St. Simon the Apostle School

Overview

St. Simon the Apostle School is a Catholic primary school serving families in Rowville, Victoria. The school provides a faith-based education grounded in Catholic values, with a strong sense of community and wellbeing. It aims to balance academic development with spiritual formation, service, and personal growth in a nurturing environment.

The school is medium-sized, with class groups that typically foster close student-teacher relationships. Class sizes are generally in the range of about 20–24 students, which supports individualized attention and a positive, inclusive atmosphere. The culture emphasises inclusivity, respect, and collaboration, helping students feel connected to both their peers and the broader school community.

Academics & Learning

• Academic strengths: Emphasis on literacy and numeracy with an integrated approach to learning; development of critical thinking, communication skills, and digital literacy. The school also weaves faith-informed values into academic work to support well-rounded learners.

• Special programs: Opportunities for enrichment and extension, with targeted support for diverse learners. Catholic schools often provide faith-based inquiry alongside mainstream curricula; consider checking with the school for any Gifted & Talented or accelerated options and sacramental preparation programs.

• Support for diverse learners: Inclusive education with support for students requiring additional help (SEN), EAL/ENG learners, and individual learning plans where appropriate; access to specialist or coordinated support as needed.

Sports & Extracurricular Strengths

• Sports offered: In-school and inter-school activities commonly include basketball, netball, soccer, Australian rules football, athletics, and swimming programs.

• Strong teams or achievements: Participation in local and inter-school competitions with varying year-by-year outcomes; ongoing opportunities to contribute to sport teams and representative events.

• Music, arts, drama programs: Opportunities for music involvement, choir, school drama productions, and audience-focused performances; performing arts are often celebrated through annual showcases.

• Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating, and other skill-based or inquiry clubs commonly run after school or as lunchtime activities.

• Partnerships: Engagement with local clubs, regional sport competitions, and inter-school activities to broaden competition experience and collaborative learning.

Wellbeing & Pastoral Care

• Anti-bullying approach: Clear anti-bullying policies and a culture of respect, supported by pastoral care practices and restorative approaches.

• House system: House groupings used to foster belonging, teamwork, and school spirit through events, competitions, and collaborative activities.

• Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to wellbeing staff or a school counsellor to support emotional and social development, with referrals to external services when needed.

• Transition support for new students: Structured induction and buddy programs to help new students integrate, along with orientation activities and family engagement opportunities.

Facilities

• Sports grounds: Dedicated playing fields or multi-use outdoor spaces for physical education and sport.
• Libraries: On-site libraries or media/resource centres to support reading and research.
• Science labs: Dedicated science spaces to enable hands-on learning and experiments.
• Music/performing arts centers: Rooms or spaces for music practice, rehearsals, and performances.
• Tech/innovation labs: Computer labs, coding spaces, or makerspaces to support digital learning and STEAM activities.
• Cafeteria: On-site canteen or snack facilities offering healthy options.
• Updated playgrounds: Age-appropriate and safe playgrounds or outdoor learning environments.

School Values & Community Culture

• School values / mission: Faith-based education grounded in Catholic values such as respect, compassion, responsibility, and service to others.

• Leadership style: Collaborative and inclusive, with opportunities for student voice through student councils or leadership roles; staff-student partnerships to foster ownership of learning and community life.

• Behaviour expectations: Clear codes of conduct with positive behaviour supports and restorative practices to help students reflect and learn from interactions.

• Community reputation: A supportive parish-school relationship and an active parent community, with families engaged in school events and service opportunities.

• Diversity & inclusion: Welcomes students from diverse backgrounds with inclusive practices, language support, and a focus on belonging for all families.

School Logistics & Daily Operations

• School hours: Typical day runs during the standard primary schedule, beginning in the morning and finishing in the early afternoon; exact times may vary by year level.

• Before/after school care: Before and after school care programs are commonly offered to support families with work schedules.

• Uniform requirements: School uniforms are standard; details on items, fittings, and sun-smart hats are provided by the school.

• Transport (train/bus routes): Nearby public transport options and local bus routes; families often use school drop-off/pick-up zones and may have suggested routes or parking guidelines.

• Canteen availability: Canteen or tuck shop services on select days to provide meals and snacks.

• Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees typically reflect a low-to-mid-range range for Catholic primary schools, with additional costs for excursions, camps, and specific activities; fee schedules are provided by the school.

Enrolment & Admissions

1. What is the enrolment process and timeline?

• Start by expressing interest via the school's enrolment process (online form or paper application).
• Attend information sessions or open days if offered.
• Submit a completed enrolment form with required documents (birth certificate, immunisation status, citizenship/permanent residency documents, and Catholic/Parish details if applicable).
• Complete any school-specific steps (interviews or family information session) and provide proofs of address and vaccination status as required.
• Offers are issued according to the school's timelines, with guidance on acceptance, enrolment forms, and orientation dates.

1. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?

• Many Catholic primary schools maintain a waiting list when all places are filled. Priority is often given to siblings, parishioners, and families with ties to the school.
• The school will advise on how to join the waiting list, expected wait times, and steps to stay updated on their status.

1. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?

• Entry requirements typically include immunisation status, birth certificate, and proof of residency. Some schools may request baptism certificates or parish references if applicable.
• Interviews or information sessions may be part of the process to understand family expectations and to welcome new families; formal academic testing for Year 1 entry is not common.

1. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?

• Yes, subject to available places and meeting enrolment criteria. Mid-year transfers require coordination with the school and a smooth transition plan, including release documents from the previous school and Tengagement for the new term.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why Parents Choose This School?

- A values-based Catholic education in a supportive, close-knit community, with a focus on wellbeing, character development, and strong literacy and numeracy.

• What type of student thrives at this school?

- Students who respond well to a faith-informed, inclusive environment, who value community, collaborative learning, and participation in a range of academic, sport, and arts activities.

• What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?

- Enrichment and extension activities in core subjects, participation in sports teams and inter-school competitions, music and performing arts programs, robotics/chess/coding clubs, and debating.

• How does the school communicate with parents?

- Regular newsletters, a parent portal or app, notices, parent-teacher meetings, and timely phone or email updates to keep families informed about learning, events, and student progress.

• What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?

- A student-centered approach that integrates literacy, numeracy, digital literacy, and faith-based values, with ongoing assessment, feedback, and opportunities for student voice and leadership.

• How does the school support students who need extra academic help?

- Targeted small-group or one-on-one support, intervention programs, learning plans, and referrals to specialists where needed.

• What support is available for academic challenges?

- Access to learning support staff, tutoring or enrichment options, and a framework for monitoring progress and adjusting supports.

• How does the school communicate with parents? (reiterated)

- See above: newsletters, portals, meetings, and direct communication from teachers and administration.

• What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?

- A broad program including team sports (netball, basketball, soccer, etc.), individual and group arts activities, robotics, chess, coding, debating, and inter-school events.

• What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?

- Sports grounds or courts, library, science labs, performing arts spaces or music rooms, ICT or makerspace, canteen, and well-maintained playgrounds.

• What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?

- Integration of digital literacy across the curriculum, access to devices or computer labs, and instruction in responsible digital citizenship and safe online practices.

• What transport and accessibility options are available?

- Local bus routes and public transport options, with parent drop-off/pick-up zones and accessible facilities for students and families.

• What are the typical school fees or additional costs?

- Annual tuition/fees consistent with other Catholic primary schools, plus costs for excursions, camps, uniforms, and optional activities. Financial assistance or concessional options may be available through the school.

Short Pros & Cons list

• Pros

- Values-based Catholic education in a supportive, close-knit community - Focus on wellbeing, character development, and inclusive practice - Broad range of academic, sports, arts, and extracurricular opportunities - Active parent involvement and a positive community reputation

• Cons

- Catholic environment; families seeking non-religious schooling may prefer a secular option - Fees and contribution costs typical of non-government schools - Transportation logistics may require planning for some families - Availability of places can vary by year and cohort; mid-year openings depend on vacancies