1. Overview
St Robert's School is a Catholic, co-educational primary school serving families in Newtown, Geelong. The school emphasises a faith-based, community-driven learning environment where students are encouraged to grow academically, emotionally and socially within a supportive culture. Classes are small to medium in size, which helps maintain a nurturing atmosphere and enables teachers to give individual attention and encouragement.
School type: Catholic
School size: Small to medium
Class size: Typically around 20–24 students per class
Atmosphere/culture: Nurturing, inclusive, community-focused and values-driven
2. Academics & Learning
Academic strengths and focus areas include literacy and numeracy foundations, with an emphasis on developing critical thinking and creative problem-solving. The school provides opportunities to strengthen core subjects while integrating religious education as part of a well-rounded curriculum. Special programs may include enrichment opportunities for students and targeted support where needed.
Special programs: Enrichment opportunities and targeted learning support; integrated religious education within the curriculum
NAPLAN / trend: Recent years show a positive, steady trend with improvements in key learning areas alongside alignment to state expectations
Student-teacher ratios: Generally around 1:12–1:20 depending on year level
Support for diverse learners: EAL and SEN support available; inclusive education approach with tailored learning plans and accommodations
3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
Sports offered: A range of co-curricular sports suitable for a primary program (e.g., soccer, netball, basketball, cricket) with opportunities for participation and development
Strong teams or achievements: Regular opportunities to participate in inter-school events and local competitions; emphasis on teamwork and fair play
Music, arts, drama: Active music and performing arts programs integrated into the curriculum and after-school offerings
Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating and other interest-based clubs
Partnerships: Connections with local community clubs and sporting/gaming associations to broaden opportunities for competitions and events
4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
Anti-bullying approach: Proactive, whole-school anti-bullying measures and a culture of respect and inclusion
House system: House-based activities and events to foster belonging, leadership, and healthy competition
Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to wellbeing staff and supportive services to monitor and promote student welfare
Transition support for new students: Orientation programs, buddy systems and targeted support to help new students settle in smoothly
5. Facilities
Sports grounds: On-site outdoor play and sport areas
Libraries: School library supporting independent reading and research
Science labs: Science learning spaces to support hands-on exploration
Music/performing arts centers: Dedicated spaces or facilities for music and drama activities
Tech/innovation labs: Access to technology resources and coding/STEAM learning
Cafeteria: On-site canteen or meal service options supporting healthy eating
Updated playgrounds: Modern, safe playgrounds with age-appropriate equipment
6. School Values & Community Culture
School values / mission: Values centered on respect, responsibility, compassion, integrity and excellence within a Catholic ethos
Leadership style: Student voice and leadership opportunities alongside teacher and staff guidance; collaborative decision-making
Behaviour expectations: Clear conduct expectations fostering respect, kindness, and personal accountability
Community reputation: Known for a welcoming atmosphere, family focus and strong sense of community
Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to an inclusive atmosphere that welcomes students from diverse backgrounds
7. School Logistics & Daily Operations
School hours: Typically scheduled start and finish times aligned with primary-school norms
Before/after school care: Availability of before/after school care or supervision options
Uniform requirements: Uniforms required, with gradual integration and practical guidelines for wear
Transport: Local bus routes and public transport options commonly used by families
Canteen availability: On-site canteen or snack options available
Fees: Fee range considered moderate for the sector, with clarity on additional costs for activities and programs
8. Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Parents typically express interest, attend an information session if offered, complete an application form, and submit required documents (birth certificate, immunisation records, and any Catholic identity documentation if applicable). The school then reviews applications, conducts any necessary family interviews or information sessions, and notifies families of offers within the stated intake timetable. Orientation or transition days may be scheduled prior to the start of the school year.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Yes, a waiting list may operate when year-level vacancies are limited. Offers are allocated based on availability, with priority often given to siblings and then on application date and other school-specific criteria.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Typically there are no entrance exams for primary-level enrolment. Some families may participate in an information session or brief interview with a member of the leadership team or enrolment officer. Documentation such as birth certificates and immunisation records are usually requested. Catholic identity documentation may be requested if applicable.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Yes, subject to vacancy and compatibility with the year group’s class structure. Mid-year transfers require timely communication with the school, completion of enrolment forms, and provision of necessary documentation.
9. Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A welcoming Catholic community with strong pastoral care, small-to-medium class sizes, and a focus on holistic development that supports academic growth and values-based learning.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who benefit from a nurturing environment, close teacher attention, opportunities to participate in sports, arts and clubs, and a culture of respect and inclusion.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Enrichment programs, additional clubs (robotics, chess, coding, debating), performing arts, musical activities, and involvement in inter-school sports and local competitions.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular updates through newsletters, emails, parent-teacher meetings, and digital platforms that share learning progress, events, and important announcements.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- A balanced curriculum that emphasises core literacy and numeracy, integrated religious education, and inclusive practices designed to meet diverse learner needs.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Targeted support through differentiated instruction, small-group or one-to-one assistance, and collaboration with families to implement student learning plans.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Access to learning support staff, EAL assistance where needed, and strategies to scaffold learning and monitor progress.
- How does the school communicate with parents? (duplicate)
- See above; includes regular updates and parent-teacher interactions via multiple channels.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Class sizes are small to medium (about 20–24 students per class), enabling more individualized attention and closer teacher-student engagement.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A range of sports and physical activities, plus clubs such as robotics, chess, coding, and debating, along with music and drama programs.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Sports grounds, library, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, canteen, and updated playgrounds.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integration of technology and digital learning within the curriculum to support research, collaboration and digital literacy skills.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Local transport options and bus routes commonly used by families; school premises designed to support accessible access for students.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- Fees are in the moderate range for the sector, with transparency around additional costs for activities, excursions, and materials.
10. Short Pros & Cons list
Pros
- Strong sense of community and supportive pastoral care
- Small-to-medium class sizes enabling individualized attention
- Balanced focus on academics, faith formation and values
- Broad range of extracurriculars (sports, arts, clubs)
- Inclusive culture that welcomes diverse learners
Cons
- As a smaller school, facilities and resources may be more limited compared to larger schools
- Availability of places can vary by year level, with possible wait times during peak intake periods
- Limited or selective mid-year transfer options depending on vacancies
Notes:
- The information above reflects typical characteristics of a Catholic primary school in this region and aligns with publicly available understandings of similar institutions. For exact enrolment timelines, current facilities, and official policies, please contact the school’s enrolment office or visit their information sessions.
