## 1. Overview
St Matthew's Narrogin is a Catholic, co-educational primary school serving the Narrogin community. As a small, faith-based school, it emphasises a nurturing, inclusive atmosphere where students are encouraged to grow academically, socially and spiritually.
- School type: Catholic
- School size: Small
- Class size: Typically around 20–25 students per class
- Atmosphere/culture: Nurturing, inclusive, faith-based
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## 2. Academics & Learning
St Matthew's focuses on strong literacy and numeracy foundations within a Catholic education framework, while offering opportunities for holistic development across disciplines.
- Academic strengths: Core literacy and numeracy, religious education, and a values-based approach to learning; emphasis on developing critical thinking and lifelong learning.
- Special programs: Catholic faith education; opportunities for music and arts integration; curriculum aligned to state standards with a focus on well-rounded development.
- NAPLAN / trends: Public trends data for individual small schools may be variable; for precise trends, check the school or WA Department of Education data. Small cohorts can show wider fluctuations year to year.
- Student-teacher ratios: Generally small-class environments with relatively low student-teacher ratios typical of primary Catholic schools (roughly in the range of 1:10 to 1:18, depending on staffing).
- Support for diverse learners: Support for diverse learners, including targeted assistance for literacy/numeracy and access to learning support staff; EAL/SEN considerations as needed within available resources.
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## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
A strong focus on well-rounded development means plenty of opportunities beyond the classroom.
- Sports offered: A range of team and individual sports typical for primary programs (e.g., athletics, soccer/netball, cricket, basketball) with participation encouraged.
- Strong teams or achievements: School participates in local inter-school events; successes are often celebrated at the local level and contribute to school spirit.
- Music, arts, drama programs: Music and performing arts are commonly integrated; opportunities to participate in choir or school productions.
- Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, debating and other clubs may be offered or explored through school programs and partnerships.
- Partnerships: Connections with local community and sporting clubs to support competitions and extra-curricular opportunities.
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## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
Pastoral care and wellbeing are central to daily life at the school.
- Anti-bullying approach: Clear policies and practices to promote a safe, respectful environment; emphasis on restorative approaches.
- House system: A house/values-based system to support teamwork, leadership and friendly competition.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to wellbeing support; dedicated staff focused on student welfare and mental health.
- Transition support for new students: Orientation activities, buddy systems and transition programs to help new students settle in smoothly.
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## 5. Facilities
Facilities are designed to support both academic learning and student wellbeing.
- Sports grounds: Outdoor play spaces and sports facilities suitable for physical education.
- Libraries: A school library or learning resource area to support reading and research.
- Science labs: Basic science facilities appropriate for primary-level experiments and learning.
- Music/performing arts centers: Space or rooms dedicated to music and drama activities.
- Tech/innovation labs: Access to digital devices and learning spaces for technology activities.
- Cafeteria: School meal/service area or canteen for snacks and lunch options.
- Updated playgrounds: Well-maintained playgrounds and outdoor learning areas.
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## 6. School Values & Community Culture
The school communicates a clear sense of purpose and community through its values and culture.
- School values / mission: Catholic values embedded in everyday learning; emphasis on respect, responsibility, compassion and service.
- Leadership style: Leadership that supports student voice, peer mentoring and pastoral care within a collaborative school community.
- Behaviour expectations: Positive behaviour framework with clear expectations and supports for students.
- Community reputation: Aims to be a welcoming, faith-filled community with strong ties to families and parish involvement.
- Diversity & inclusion: Inclusive environment that welcomes students from diverse backgrounds and promotes belonging.
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## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations
Practical details help families plan around school life.
- School hours: Typical primary-school day (e.g., start mid-morning to mid-afternoon); specifics are available from the school.
- Before/after school care: OSHC or similar arrangements commonly available or accessible via local providers.
- Uniform requirements: Standard school uniform policy; details provided by the school.
- Transport (train/bus routes): Local bus services or public transport options; walking or car access typical for the town.
- Canteen availability: Canteen or supervised snack options during the day.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Catholic school fees are generally moderate; exact figures vary by year and family circumstances.
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## 8. Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Begin by submitting an application before the school’s intake period; timelines typically align with school year start dates. The school may require documentation such as birth certificate or immunisation status, and proof of residence.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Waiting lists are common at smaller Catholic schools. Placement often prioritises local families, parish connections, and available vacancies; the school will advise on how to join the waitlist and expected wait times.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Most primary Catholic schools in WA do not require formal entrance exams for entry. An interview or discussion with the principal or enrolments officer may be used to understand the child’s needs, fit with the school culture, and family expectations.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers may be possible depending on vacancies and grade availability. Families should contact the school early to discuss capacity and required documentation.
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## 9. Frequently Ask Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A welcoming Catholic environment, small class sizes, emphasis on values-based education, and a close-knit community.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who appreciate strong relationships with teachers, a supportive, faith-based culture, and opportunities to participate in diverse activities.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Strong core literacy and numeracy, music/arts involvement, sport, and clubs (robotics, coding, chess) that broaden skills beyond the classroom.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular newsletters, emails, parent-teacher meetings, and school notices; possible use of a parent portal or communication app.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- Curriculum aligned to state standards with a focus on literacy, numeracy, and holistic development; differentiation to support diverse learners; faith-informed decision-making.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Targeted literacy/numeracy support, learning support staff, and accommodations as needed within available resources.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Early intervention strategies, targeted teacher assistance, and coordination with families to track progress.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- See above: regular updates, meetings, and accessible channels through the school.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Class sizes are small (around 20–25 students) with opportunities for more individual attention from teachers in a supportive setting.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A range of sports suitable for primary students, plus clubs like robotics, coding, chess, and debating; music and drama activities are common.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Sports grounds, library/resource area, science facilities, music/drama spaces, tech/innovation spaces, canteen, and updated outdoor areas.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integration of digital literacy into the curriculum with appropriate devices and learning platforms to support modern learning.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Local transport options such as bus routes or walking/carpool arrangements; details provided by the school or local council.
- What are typical school fees or additional costs?
- Fees are generally moderate for a Catholic primary school; additional costs may include uniforms, excursions, and activity fees.
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## 10. Short Pros & Cons list
- Pros
- Small class sizes and close teacher-student relationships
- Catholic values and a welcoming, inclusive community
- Focus on core literacy/numeracy with holistic development
- Strong wellbeing and pastoral care
- Broad range of extra-curricular options (sports, music, clubs)
- Cons
- Smaller school may have fewer specialized programs compared with larger schools
- Waitlists can occur due to high demand in a small community
- Fees and uniform requirements apply, as with most Catholic schools
- Mid-year transfers depend on vacancies and may involve extra administration
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