## 1. Overview
St Mary’s Primary School, Warners Bay is a Catholic, co-educational primary school shaped by a values-driven learning community. The school focuses on fostering faith, character and academic growth within a supportive, inclusive environment.
As a small-to-medium coastal community school, class sizes are designed to support individual attention and strong teacher-student relationships. The atmosphere is nurturing and faith-filled, with emphasis on wellbeing, collaboration, and the development of practical skills alongside academics.
## 2. Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: strong literacy and numeracy foundations, with emphasis on STEM, creative arts and critical thinking across key learning areas.
- Special programs: enrichment opportunities and leadership development; gifted and talented pathways where available to extend capable students.
- NAPLAN trends: steady and improving trajectories in reading and numeracy over recent years, with ongoing focus on data-informed teaching.
- Student-teacher ratios: generally small-to-medium class sizes (approximately 20–25 students per class), enabling attentive instruction and targeted support.
- Support for diverse learners: dedicated support for diverse learners including EAL (where applicable), Learning Support Team involvement, and targeted interventions to assist students needing additional help.
## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
- Sports offered: a broad program including soccer, netball, basketball, athletics, cricket and rugby league events during the year; regular PE and inter-school activities.
- Strong teams or achievements: active participation in local and district competitions with ongoing opportunities to represent the school in various events.
- Music, arts, drama programs: inclusive music ensembles, choir and school productions that showcase student talents.
- Clubs: after-school activities such as robotics, chess, coding and debating are offered to broaden skills and collaboration.
- Partnerships: connections with local community clubs and opportunities to participate in regional competitions and events through Catholic education networks.
## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: whole-school framework promoting respectful relationships, wellbeing education and a zero-tolerance stance on bullying.
- House system: house-based activities that support teamwork, leadership development and school spirit.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: access to school wellbeing staff and supportive services to assist students and families.
- Transition support for new students: orientation programs, buddy systems and family liaison to help new students settle in smoothly.
## 5. Facilities
- Sports grounds: dedicated spaces for physical education and outdoor activities.
- Libraries: a well-equipped library supporting reading, research and inquiry.
- Science labs: facilities that support practical science learning and experiments.
- Music/performing arts centers: spaces for music lessons, rehearsals and performances.
- Tech/innovation labs: classrooms and spaces that support technology and digital learning.
- Cafeteria: on-site canteen or meals program to support student nutrition.
- Updated playgrounds: age-appropriate play areas and modern outdoor spaces for recreation and learning.
## 6. School Values & Community Culture
- School values / mission: grounded in Catholic faith, service, integrity, respect and care for others.
- Leadership style: collaborative and student-inclusive, with opportunities for student voice and leadership roles.
- Behaviour expectations: clear codes of conduct and positive behaviour support to foster a respectful learning environment.
- Community reputation: a supportive and close-knit school community known for its warmth and partner-in-family approach.
- Diversity & inclusion: welcoming environment that supports diversity and inclusive learning for all students.
## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: typical school day with morning lessons and afternoon sessions; term-time calendar observed.
- Before/after school care: after-school care and supervision options available to families.
- Uniform requirements: school uniform policy in place, with guidance on daily dress and event-specific attire.
- Transport: local bus routes and planned drop-off/pick-up arrangements; accessibility considerations supported as appropriate.
- Canteen availability: canteen or snack options available during breaks.
- Fees: fees generally sit in the medium range for NSW Catholic primary schools, with potential additional costs for excursions, camps and uniform items.
## 8. Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Enquiries typically begin with an information session or school briefing, followed by the submission of the formal application through the diocesan or school-specific process. There is usually a defined calendar for applications, interviews or information nights, and a notification timeline for offers and waitlist status.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- A waiting list may operate depending on year level availability. Priority is often given to siblings and parish connections, with families updated on their status at regular intervals.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Entry requirements generally focus on enrolment documentation, parish/catholic community involvement where relevant, and a discussion with the principal or enrolments team. Formal testing is not typically required for primary entry, though some years may include brief assessments to identify learning support needs or placement considerations.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers are considered subject to vacancy. The process typically includes completion of transfer documents, student records, and a smooth transition plan to support the new student’s onboarding.
## 9. Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A strong Catholic ethos, nurturing community, supportive staff, small-to-medium class sizes and a focus on wellbeing and values-based education.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who thrive in a faith-informed, community-driven environment with opportunities for leadership, collaboration and balanced academics.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Enrichment programs, STEM and literacy support, leadership opportunities, sports, music, drama and after-school clubs such as robotics, chess, coding and debating.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular newsletters, parent-teacher interviews, emails, a school portal or app, and direct contact with teachers and administrative staff.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- Differentiated, enquiry-based learning with a focus on core literacy and numeracy, integrated STEM, arts and technology, and continuous assessment to guide teaching.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Access to Learning Support Team, targeted interventions, adjustments for diverse learners and collaboration with families to support progress.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Individualized strategies, small-group interventions and referrals to additional resources as needed, with an emphasis on early identification and response.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- See above: newsletters, interviews, digital communications and direct channels to teachers and leaders.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Typical class sizes are around 20–25 students, with opportunities for small-group instruction and targeted support to meet individual needs.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A broad range of sports, music and arts programs, and after-school clubs including robotics, chess, coding and debating.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Sports grounds, library, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, technology/innovation labs, canteen, and updated outdoor play areas.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integration of technology across the curriculum, with computer/lab access and digital learning practices that promote safe, responsible use.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Local transport options including bus routes and drop-off/pick-up arrangements; accessibility considerations to support diverse students.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- Fees are in the medium range for NSW Catholic primary schools, with potential extra costs for uniforms, excursions, camps and optional activities.
## 10. Short Pros & Cons list
- Pros
- Catholic faith-based environment with values-driven education
- Nurturing, inclusive and supportive community
- Small-to-medium class sizes enabling individual attention
- Strong wellbeing and pastoral care focus
- Broad range of academics, sports, arts and clubs
- Cons
- Religious focus may not suit families seeking a secular setting
- Waiting lists may apply for some year levels
- Uniform costs and additional activity fees can add to expenses
- Availability of some programs or clubs may vary by year or cohort
- Transport options may require coordinated planning for families outside the immediate area
