## Overview
St Matthew's Primary School is a Catholic, co-educational primary school in the Australian Capital Territory. The school aims to provide a nurturing, inclusive environment where faith-informed values support learning and personal growth. With a medium-sized campus, class sizes are designed to foster individual attention while encouraging collaboration and community involvement. The atmosphere emphasizes respect, resilience, and a positive, family-friendly culture.
Class sizes typically fall in the mid-range for primary schools, supporting 1:18–1:24 student-teacher ratios in core classes. The school prioritizes a welcoming, faith-inspired community where students develop academically, socially, and spiritually, with a focus on developing good citizenship and strong moral character.
## Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: English literacy and numeracy are central, with a focus on literacy-rich learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving. STEM and inquiry-based learning are integrated across the curriculum to build analytical skills.
- Special programs: Catholic religious education forms a core part of the learning experience, with opportunities for leadership and service. The school supports student voice and opportunities for gifted and talented learners where appropriate.
- NAPLAN / trends: Longitudinal trends are tracked to monitor progress in essential areas; schools typically aim for steady improvement year over year, with targeted support where needed.
- Student-teacher ratios: Approximate ratios are in the range of 1:18 to 1:24 in regular classrooms, supporting stronger teacher-student interactions.
- Support for diverse learners: Inclusive education practices are in place, with support for EAL students and students with additional learning needs (SEN) to access curriculum and achieve goals.
## Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
- Sports offered: A range of team and individual sports common to Australian primary schools, including soccer, netball, basketball, cricket, and athletics, with opportunities to participate in inter-school events.
- Strong teams or achievements: Participation in school-based and inter-school competitions fosters teamwork, discipline, and school pride.
- Music, arts, drama programs: School music ensembles, drama activities, and performing arts opportunities are encouraged as part of a well-rounded education.
- Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating, and other clubs support interest-driven learning and problem-solving skills.
- Partnerships: The school engages with local community clubs and competitions to provide additional pathways and enrichment for students.
## Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: A proactive, whole-school approach to safeguarding, respectful relationships, and positive peer interactions.
- House system: House groups support pastoral care, teamwork, and healthy competition across year levels.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Dedicated staff oversee student wellbeing, offering guidance, resilience-building activities, and confidential support.
- Transition support for new students: Orientation programs, buddy systems, and early involvement in activities help new students settle smoothly.
## Facilities
- Sports grounds: Open spaces and dedicated sport facilities support physical education and active play.
- Libraries: A well-stocked library with reading programs and quiet study spaces.
- Science labs: Dedicated spaces for hands-on science activities and experiments.
- Music/performing arts centers: Space for music education, singing, and drama activities.
- Tech/innovation labs: Computer and technology resources to support digital learning and coding.
- Cafeteria: On-site canteen or dining area for daily meals and snacks.
- Updated playgrounds: Modern outdoor play spaces that encourage exploration and physical activity.
## School Values & Community Culture
- School values / mission: A faith-informed mission centered on respect, responsibility, compassion, and service within a Catholic framework.
- Leadership style: Student voice and leadership opportunities are encouraged; teachers guide collaborative learning and responsible citizenship.
- Behaviour expectations: Clear positive-behaviour expectations aligned with school values and community norms.
- Community reputation: A supportive, engaged school community with active parent involvement and a welcoming atmosphere.
- Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to inclusivity and respect for diverse backgrounds, languages, and abilities.
## School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: Typically morning start and afternoon finish aligned with ACT primary-school timetables; precise times can vary by year level.
- Before/after school care: Cares and programs may be available to support working families.
- Uniform requirements: School uniform guidelines apply, with standard attire for daily wear and sports uniform for PE days.
- Transport (bus routes): Access to public transport and school-approved routes; information on routes is provided by the school and local transit authorities.
- Canteen availability: On-site canteen or food services available on selected days.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees for Catholic primary schools in ACT are generally in the middle range; exact amounts are confirmed annually.
## Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Parents typically attend an information session/open day, complete an online or paper application, and submit required documents. The school provides an admissions timeline that typically includes an application window, screening or interview if applicable, and notification of outcomes within a defined period. Final placement depends on vacancies and eligibility.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Waiting lists may operate when applications exceed available places. The school will advise on how to join the list, how priorities are determined, and expected wait times. Placement often depends on balance across year levels and the availability of spaces.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Entry may involve an information session, documentation review, and possibly an interview or meeting with families. Some Catholic schools also include discussions about the applicant’s alignment with the school’s values and community expectations.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers are considered subject to vacancies and the ability to integrate into the current year level. Families may need to provide relevant records and complete the school’s transfer process.
## Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A values-driven, inclusive Catholic community that focuses on academic growth, wellbeing, and strong family partnerships.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who respond well to a supportive, faith-based environment with opportunities for leadership, service, and collaborative learning.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Opportunities across literacy, numeracy, STEM, music, drama, sports teams, clubs (robotics, coding, chess, debating), and leadership roles.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular newsletters, parent-teacher meetings, digital platforms for updates, and open community events.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- A balanced, curriculum-aligned approach emphasizing inquiry, critical thinking, and real-world application within a faith-informed framework.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Targeted interventions, differentiation in classrooms, and access to specialist staff for literacy, numeracy, and SEN support.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Early identification, personalized learning plans, and collaboration with families to set goals and track progress.
- How does the school communicate with parents? (Repeated)
- See above: newsletters, meetings, and digital platforms.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Class sizes typically in the 20s range, with opportunities for small-group instruction and teacher-led support.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A range of sports, music, arts, and clubs including robotics, coding, chess, and debating.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Sports grounds, library, science labs, performing arts space, tech labs, canteen, and updated playgrounds.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integrated ICT and digital learning across the curriculum, with age-appropriate technology use and cybersecurity education.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Access to local public transport routes and school-provided information about transport options and accessibility.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- Fees are in the middle range for ACT Catholic primary schools; details are provided in the annual fee schedule.
## Short Pros & Cons list
- Pros:
- Faith-based, inclusive learning environment
- Strong focus on literacy, numeracy, and holistic development
- Support for diverse learners and emphasis on wellbeing
- Active extracurriculars (sports, arts, clubs)
- Sense of community with parent involvement
- Cons:
- Smaller to medium school size may mean limited elective options compared to larger schools
- Fees reflect private/Catholic schooling; families should review annual fee schedules
- Availability of a place can depend on year-level vacancies and admissions timing
