## 1. Overview
St Patrick's Catholic School Latrobe is a Catholic primary school serving families in Latrobe, Tasmania. Grounded in faith-based education, the school aims to nurture learners within a close-knit, supportive community.
- School type: Catholic
- School size: small–medium
- Class size: typically around 20–25 students per class
- Atmosphere/culture: nurturing, inclusive, faith-based, values-driven
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## 2. Academics & Learning
St Patrick's prioritises solid literacy and numeracy foundations within a faith-informed context, supporting students to develop strong academic and personal skills.
- Academic strengths: core literacy and numeracy, English and Maths development, faith-informed learning, opportunities for student leadership
- Special programs: Religious Education program and sacramental preparation; enrichment or gifted and talented opportunities where available
- NAPLAN trends: public trend data are published by ACARA; schools in the region often show steady progress over time in key areas (check ACARA or the school for the latest trend)
- Student-teacher ratios: designed to provide individual attention in a small-to-medium class setting
- Support for diverse learners: inclusive education with support for students requiring additional help; programs for students needing extra assistance and for EAL/SEN as applicable
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## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
Extracurricular life at St Patrick's supports physical activity, creativity, and teamwork, with a focus on inclusive participation.
- Sports offered: common regional choices such as soccer, netball, basketball, AFL-inspired activities, and athletics
- Strong teams or achievements: active participation in inter-school events and local competitions
- Music, arts, drama programs: choir, school performances, and opportunities to engage in arts activities
- Clubs: robotics, chess, coding, debating (where available)
- Partnerships: connections with local community clubs and regional inter-school events
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## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
Wellbeing is central to student success, with structures in place to support emotional and social development.
- Anti-bullying approach: proactive programs and policies to promote respectful relationships
- House system: house-based activities and celebrations to build community and belonging
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: access to school-based wellbeing support
- Transition support for new students: buddy programs, orientation activities, and dedicated support during transfers
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## 5. Facilities
Facilities are designed to support a variety of learning experiences and student wellbeing.
- Sports grounds
- Libraries
- Science labs
- Music/performing arts centers
- Tech/innovation labs
- Canteen availability
- Updated playgrounds
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## 6. School Values & Community Culture
St Patrick's fosters a community grounded in Catholic values, student leadership, and inclusive practice.
- School values / mission: faith-based education emphasizing respect, compassion, service, and responsibility
- Leadership style: classroom-based leadership with opportunities for student voice and involvement
- Behaviour expectations: clear expectations aligned with school values and pastoral care
- Community reputation: known for a warm, family-friendly Catholic environment
- Diversity & inclusion: commitment to welcoming families from diverse backgrounds and supporting all learners
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## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations
Key daily operations ensure a smooth and predictable school routine for families.
- School hours: typical primary-year schedule (start and end times set by the school; check current timetable)
- Before/after school care: available or locality options (where offered)
- Uniform requirements: standard school uniform; sports uniform for PE days
- Transport (train/bus routes): local bus routes and school transport options as available
- Canteen availability: on-site or nearby canteen options
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): fees are in the low-to-medium range relative to private provision; exact amounts vary by year level and offerings
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## 8. Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Submit an enrolment form with required documentation (birth certificate, residency details, and any Catholic school considerations)
- Prospective families may be invited to an information session or interview
- Timelines vary; apply early to secure a place and receive notification according to the school’s admissions calendar
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Waiting lists may apply when spaces are limited; allocation is typically based on order of submission, year level availability, and any special circumstances
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Entry may involve an interview or conversation to understand fit with the school community; no standardized tests are generally required for primary enrolments
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers are considered when spaces are available; documentation and transition planning are coordinated with families
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## 9. Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- Catholic ethos, supportive community, and focus on both academic and moral development in a safe environment.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who value a faith-informed, collaborative, and respectful community; those who respond well to small-to-medium class settings and individual attention.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Strong core academics with opportunities for leadership; sports participation; music, drama, arts, and clubs such as robotics or coding where offered.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular newsletters, digital portals, notices, parent-teacher interviews, and timely updates on events and student progress.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- Balanced approach focusing on foundational literacy and numeracy, with faith-informed character education and opportunities for inquiry, collaboration, and application.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Targeted in-class supports, small-group interventions, and access to additional assistance as needed.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Early intervention, personalised learning plans, and collaboration with families to track progress.
- How does the school communicate with parents? (Repeated)
- See above: newsletters, portals, and parent-teacher meetings.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Class sizes are small-to-medium, enabling more individual attention from teachers.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A range of sports and clubs (e.g., robotics, chess, coding, debating) plus music/arts programs and inter-school events.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Sports grounds, libraries, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, technology labs, and practice spaces for drama.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Adoption of age-appropriate digital tools, with emphasis on digital citizenship and safe online practices.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Local bus routes and school-specific transport options where offered; accessibility aligned with facilities and site layout.
- What are typical school fees or additional costs?
- Fees are in the low-to-medium range relative to non-government options; exact amounts depend on year level and activities.
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## 10. Short Pros & Cons list
- Pros
- Catholic, values-driven education in a close-knit community
- Small-to-medium class sizes fostering individual attention
- Inclusive practices and support for diverse learners
- Broad range of extracurriculars (sports, arts, clubs)
- Focus on wellbeing, pastoral care, and gradual transitions for new students
- Cons
- Limited numbers may mean fewer elective options than larger schools
- Fees and uniform requirements apply (as with most private/catholic schools)
- Availability of certain specialty programs (e.g., advanced STEM tracks or certain clubs) may vary by year and cohort
- Transport options may depend on regional routes and schedules
