St Mary's Primary School - Whittlesea

## 1. Overview St Mary’s Primary School, Whittlesea is a Catholic co-educational primary school that serves families in the Whittlesea community. The school is a medium-sized, faith-based learning community focused on building strong academic foundations within a caring, inclusive environment. Class sizes are designed to support individual attention, with typical groups of around 18–25 students depending on year level. The atmosphere at St Mary’s is nurturing and values-driven, emphasising respect, compassion, and service. The school encourages a positive, collaborative culture where students are known and supported, and where faith-informed learning underpins daily activities, leadership opportunities, and community involvement. --- ## 2. Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: Strong emphasis on literacy and numeracy, with a supportive framework for STEM learning and digital literacy. The curriculum also includes opportunities for leadership development and meaningful learning experiences across subjects. - Special programs: Catholic identity and faith formation are integrated into the curriculum. The school may offer opportunities for gifted and talented learners and targeted enrichment within the classroom. - NAPLAN / trend: The school seeks steady progress in literacy and numeracy over recent years, with a focus on using data to drive targeted support and track student growth. - Student-teacher ratios: Class groups are arranged to allow targeted instruction and greater teacher attention, supporting individual learning needs. - Support for diverse learners: EAL (English as an Additional Language) support and SEN (Special Educational Needs) assistance are available to help students access the curriculum and participate fully. --- ## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: A range of team and individual sports appropriate for primary students, with opportunities to participate in school and inter-school events. - Strong teams or achievements: The school participates in local inter-school competitions and showcases student talent through school-based fixtures and events. - Music, arts, drama programs: Active music and performing arts programs, including choir and school productions, support creative development and confidence. - Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating, and other interest-based clubs are available to extend learning beyond the classroom. - Partnerships: Connections with local sports clubs and community groups help broaden opportunities for students to compete and learn beyond the school gates. --- ## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: A proactive, whole-school approach to safety and respectful relationships, with clear policies and ongoing education on positive behaviour. - House system: A house framework supports belonging, healthy competition, and leadership opportunities across year levels. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to wellbeing staff to support emotional health, resilience, and social skills development. - Transition support for new students: Welcoming programs, buddy systems, and tailored induction to help new students settle in smoothly. --- ## 5. Facilities - Sports grounds: Adequate outdoor spaces for physical education and games. - Libraries: A well-equipped library to support reading for pleasure and research. - Science labs: Available spaces for hands-on science exploration and discovery. - Music/performing arts centers: Areas dedicated to music, drama, and performances. - Tech/innovation labs: Facilities that support digital learning, robotics, and coding activities. - Cafeteria: On-site canteen or meal facilities for student nourishment. - Updated playgrounds: Well-maintained play areas that encourage active break times. --- ## 6. School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: A Catholic mission that emphasises faith, service, respect, and community involvement. - Leadership style: Student voice and leadership opportunities are encouraged, with adults guiding and supporting growth. - Behaviour expectations: Clear positive-behaviour policies and restorative practices to help students learn from mistakes. - Community reputation: A welcoming, values-driven community known for support, inclusion, and faith-based learning. - Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to creating an inclusive environment where every student is respected and able to participate fully. --- ## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: Regular school day with start and finish times suitable for families; structure supports learning continuity. - Before/after school care: Available or coordinated through on-site or partner providers to meet family needs. - Uniform requirements: Dress code consistent with school policy, including approved uniform pieces and footwear. - Transport (train/bus routes): Public transport options and school-related drop-off/pick-up arrangements available to families. - Canteen availability: On-site canteen or arrangements for meals and snacks during the day. - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Catholic primary education with associated fees; financial assistance options may be available for families in need. --- ## 8. Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Applications typically open for the upcoming school year with a defined timeline published by the school. The process usually includes submitting documentation, attending information sessions or open days, and meeting school staff. Key dates are communicated accordingly. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - It is common for Catholic primary schools to have a waiting list once grade levels reach capacity. The school will advise on current wait times, how priority is determined (e.g., siblings, Catholic parish affiliation), and the process for applying to be placed on the list. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - Entry may involve an application review, supporting documents, and possibly an interview or meeting with families to discuss fit with the school’s values and program. Some years or programs may have additional requirements. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Mid-year transfers may be possible if space is available. Prospective families should contact the school early to discuss placement, documentation, and alignment with the current cohort’s timetable. --- ## 9. Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - Catholic values, a caring community, strong literacy and numeracy foundations, and opportunities for spiritual growth and leadership. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who value a faith-based environment, supportive teachers, and a balanced focus on academics, wellbeing, and community involvement. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Enrichment in literacy and numeracy, STEM and digital learning, arts and music programs, sports, and a variety of clubs (robotics, chess, coding, debating). - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular newsletters, events, parent-teacher meetings, and digital platforms that share learning progress and notices. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - Student-centered, differentiated instruction within a Catholic framework that supports inquiry, collaboration, and real-world connections. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Targeted supports within the classroom, additional tutoring or intervention where available, and access to EAL/SEN assistance. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Early identification of needs, individualized planning, and practical strategies to help students catch up and stay engaged. - How does the school communicate with parents? - See above: ongoing updates through multiple channels, including digital platforms and regular meetings. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes are designed to enable targeted instruction; teachers focus on small-group and individual support where needed. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A range of sports, arts, music, and clubs such as robotics, chess, coding, and debating, with opportunities to participate in inter-school events. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Sports grounds, library, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation facilities, cafeteria, and modern playgrounds. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integration of ICT across the curriculum, with devices and digital tools used to enhance learning and partner with age-appropriate online resources. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Local bus routes or public transport options, with school-approved arrangements for safe travel and drop-off/pick-up. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Fees are set to reflect Catholic primary education; families may have access to support or concessions depending on circumstances. --- ## 10. Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Catholic, values-driven education with a caring community - Balanced focus on academics, wellbeing, and faith - Support for diverse learners and inclusive practices - Wide range of extracurriculars and clubs - Moderate class sizes enabling individual attention - Cons - As with many faith-based schools, religious education and activities are central to school life, which may not suit all families - Fees apply; some families may require financial assistance - Availability of certain programs or clubs may vary year to year depending on staffing and enrollment