St Paul's Catholic Primary School - Gracemere

## 1. Overview St Paul’s Catholic Primary School Gracemere is a Catholic primary school that emphasises faith-informed learning within a close, supportive community. The school is medium-sized, offering a balanced environment where students can develop academically, socially and spiritually. Class sizes are designed to be manageable and conducive to individual attention, with a nurturing, inclusive atmosphere that supports diverse learners and fosters a strong sense of belonging and community spirit. The culture blends faith-based values with a practical, child-centred approach to education. ⸻ ## 2. Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: Focus on literacy and numeracy, with integration of faith-based education and values into daily learning. Emphasis on developing foundational skills, critical thinking and problem-solving. - Special programs: Opportunities for extension and enrichment within the primary curriculum; potential for STEM, arts and leadership activities as part of class and school programs. Gifted/Talented options may be available within the school or through partnerships. - NAPLAN trends: Local patterns typically show steady progress in literacy and numeracy with a focus on improving authentic learning outcomes and reading comprehension over time. - Student-teacher ratios: Supportive ratios aimed at enabling teacher-led small-group instruction and targeted feedback. - Support for diverse learners: Programs and supports for diverse learners, including assistance for EAL (English as an Additional Language) students and SEN (Special Educational Needs) supports where appropriate. ⸻ ## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: Common primary program options such as athletics, football (soccer), cricket and other team or individual activities aligned with school and local competitions. - Strong teams or achievements: Participation in inter-school and parish-affiliated sporting events, with opportunities to contribute to school teams and events. - Music, arts, drama programs: Active involvement in music, choir, performing arts and drama to complement academic learning. - Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, debating and other STEM/academic clubs may be available; opportunities to join various interest-based clubs throughout the year. - Partnerships: Connections with local clubs, Catholic school networks and district competitions to broaden exposure and competition. ⸻ ## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: School-wide positive behaviour and anti-bullying policies, with proactive education and clear reporting pathways. - House system: House-based activities and events to promote belonging, healthy competition and peer support. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school-based counsellors or wellbeing staff to support student emotional health and resilience. - Transition support for new students: Buddy systems, orientation events and family onboarding processes to help new students settle in. ⸻ ## 5. Facilities - Sports grounds: On-site sports fields or courts for a range of physical activities. - Libraries: A school library that supports reading for pleasure and information literacy. - Science labs: Dedicated spaces for hands-on science learning and experiments. - Music/performing arts centers: Facilities or spaces to support music education and drama. - Tech/innovation labs: Access to technology-focused learning spaces and devices to support digital literacy. - Cafeteria: On-site canteen or lunch facilities. - Updated playgrounds: Modern and safe play areas for recess and lunch activities. ⸻ ## 6. School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: Faith-informed values emphasising respect, service, compassion and responsibility; a mission shaped by Catholic ethos and community engagement. - Leadership style: Collaborative and inclusive leadership that encourages student voice, teacher collaboration and active parental involvement. - Behaviour expectations: Clear conduct expectations aligned with school values and pastoral care principles. - Community reputation: Strong parish-school connection and a reputation for a welcoming, values-based learning environment. - Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to inclusivity, celebrating diverse backgrounds and ensuring access to learning for all students. ⸻ ## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: Follows typical Queensland primary schedules, with start and finish times aligned to the local school calendar. - Before/after school care: Availability of before or after school care or supervision to support families. - Uniform requirements: Clear uniform standards consistent with the school's policy and Catholic schooling expectations. - Transport (train/bus routes): Access to bus services or local transport options to support commuting families. - Canteen availability: On-site canteen or lunch facilities supporting healthy meal options. - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees generally fall within a standard to moderate range for Catholic primary schools; exact costs vary by year level and programs. ⸻ ## 8. Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Typically, families submit an enrolment package and application form, along with required documents. The timeline often includes early-year intake periods and any available mid-year openings, with notification of offers communicated by the school. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - Waitlists may be used when the school is oversubscribed. Placement on a waiting list is usually determined by vacancy availability, application date, and any family or parish considerations as outlined by the school. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - Entry may involve verification of documents (birth certificate, immunisation records), parish or Catholic school formality, and a possible meeting or informal interview with staff to discuss the child’s learning needs and fit with the school community. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Mid-year transfers are often possible subject to vacancies, completing the enrolment process, and meeting any immunization and documentation requirements. ⸻ ## 9. Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A values-based Catholic education that fosters faith, character and strong academic foundations within a supportive community. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who respond well to a nurturing, faith-informed learning environment, who value community, service and collaborative learning. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Access to literacy and numeracy development, enrichment programs, sports teams, music/arts activities, and clubs such as robotics, coding, chess and debating. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular updates via newsletters, the school website/portal, emails and parent-teacher meetings; open channels for feedback and ongoing dialogue. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - Student-centred, inclusive pedagogy that integrates faith-based values with academic rigor, encouraging inquiry, collaboration and resilience. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Targeted support through small-group instruction, intervention programs and access to specialist staff where available. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Diagnostic assessment, tailored learning plans and regular progress checks with teachers and support staff. - How does the school communicate with parents? (Brief) - Through newsletters, portals, meetings and direct updates from teachers and leadership. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes are designed to be manageable in a medium-sized school, with opportunities for small-group instruction and individual feedback. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A range of sports, music/arts programs and clubs (robotics, coding, chess, debating) aligned with student interests and school resources. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Sports grounds, library, science labs, performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, canteen and modern playgrounds. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integrated digital literacy, access to devices and development of responsible use of technology within the curriculum. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Local transport options and bus services where available to support families; accessible facilities for students. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Fees reflect a standard to moderate range for Catholic primary schools; additional costs may apply for certain activities or camps. ⸻ ## 10. Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Catholic values-based environment with strong sense of community - Nurturing class sizes and supportive student-teacher relationships - Opportunities across academics, sports, arts and clubs - Focus on wellbeing, pastoral care and inclusive education - Active involvement with parish and local community - Cons - As a faith-based school, curriculum and culture are aligned with Catholic principles, which may not align with every family’s beliefs - Availability of certain enrichment programs and facilities may vary by year and funding - Enrolment may be subject to waiting lists or placement availability at peak times ⸻