St Narsai Assyrian Christian College

Overview

St Narsai Assyrian Christian College (Horsley Park Campus) is an independent, faith-based school offering a co-educational environment for Kindergarten through to Year 12. The college blends a strong NSW curriculum with a focus on Assyrian Christian values, community, and character development. It’s a medium-sized school that aims to feel like a close-knit learning community where students are known by name and supported to grow academically, spiritually, and socially.

The atmosphere is nurturing and inclusive, with a diverse student body and a culture that emphasises service, respect, and resilience. Class sizes are manageable to support individual attention while maintaining a collaborative, classroom-based learning experience.

Academics & Learning

• Academic strengths: English and Mathematics foundations, Science inquiry, and language programs that reflect the school’s Assyrian heritage alongside contemporary language studies. The college emphasises critical thinking, literacy, and numeracy across all year levels.
• Special programs: NSW curriculum with possible opportunities for accelerated learning paths and gifted/talented programs; Christian-based character education woven into daily learning.
• Support for diverse learners: EAL/ELL support, targeted assistance for students needing extra help, and planning for individual learning needs through formal supports and adjustments.

Sports & Extracurricular Strengths

• Sports offered: A broad program typical of NSW independent schools, including team sports such as soccer, basketball, cricket, netball, and athletics, with opportunities to participate in inter-school events.
• Strong teams or achievements: Regular participation in district and regional competitions, with emphasis on teamwork, skill development, and fair play.
• Music, arts, drama programs: Active performing arts and music programs, including choir or ensemble opportunities and formal performances throughout the year.
• Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating, and other co-curricular clubs that promote problem-solving and presentation skills.
• Partnerships: Connections with local community groups and regional competitions to broaden student exposure to sport, arts, and STEM activities.

Wellbeing & Pastoral Care

• Anti-bullying approach: Proactive anti-bullying policies, clear reporting pathways, and a culture of respect and inclusion.
• House system: House structure to promote belonging, healthy competition, and cross-year mentorship opportunities.
• Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school counsellors or wellbeing staff to support mental health, personal development, and transition needs.
• Transition support for new students: Orientation programs, buddy systems, and pastoral care to help students settle into the college community.

Facilities

• Sports grounds: On-site outdoor spaces suitable for physical education and team sports.
• Libraries: A library resource centre supporting literacy, research, and independent reading.
• Science labs: Well-equipped laboratories for biology, chemistry, and physics activities.
• Music/performing arts centers: Dedicated spaces for rehearsal and performance, with acoustics suitable for concerts and productions.
• Tech/innovation labs: Computing and design/technology spaces supporting coding, robotics, and digital projects.
• Cafeteria: On-site canteen or dining facilities for students and staff.
• Updated playgrounds: Modern play areas and recreational zones as part of daily life and break times.

School Values & Community Culture

• School values / mission: A faith-informed, community-centred approach guided by Assyrian Christian traditions, aiming to develop compassionate, responsible, and capable young people.
• Leadership style: Collaborative and inclusive, with opportunities for student voice and leadership roles alongside staff guidance.
• Behaviour expectations: Clear standards of respect, responsibility, kindness, and integrity within all school activities.
• Community reputation: Known for a welcoming environment that supports families from diverse backgrounds and the Assyrian community, with emphasis on character and service.
• Diversity & inclusion: Strong commitment to welcoming students from varied backgrounds and fostering an inclusive school culture.

School Logistics & Daily Operations

• School hours: Typical day aligns with NSW norms (start and finish times communicated by the school each year; school calendar available to families).
• Before/after school care: On-site or affiliated care programs often available to support working families.
• Uniform requirements: Formal school uniform with guidelines for sports uniform on PE/sport days.
• Transport: Access to bus or shuttle services and guidance on local public transport routes for families; drop-off and pickup procedures outlined by the school.
• Canteen availability: On-site canteen or lunch facilities available for student meals and snacks.
• Fees: Independent school fees with annual charges for tuition and additional costs for trips, activities, and supplies. Precise figures vary by year level and offerings; check the current fee schedule with the school.

Enrolment & Admissions

1. What is the enrolment process and timeline?

• Submit an online application with required documents (birth certificate, previous school reports, proof of identity, etc.).
• Invitation to interview/meeting and documentation review; may include an assessment or discussion of language needs and learning goals.
• Offer of suitability and placement, followed by confirmation of enrolment and payment of any fees.
• Timeline generally spans several weeks to a few months, depending on year level and availability.

1. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?

• Waiting lists can operate when year levels reach capacity. Offers are made based on available places, date of application, and any priority considerations (e.g., siblings, specific programs).

1. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?

• Entry typically includes interviews or meetings, review of prior academic records, and consideration of language and learning needs. Some year levels may have short assessments to understand student readiness.

1. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?

• Yes, subject to space and placement availability. Mid-year transfers require coordinated timing, transfer documents, and a smooth transition plan to align with current cohorts.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why Parents Choose This School?

- A values-driven, faith-based environment that emphasises character, community, and academic growth. Families appreciate a school that supports students’ personal development alongside strong learning outcomes.

• What type of student thrives at this school?

• What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?

- A broad curriculum with English, Maths, Science, and language study, plus accelerated or gifted pathways where available. Strong sport, arts, music, and STEM clubs, along with inter-school competitions and community partnerships.

• How does the school communicate with parents?

- Regular updates via newsletters, online portals, parent-teacher meetings, and open days. Timely communication about events, progress, and any support needs is a priority.

• What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?

- A NSW curriculum alignment with emphasis on literacy, numeracy, critical thinking, and holistic development; a blend of formal instruction, inquiry-based learning, and faith-informed character education.

• How does the school support students who need extra academic help?

- Targeted support through EAL/ELL programs, learning adjustments, small-group tutoring, and individualized learning plans where needed.

• What support is available for academic challenges?

- Access to counsellors, learning support staff, and structured intervention programs to help students build confidence and skills.

• How does the school communicate with parents? (duplicate question)

- See above: regular updates, meetings, and digital communication channels.

• What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?

- A range of sports through inter-school programs, plus clubs in robotics, chess, coding, debating, and performing arts.

• What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?

- Comprehensive facilities including sports grounds, libraries, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, a canteen, and updated play areas.

• What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?

- Integrated technology use to support learning, coding and digital literacy, with appropriate safeguards and guidance for responsible use.

• What transport and accessibility options are available?

- Transport options via local bus routes and school-arranged transport where available; accessibility aligned with NSW standards. Check current arrangements with the school.

• What are the typical school fees or additional costs?

- Fees exist for tuition and certain activities; exact amounts vary by year level and programs. Please consult the current fee schedule for precise figures.

Short Pros & Cons list

• Pros

- Faith-based, values-driven environment with a supportive, inclusive community. - Medium-sized school that supports personalized attention and student wellbeing. - Broad academics with language and cultural programs, plus strong extra-curricular options. - Focus on wellbeing, pastoral care, and transition support for new students. - A range of facilities to support science, arts, and technology learning.

• Cons

- As an independent/private school, costs may be higher than public options. - Availability of places may vary by year level; there could be waiting lists during peak intake periods. - Some programs or facilities may require additional fees or contributions for certain activities.