St Mary's Primary School - Yoogali

## Overview St Mary’s Primary School – Yoogali is a Catholic primary school in New South Wales that focuses on faith-informed learning within a caring, community-driven environment. The school fosters a supportive atmosphere where families, parish and staff collaborate to support each child’s growth. The school serves a medium-sized community, with class sizes typically around 20–25 students. The atmosphere is nurturing and inclusive, emphasising values, academic effort and a strong sense of belonging. - School type: Catholic - School size: Medium - Class size: Approximately 20–25 students - Atmosphere/culture: Nurturing, inclusive, values-based, community-focused --- ## Academics & Learning St Mary’s Yoogali prioritises solid literacy and numeracy foundations while integrating faith-based values across the curriculum. The school aims to develop curious, responsible learners who are prepared for a changing world. - Academic strengths: English and literacy, numeracy, STEM/technology integration, leadership opportunities, and digital literacy - Special programs: Gifted & Talented pathways, targeted literacy/numeracy support, inclusive learning approaches, and digital learning initiatives - NAPLAN trends: The school monitors NAPLAN trend data to guide practice, with a focus on steady improvements in literacy and numeracy over recent years - Student-teacher ratios: Roughly 1:20 to 1:25 - Support for diverse learners: EAL/D support, SEN assistance, and a dedicated learning support team --- ## Sports & Extracurricular Strengths Extracurricular life at St Mary’s Yoogali is active, with a focus on participation, teamwork and personal growth. A range of activities supports boys and girls in developing skills beyond the classroom. - Sports offered: Soccer, rugby league, basketball, cricket, athletics, swimming (in-season programs and local fixtures) - Strong teams or achievements: Active participation in local interschool competitions with opportunities to contribute to school teams - Music, arts, drama programs: Choir, school band or ensemble, school productions and performing arts events - Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating - Partnerships: Connections with local clubs and community programs for clinics, events and competitions --- ## Wellbeing & Pastoral Care Wellbeing is a core priority, with structures to support every student’s social, emotional and spiritual development. - Anti-bullying approach: Comprehensive policy, proactive education, student support and restorative practices - House system: House-based activities to foster leadership, teamwork and belonging - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: On-site wellbeing staff to support students, families and transitions - Transition support for new students: Orientation programs, buddy systems and family welcome sessions --- ## Facilities Visual, welcoming and purpose-built spaces support a broad range of learning experiences. - Sports grounds - Libraries - Science labs - Music/performing arts centers - Tech/innovation labs - Canteen - Updated playgrounds - Chapel/quiet reflection spaces --- ## School Values & Community Culture The school emphasizes faith-based education, character development and community involvement. - School values / mission: Faith, respect, responsibility, service and integrity - Leadership style: Collaborative, inclusive, with opportunities for student voice and leadership - Behaviour expectations: Positive, respectful conduct underpinned by restorative approaches - Community reputation: Supportive parish school with strong family engagement - Diversity & inclusion: Inclusive culture that welcomes and respects diverse backgrounds --- ## School Logistics & Daily Operations Clear daily routines and practical arrangements help families plan around school life. - School hours: Typical day runs 9:00 am–3:15 pm (subject to local layout; confirm on enrolment) - Before/after school care: Available through on-site or partner programs - Uniform requirements: Full uniform for daily wear; sports uniform for PE; hat and appropriate footwear - Transport: Local bus routes and car drop-off/pick-up zones; clear parking area - Canteen availability: On-site canteen with healthy options - Fees: Moderate range for NSW Catholic primary schools --- ## Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Submit an expression of interest/Application - Provide required documentation (birth, immunisation, baptism confirmation if applicable) - Interview or information session (family and student optional, depending on the school) - Enrolment decision and placement communication; orientation early in the year 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - Yes, depending on vacancies. Priority often given to siblings and parish considerations; waitlist managed by the enrolment team with regular updates 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - Applications and documentation are required; not all entrants face formal academic tests. Some schools may conduct informal readiness discussions or assessments to understand support needs; religious eligibility and parish involvement may be considered 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Yes, subject to space and alignment with student needs. Transfer process includes documentation, consent, and coordination with current school and the new site --- ## Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - Families choose St Mary’s Yoogali for a faith-informed, supportive community focused on the whole child—academic growth, strong pastoral care and active family involvement. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who value a values-based environment, collaborative learning, and participation in community life tend to thrive here. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Enriched literacy and numeracy programs, STEM and digital learning, leadership opportunities, interschool sports, music and performing arts, and clubs such as robotics, coding and debating. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular updates via newsletters, email, a parent portal or app, and scheduled parent-teacher conferences. Open channels for feedback are encouraged. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - A balanced, inclusive approach that combines core academics with faith formation, project-based and inquiry learning, and explicit instruction in literacy and numeracy. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Targeted interventions, small-group or one-on-one support, and collaboration with families to tailor learning plans. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Additional tutoring, learning support staff, and adjustments to instruction to meet individual needs. - How does the school communicate with parents? - See above: regular updates and open communication channels to discuss progress and needs. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes are typically around 20–25 students, with additional teacher aide support and targeted interventions to ensure individual attention. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A range of sports (soccer, rugby league, basketball, cricket, athletics), music and drama offerings, and clubs such as robotics, chess, coding and debating. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Sports grounds, libraries, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, a canteen, updated playgrounds and a chapel. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integrated digital literacy across the curriculum, with access to ICT resources, coding and robotics activities, and safe online learning practices. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Local bus routes and car drop-off/pick-up arrangements; accessible facilities and parking arrangements typical of a primary school setting. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Fees are in a moderate range for NSW Catholic primary schools, with information provided on enrolment and booklists. --- ## Short Pros & Cons - Pros - Faith-based values and supportive community - Strong pastoral care and inclusive culture - Balanced academics with emphasis on literacy, numeracy and digital learning - Wide range of extracurriculars and sports -Clear communication with families and collaborative leadership - Cons - Smaller to medium-size setting may have fewer subject electives than larger schools - Catholic school fees apply; total cost can be higher than government schooling - Availability of certain programs may vary by year and enrolment size