1:20, depending on year level and class - Support for diverse learners: Learning support team; inclusive education practices; EAL/D and SEN support where needed ⸻ ## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths Sports and activities are a strong focus, with opportunities for teamwork, fitness and school spirit. The program supports boys and girls across key development years. - Sports offered: Soccer, netball, rugby league, cricket, athletics, swimming; occasional cross-country and friendly inter-school events - Strong teams or achievements: Active participation in inter-school events and regional carnivals; emphasis on sportsmanship and team development - Music, arts, drama programs: School choir, possible instrumental/music programs, school productions and performing arts activities - Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating and other STEM/academic clubs as interest areas arise - Partnerships: Connections with local clubs and regional competitions; opportunities to participate in inter-school events and community arts programs ⸻ ## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care Wellbeing sits at the heart of daily school life, with proactive supports and structures to help students feel secure and valued. - Anti-bullying approach: Clear anti-bullying policies, prevention programs and a culture of respect; buddy and mentoring initiatives - House system: House groups foster belonging, healthy competition and school pride - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to a school counsellor or wellbeing staff for student support and resilience programs - Transition support for new students: Orientation activities, buddy programs and targeted transition support to ease entry ⸻ ## 5. Facilities The school provides purpose-built spaces and welcoming learning environments designed to support a range of activities. - Sports grounds: On-site playing fields or courts for PE and games - Libraries: School library with book collections and quiet study spaces - Science labs: Dedicated space(s) for hands-on science activities - Music/performing arts centers: Music room and space for drama/performing arts - Tech/innovation labs: Computer or STEM-oriented learning spaces - Cafeteria: On-site canteen or lunch facilities - Updated playgrounds: Kid-friendly, safe play areas and outdoor learning spaces ⸻ ## 6. School Values & Community Culture The school fosters a values-driven culture aligned with Catholic education, encouraging leadership, responsibility and compassion. - School values / mission: Faith-based, with emphasis on respect, responsibility, compassion and service - Leadership style: Collaborative and student-inclusive; opportunities for student voice and leadership roles - Behaviour expectations: Clear code of conduct; positive behaviour support; consistent routines and recognition - Community reputation: Strong links with local parish, families and parish activities; supportive local community - Diversity & inclusion: Inclusive environment that welcomes students from diverse backgrounds ⸻ ## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations Practical information helps families plan around daily routines and commitments. - School hours: Typical school day runs approximately 9:00 am–3:00 pm (with any early or late dismissal days as scheduled) - Before/after school care: Availability of before/after school care or on-site OSHC through preferred providers - Uniform requirements: School uniform with seasonal options (summer/winter); hat policy and gear expectations - Transport: Local bus routes and school transport options; arrangements for students from surrounding areas - Canteen availability: Canteen or lunch program offering healthy options - Fees: Catholic primary school fees generally in the low-to-mid range; uniform and associated costs apply ⸻ ## 8. Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Submit an online or paper application; complete any parish or school documents required; attend an information session or interview if requested; provide birth certificate, immunisation records and previous school reports; confirmation of placement when offered 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - Waiting lists can occur when vacancies are limited; priority often given to siblings, parish / church community connections, and local placement needs; notification provided as vacancies arise 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - Generally, no formal academic entrance exam for Kindergarten; may be an interview or information session for certain year levels; documentation such as baptism certificate or parish involvement may be requested; faith alignment is part of the enrolment process 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Yes, subject to vacancies and satisfactory transfer documentation; families should contact the school early to facilitate intake and ensure transcripts and records can be processed ⸻ ## 9. Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A welcoming Catholic community that supports faith, learning and care; strong focus on values, small class sizes and individual attention in a nurturing environment. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who value a faith-based learning approach, good community connections, and a balanced focus on academics, sport and arts. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Programs across reading, numeracy, and STEM; active participation in sports and inter-school events; arts, music and drama activities and various clubs. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular updates through newsletters, notices, parent-teacher interviews and digital platforms; clear channels for feedback and questions. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - Curriculum built on NSW outcomes with integrated faith education; emphasis on inquiry, collaboration, and practical application; focus on nurturing mindful, confident learners. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Targeted learning support plans, small-group instruction and access to specialist staff where available. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Individual or small-group interventions, learning support staffing and progress monitoring to identify and address gaps. - How does the school communicate with parents? - See above: regular communications through multiple channels and scheduled meetings. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes typically around 20–24 students; teacher efforts focus on providing individualized feedback and monitoring progress. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A range of sports (soccer, netball, rugby league, cricket, athletics, swimming), plus clubs like robotics, chess, coding and debating; music and arts programs. - 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 digital literacy and computer-based learning; safe and responsible use of technology as part of the curriculum. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Local bus routes and transport options; arrangements to support families from nearby areas. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Fees are in the low-to-mid range for Catholic primary schools; wash costs such as uniforms and excursions may apply. ⸻ ## 10. Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Catholic, values-focused education in a nurturing community - Small-to-mid class sizes with opportunities for individual attention - Strong emphasis on wellbeing, inclusion and family engagement - Broad range of sports, arts and clubs to support diverse interests - Positive relationships with parish and local community - Cons - As a smaller school, some specialist programs may be more limited than larger urban schools - Availability of certain programs or clubs may vary year to year based on staff and student interest - Transport options may be limited for families outside typical catchment areas ⸻ If you’d like, I can tailor any section with more specific details you provide (e.g., exact current enrolment numbers, updated facilities, or any new programs).