## 1. Overview
St Michael’s Primary School is a Catholic, co-educational primary school servicing the Kaleen area in Canberra. The school offers a community-focused, faith-informed learning environment with a medium size student body and a strong emphasis on inclusivity and wellbeing. Class sizes typically sit in a moderate range, supporting individual attention within a supportive, faith-based culture.
- School type: Catholic
- School size: Medium
- Class size: Approximately 20–25 students per class
- Atmosphere/culture: Nurturing, inclusive, values-based with a focus on community and service
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## 2. Academics & Learning
St Michael’s emphasizes a well-rounded education that blends core literacy and numeracy with spiritual formation and personal development.
- Academic strengths: Literacy and numeracy foundations, strong emphasis on reading and writing, integrated religious education, and a growing focus on digital literacy and STEM-inspired learning.
- Special programs: Religious Education as a core element, leadership opportunities for students, and systems to support gifted and talented learners.
- NAPLAN / trends: Public data indicates steady performance trends with ongoing emphasis on improving literacy and numeracy outcomes over time.
- Student-teacher ratios: Generally around 1:20 to 1:25, allowing for classroom interaction and individual support.
- Support for diverse learners: Learning Support Team, inclusion practices, and targeted support for EAL learners and students with additional needs.
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## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
A key focus for families, with opportunities across sport, arts and enrichment activities.
- Sports offered: Netball, soccer, basketball, cricket, athletics, and other inter-school activities.
- Strong teams or achievements: Active participation in inter-school events with ongoing development of school-level teams.
- Music, arts, drama programs: Music and performing arts programs are available, with opportunities for stage performances and ensembles.
- Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating, and other hands-on clubs to build problem-solving and teamwork.
- Partnerships: Connections with local clubs and competitions to extend opportunities beyond the classroom.
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## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
Prioritising students’ emotional and social wellbeing within a supportive school culture.
- Anti-bullying approach: Clear policies, buddy systems, and ongoing programs to promote respectful relationships.
- House system: House groups support teamwork, leadership, and school spirit through events and activities.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to wellbeing staff to support students’ social and emotional needs.
- Transition support for new students: Welcome programs, orientation activities, and ongoing support to help students settle in.
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## 5. Facilities
Facilities are designed to support a broad curriculum and a positive learning environment.
- Sports grounds: On-site sports areas suitable for PE and outdoor activities.
- Libraries: A welcoming library space for reading and research.
- Science labs: Dedicated spaces for practical science activities.
- Music/performing arts centers: Rooms and spaces for music and drama.
- Tech/innovation labs: ICT and creative learning spaces for digital projects.
- Cafeteria: On-site dining area supporting healthy food options.
- Updated playgrounds: Safe, engaging outdoor spaces for play and exploration.
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## 6. School Values & Community Culture
A school community built on shared values, leadership, and inclusive practice.
- School values / mission: Catholic identity with emphasis on service, respect, integrity, and compassion.
- Leadership style: Collaborative and student-centred, with opportunities for student leadership and responsibility.
- Behaviour expectations: Clear codes of conduct, consistent reinforcement of positive behaviours, and restorative approaches.
- Community reputation: Known for a welcoming, faith-based community that supports families and fosters belonging.
- Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to welcoming students from diverse backgrounds and ensuring accessible learning for all.
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## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations
Practical information to help families plan their day and year.
- School hours: Typical primary school hours (roughly 9:00 am–3:00 pm), with variations by grade.
- Before/after school care: Available through approved after-school providers or school arrangements.
- Uniform requirements: Standard school uniform policy, with clear guidelines for daily wear and sport uniform.
- Transport: Bus and/or public transport options available in the ACT region; details coordinated with the school.
- Canteen availability: On-site canteen or lunch program offering healthy choices.
- Fees: Fees fall in the low-to-medium range for ACT Catholic primary schools, with information provided at enrolment.
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## 8. Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Apply via the school’s enrolment process (typically through an online form or submitted application), with deadlines published by the school. Open days or information sessions are offered to families considering enrollment.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Waiting lists can apply depending on vacancies and year level. Priority often includes siblings and enrolment timelines; the school will advise on current waitlist status and next steps.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Generally, Catholic primary schools do not require standard academic entrance tests. An information interview or meeting may be part of the process, along with a tour or orientation discussion. Religious education may be discussed as part of enrolment for non-Catholic families.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers are possible if space is available. Parents should contact the enrolments team to discuss vacancy, documentation, and transition support.
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## 9. Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- Strong sense of community, Catholic values, supportive pastoral care, and focus on holistic development.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who value a faith-informed, inclusive environment with emphasis on community, service, and steady academic growth.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Access to enrichment in literacy and numeracy, leadership opportunities, sports teams, music and drama programs, and clubs such as robotics, chess, coding, and debating.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular updates through newsletters, parent-teacher meetings, an online portal, and reminders for events and important dates.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- Emphasis on foundational literacy and numeracy, integrated religious education, inclusive practices, and opportunities for hands-on and digital learning.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Learning Support Team, targeted interventions, and accommodations within the classroom setting.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Individual and small-group support, progress monitoring, and collaboration with families to plan supports.
- How does the school communicate with parents? (Repeated)
- See above: multiple channels including newsletters, meetings, and online platforms.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Class sizes typically around 20–25 students, with opportunities for individual teacher support and small-group instruction as needed.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- Sports such as netball, soccer, basketball, athletics; clubs in robotics, chess, coding, debating; music and performing arts programs.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Sports grounds, library, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, canteen, and updated playgrounds.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integration of ICT across the curriculum, with dedicated spaces and opportunities for digital projects and coding.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Transport options in partnership with ACT services; information provided at enrolment; accessibility considerations discussed with families.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- Fees are in the low-to-medium range for ACT Catholic primary schools; full details provided by the school at enrolment.
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## 10. Short Pros & Cons list
- Pros
- Strong sense of community and supportive pastoral care
- Catholic values embedded in daily learning
- Balanced focus on academics, wellbeing, and faith
- Diverse extracurricular options (sports, arts, clubs)
- Inclusive environment with focus on student wellbeing
- Cons
- Limited to availability of places; potential waiting lists
- Catholic identity may influence admissions for non-Catholic families
- Uniforms and regular school routines require dedication and consistency
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