## Overview
St Mary’s Primary School, Young is a Catholic, co-educational primary school in Young, NSW. The school fosters a faith-based community where learning and values go hand in hand, with a strong emphasis on pastoral care, respect, and service to others. The environment is welcoming and family-oriented, characteristic of a small-to-medium rural school.
Class sizes are typically in the low-to-mid 20s, contributing to a warm, supportive atmosphere where teachers know students well. The culture prioritises inclusivity, supportive relationships, and opportunities for every child to participate in school life.
## Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: Strong focus on literacy and numeracy, with enrichment in STEM activities and leadership opportunities. The curriculum supports core subjects while encouraging critical thinking and problem-solving.
- Special programs: Religious Education sits at the core of the program, along with opportunities for enrichment and potential gifted/talented pathways. Digital literacy and ICT integration are also encouraged.
- NAPLAN / trends: NSW-wide trends show steady progress and ongoing use of results to tailor teaching. In smaller rural schools, year-to-year variation can occur, but the school tracks progress to inform planning.
- Student-teacher ratios: Roughly around 1:15, providing opportunities for individual feedback and targeted support within a small-school setting.
- Support for diverse learners: Inclusive education with support for diverse learners, including EAL and SEN needs, through targeted strategies and learning support within the classroom.
## Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
- Sports offered: A range of sports typical for NSW primary schools, including soccer, netball, cricket, rugby league, athletics, and cross-country.
- Strong teams or achievements: Participation in local zone carnivals and regional inter-school events; emphasis on teamwork, sportsmanship, and personal bests.
- Music, arts, drama programs: School choir, regular music and drama performances, and opportunities to engage in arts activities throughout the year.
- Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, debating and other interest clubs are often available to extend learning beyond the classroom.
- Partnerships: Connections with local sporting clubs and regional competitions to provide additional pathways for students to compete and learn.
## Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: Clear anti-bullying policy with proactive prevention and restorative practices to support a positive school climate.
- House system: House-based activities and competitions foster belonging, teamwork, and healthy competition.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to wellbeing staff or visiting counsellors to support social-emotional learning and student welfare.
- Transition support for new students: Orientation programs, buddy systems, and information evenings to help new families settle in smoothly.
## Facilities
- Sports grounds
- Libraries
- Science labs
- Music/performing arts centers
- Tech/innovation labs
- Cafeteria
- Updated playgrounds
## School Values & Community Culture
- School values / mission: Catholic ethos focusing on faith, compassion, respect, responsibility, and service to others.
- Leadership style: Student voice through councils and leadership opportunities; collaborative team approach among staff, students, and families.
- Behaviour expectations: Clear code of conduct with positive behavior supports and consistent routines.
- Community reputation: Strong, supportive community with active family involvement and partnerships.
- Diversity & inclusion: Welcoming and inclusive environment that respects and values diverse backgrounds and experiences.
## School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: Approximately 9:00 am–3:15 pm (subject to minor local variations); before/after school care available.
- Before/after school care: Available to support families.
- Uniform requirements: School uniform is required; details provided by the school.
- Transport (train/bus routes): Bus routes within town and surrounding areas; accessibility for student drop-off and pick-up.
- Canteen availability: Canteen services during recess and lunch periods with everyday and special options.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees are moderate, with additional costs for uniforms, excursions, and book packs; families can expect typical voluntary contributions and activity fees.
## Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Interested families should contact the school to requested enrollment information and an application pack.
- Submit the enrollment form along with required documents (birth certificate, immunisation records, and any parish or baptism information if applicable).
- The school may arrange a short interview or meeting with the principal or registrar.
- Offers and confirmations are made for forthcoming intakes, with timelines varying by year and space; in rural areas, there may be rolling intake depending on vacancy.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Yes, it is common to have a waiting list when classes reach capacity.
- Places are allocated based on application date, siblings already attending the school, and available space in the required year level.
- Families are kept informed of waiting list status and expected timelines.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- There is typically no formal entrance exam.
- An interview or family meeting with the principal or admissions officer is common.
- Immunisation records and basic enrolment documentation are required; baptism or parish information may be requested but not always mandatory.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Yes, mid-year transfers are considered provided there is space in the relevant year level.
- The school supports a smooth transition with orientation and, where possible, a transition plan.
## Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A values-driven Catholic education in a close-knit community with small class sizes and strong pastoral care.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who flourish in a supportive, faith-based, community environment with opportunities to participate in a wide range of activities.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Enrichment in literacy/numeracy, STEM activities, leadership, coding/robotics clubs, music and drama, sport teams, and school-wide performances.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Through newsletters, emails, school app or portal, SMS reminders, and regular parent-teacher conferences.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- Differentiated instruction within a faith-informed framework; emphasis on core literacy and numeracy, inquiry-based learning, and ICT integration.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- In-class adjustments, targeted small-group instruction, learning support staff, and access to specialist or resource teachers as needed.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Individualized plans and timely interventions, with ongoing progress monitoring and collaboration with families.
- How does the school communicate with parents? (repeated)
- Open channels including meetings, emails, and school newsletters; proactive updates about student progress and school events.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Class sizes are small to medium (roughly 18–22 students), allowing more teacher feedback and closer supervision.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A broad range of sports (soccer, netball, cricket, rugby league, athletics), plus robotics, coding, chess, debating, music, and drama activities.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Sports grounds, library, science labs, performing arts space, dedicated music facilities, tech/innovation labs, cafeteria, and updated playgrounds.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integration of ICT into learning with computer labs or devices, digital citizenship education, and age-appropriate technology use.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Local bus routes and transport options; car drop-off/pick-up zones; accessible facilities as part of school design.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- Moderate fees with additional costs for uniforms, excursions, book packs, and optional activities.
## Short Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Close-knit Catholic community with strong pastoral care
- Small-to-medium class sizes enabling individual attention
- Clear values framework and emphasis on character
- Broad range of extracurriculars (sports, arts, clubs)
- Supportive transition for new students and families
Cons:
- Limited specialist subject breadth compared with larger schools
- Transportation considerations for families in outlying areas
- Year-to-year variation in some metrics due to small school size
- Fewer elective options than urban schools, depending on staffing and partnerships
