## 1. Overview
St Philomena's Catholic Primary School in Bathurst is a Catholic primary school focused on guiding children through faith-informed learning in a supportive, close-knit community. The school typically operates as a small-to-medium sized regional NSW primary, with class sizes kept deliberately manageable to foster individual attention and strong teacher-student relationships. The atmosphere emphasizes nurture, inclusivity, and faith-based values, helping students build character, resilience, and a love of learning.
Class sizes are designed to be intimate enough to support each child, while offering a broad range of learning experiences. The culture blends academic progress with religious formation, service to others, and community involvement, creating a welcoming environment where families feel connected to both the school and the parish.
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## 2. Academics & Learning
St Philomena's aims to deliver rigorous learning across the NSW syllabus with emphasis on literacy and numeracy foundations, alongside a strong Religious Education program. The school typically offers a mix of core academic strengths (reading, writing, math, and science) with opportunities to engage in STEM-related activities, arts, and digital learning. Special programs may include Catholic Education Diocese-supported initiatives, pastoral care integration, and potential gifted/talented pathways where available.
Student-teacher ratios in primary settings are usually in the approachable range (roughly around 1:18 to 1:25), enabling differentiated instruction and targeted support. The school provides support for diverse learners, including EAL/D learners and those with additional learning needs, through classroom differentiation and targeted interventions, supported by specialist staff or aides where available.
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## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
Sports and extracurricular opportunities are a key consideration for families. The school typically offers a variety of team and individual sports such as football (soccer), rugby league, cricket, netball, athletics, and fitness activities. There are opportunities to participate in inter-school sports, regional competitions, and school-level teams. In addition to sports, the school often runs music, drama, and arts programs, plus clubs in areas like robotics, chess, coding, and debating. Strong partnerships with local community clubs and organizations may provide additional pathways for competitions and enrichment (e.g., local sporting leagues and regional events).
Music, performing arts, and school productions are common elements, with opportunities for students to participate in concerts, choirs, and theatrical performances. These activities are designed to complement academic learning and help develop teamwork, creativity, and leadership.
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## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
Wellbeing and pastoral care sit at the heart of the school experience. An anti-bullying approach typically features a clear policy, consistent practices, and ongoing education for students, staff, and families. The school often uses a House system to foster belonging, teamwork, and healthy competition, with events and rituals that build community. Access to a school counsellor or wellbeing officer, as well as chaplaincy or faith-based pastoral support, helps students manage emotional and social needs. Transitional support for new students—such as buddy programs, orientation days, and regular check-ins—helps ease arrival and integration into the school community.
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## 5. Facilities
Facilities are a major draw for families. Visual highlights typically include:
- Sports grounds and play spaces
- A library or learning hub
- Science resources or dedicated science labs
- Music and performing arts spaces (rehearsal rooms or a small theatre)
- Tech/innovation or ICT labs
- A canteen or cafeteria
- Updated playgrounds and outdoor learning areas
The layout and facilities are designed to support a holistic education, offering spaces that encourage hands-on learning, collaboration, and creativity in a safe, well-maintained environment.
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## 6. School Values & Community Culture
The school’s values centre on Catholic ethos, service, respect, responsibility, and compassion. Leadership tends to be collaborative, with opportunities for student voice and responsibility through student councils or leadership roles. Behaviour expectations emphasise respect for self, others, learning, and the environment, often guided by restorative approaches. The community reputation generally reflects strong parish connections, active parent involvement, and a welcoming atmosphere for families from diverse backgrounds. Diversity and inclusion are treated as strengths, with supports in place to ensure all students feel valued and included.
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## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations
Typical daily operations features include:
- School hours aligned with NSW primary timetables (start mid-morning and finish mid-afternoon)
- Before/after school care options via the school or local providers
- Uniform requirements reflecting the Catholic primary school standard
- Transport options including local bus routes and proximity to public transport
- Canteen availability on select days
- Fees commonly falling in the low-to-mid range for regional Catholic primary schools
Families should check the current year’s timetable, attendance expectations, and fee schedules with the school for precise details.
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## 8. Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Submit an enrolment application by the school’s stated deadline.
- Provide required documentation (birth certificate, immunisation records, proof of address, and any parish or Catholic Education documents the school requests).
- Attend any information sessions or school tours as offered.
- If required, participate in interviews or conversations with key staff as part of the intake process.
- Receive an enrolment offer and complete any remaining steps to confirm placement.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Waiting lists can apply when enrolments exceed available places. Priority often follows parish/affiliation guidelines and date of application. Some families may be contacted for vacancies that arise during the year.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Primary-level entry typically does not involve formal academic entrance exams. An interview or information session may be used to gauge fit with the school’s Catholic ethos, values, and program structure. Documentation and parish-related requirements may also be part of the process.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers are often possible if spaces are available. Families should contact the school as early as possible to discuss space, transfer procedures, and documentation (including transcripts and current student records).
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## 9. Frequently Ask Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- For a faith-based, values-driven education within a supportive community.
- Small-to-medium class sizes enabling personal attention.
- A balanced focus on academic growth, pastoral care, and character development.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who respond well to a nurturing, inclusive environment with a clear sense of community and purpose.
- Those who value both academic effort and service to others, along with participation in faith and extracurricular activities.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Access to advanced literacy and numeracy support, STEM activities, and arts programs.
- Wide range of sports and inter-school competitions.
- Clubs in robotics, coding, chess, debating, music, drama, and public speaking.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular newsletters, emails, and a school portal or management system.
- Parent-teacher interviews, information evenings, and social/media updates.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- Curriculum aligned with NSW syllabuses, with differentiated instruction and a focus on critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving.
- Integration of faith-based perspectives within a holistic education approach.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Targeted interventions, small-group or one-on-one support, and access to reading or math specialists.
- EAL/D support and inclusive practices for diverse learners.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Access to classroom support, reading/resource programs, and timely feedback to families.
- Referral pathways to specialists or counsellors as needed.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- See above: multiple channels including a school portal, newsletters, and scheduled meetings.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Class sizes typically range around 20–25 students, with teachers providing differentiated instruction and accessible support.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A broad menu of sports (team and individual), music and performing arts, and clubs such as robotics, coding, chess, and debating.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Sports grounds, library/learning hub, science resources, music and performing arts spaces, ICT/tech labs, canteen, and well-maintained playgrounds.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integrated ICT in learning, use of digital resources, and age-appropriate technology practices aligned with safety and e-learning guidelines.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Local bus routes and proximity to public transport; accessible facilities and family-friendly drop-off/pick-up arrangements.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- Fees are in the low-to-mid range for regional Catholic primary schools, with additional costs for camps, excursions, and optional activities; exact figures are available in the current fees schedule.
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## 10. Short Pros & Cons list
- Pros
- Strong Catholic ethos and values-based education
- Small-to-medium class sizes with strong teacher attention
- Supportive, inclusive community and pastoral care
- Broad range of academic, sport, arts, and extracurricular opportunities
- Positive connections with parish and local community
- Cons
- Religious focus may not align with all families or belief systems
- Regional setting may require travel for some specialists or events
- Specific programs and facilities can vary year-to-year; verify current offerings
- Fees and additional costs exist (as with most non-government schools); check the latest schedule
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