# Overview
St Patrick’s Parish School Fremantle is a Catholic, co-educational primary school that serves families in Fremantle and surrounding areas. The school provides a small-to-medium learning community with a focus on faith, learning, and service. Class sizes are typically around 20–25 students, supporting close teacher-student relationships and personalised support. The atmosphere is nurturing, inclusive, and community-centric, with a strong emphasis on values-based education within a faith-filled environment.
# Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: strong literacy and numeracy foundations (English and Maths), with opportunities to develop leadership skills and engage in STEM activities; language studies are offered where available within the curriculum.
- Special programs: religious education is central, with opportunities for accelerated learning or enrichment where appropriate; technology-integrated learning and other enrichment activities are part of the program.
- NAPLAN / trends: trends show steady progress in reading and numeracy over recent years, aligned with state-wide expectations and Catholic education goals.
- Student-teacher ratios: typical class sizes of 20–25 students and an active, supportive teaching staff aiming for favourable student-teacher interactions (approx. 1:12–1:20 in some settings).
- Support for diverse learners: dedicated support for EAL and SEN through a Learning Support Team, with inclusive practices and targeted interventions to assist students who need extra help.
# Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
- Sports offered: a range of team and individual sports typical of primary schools, with opportunities for inter-school events and district-level activities.
- Strong teams or achievements: participation in local inter-school competitions and events, fostering teamwork and school pride.
- Music, arts, drama programs: active music and performing arts programs, including choir or recital opportunities and theatre productions.
- Clubs: robotics, coding, chess, and debating are commonly available to extend learning beyond core subjects.
- Partnerships: connections with local clubs, community sports groups, and diocese-related activities for broader experiences and competitions.
# Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: clear policies and a whole-school approach to building respectful relationships, with proactive strategies and supervision to ensure a safe environment.
- House system: a house structure that promotes belonging, with house-based activities and leadership roles for students.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: access to school wellbeing staff or counsellors to support social-emotional health and provide guidance.
- Transition support for new students: structured orientation experiences, buddy programs, and transition assistance to help new students settle in smoothly.
# Facilities
- Sports grounds: on-site outdoor spaces suitable for physical education and sports.
- Libraries: dedicated library resources to support reading and research.
- Science labs: functional science spaces for hands-on experiments and inquiry.
- Music/performing arts centers: spaces for music instruction and drama productions.
- Tech/innovation labs: classrooms and spaces that support digital learning and basic coding/tech activities.
- Cafeteria: access to a canteen offering healthy meal options.
- Updated playgrounds: safe, well-maintained play areas with modern equipment.
# School Values & Community Culture
- School values / mission: education rooted in Catholic faith, with emphasis on compassion, service, honesty, and responsibility.
- Leadership style: collaborative leadership that includes student voice through councils and peer leadership opportunities.
- Behaviour expectations: clear codes of conduct based on respect, responsibility, and safety for all within the school community.
- Community reputation: a welcoming parish-based community with strong family involvement and supportive relationships among staff, students, and families.
- Diversity & inclusion: inclusive practices encouraging participation from students of varied backgrounds and needs.
# School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: typically a school day from morning start around 8:30am to around 3:00pm, with breaks and a structured timetable.
- Before/after school care: after-school care options are available to families through approved providers or school-supported programs.
- Uniform requirements: school uniform is worn on regular days; seasonal adjustments and sport-specific attire are part of the routine.
- Transport (train/bus routes): accessible via local public transport and bus routes; proximity to Fremantle transport networks is considered for families.
- Canteen availability: canteen or lunch program offering healthy meal options.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): fees are in the moderate range for Catholic primary schooling, with additional costs for excursions, booklists, and uniform items.
# Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Submit an enrolment application with required documentation, followed by a meeting or information session with the school leadership. If offered a place, families complete acceptance and receive orientation details. Entering families are guided through transition activities prior to start date.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Waiting lists may apply when places are limited. Priorities often include parish affiliation and sibling placement; the school will provide timelines and criteria if you are placed on a waitlist.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Entry typically involves an information session or meeting with leadership; a short assessment or discussion may occur to understand the student’s needs and fit. Interviews are common for primary schools to ensure alignment with values and needs.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Yes, mid-year transfers are considered where vacancies exist, with a streamlined transition plan to minimize disruption for the student.
# Frequently Ask Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- For a faith-based, values-driven education in a close-knit community with strong literacy and numeracy foundations and pastoral care.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who respond well to a supportive, inclusive environment, with interest in faith-informed learning, collaboration, and a variety of extra-curriculars.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Enrichment in STEM activities, leadership development, music and drama programs, sports, robotics/coding clubs, debate, and inter-school competitions.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular updates through newsletters, notices, parent-teacher conferences, and digital platforms; open channels for ongoing dialogue with teachers and leaders.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- A balanced, Catholic education that prioritises literacy, numeracy, inquiry-based learning, and holistic development within a supportive classroom environment.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Dedicated Learning Support and intervention programs, EAL/SEN support, and targeted instructional adjustments.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Access to counsellors or wellbeing staff for social-emotional support and tailored academic planning; collaboration with families to create effective plans.
- How does the school communicate with parents? (duplicate)
- See above; ongoing, transparent communication through multiple channels and formats.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Class sizes typically around 20–25 students, with teachers able to provide targeted, individualised support within the classroom and through small-group interventions.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A range of sports, music, drama, and clubs such as robotics, coding, chess, and debating; opportunities to participate in inter-school events and community activities.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Sports grounds, libraries, science labs, music/performing arts facilities, tech/innovation labs, a canteen, and updated playgrounds.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integrated technology in learning spaces and activities; emphasis on digital literacy and responsible use as part of the curriculum.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Access to local bus routes and public transport; consideration of convenient options for families within Fremantle and surrounding areas.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- Fees are moderate for a Catholic primary school; additional costs may include excursions, booklists, and uniform items.
# Short Pros & Cons list
- Pros
- Strong sense of community and faith-based values
- Small-to-medium class sizes with opportunities for personalised support
- Inclusive environment with robust student wellbeing and EAL/SEN support
- Diverse range of extracurriculars (sports, music, clubs, coding, debating)
- Modern facilities across science, arts, and technology spaces
- Cons
- As a Catholic primary school, religious education is central and may be a commitment for families from other faiths
- Enrollment can be competitive, with possible waitlists during peak intake years
- Fees are moderate and may include additional costs for excursions and uniforms
- Mid-year transfers depend on vacancy availability and transition timing
