St Stanislaus' College

# Overview St Stanislaus’ College is an independent Catholic boys’ school in Bathurst, NSW. It combines a long-standing tradition of academic study with a strong pastoral framework and a broad co-curricular program. The school aims to cultivate leadership, service, and resilience within a supportive, community-focused environment. The school is medium-sized, with class sizes typically in the low-to-mid 20s. The atmosphere balances academic rigour with a welcoming, inclusive culture and a clear emphasis on sport, service, and personal development. ⟶ School type: Independent Catholic (boys’ school) ⟶ School size: Medium ⟶ Class size: Approximately 18–22 students per class ⟶ Atmosphere/culture: Nurturing, academic, inclusive, and sport-focused --- # Academics & Learning St Stanislaus’ College offers a robust academic program built to prepare students for NSW pathways and beyond. - Academic strengths: Strong English and literacy skills, solid STEM and mathematics programs, leadership development, and language study opportunities. - Special programs: Pathways to senior study with an emphasis on HSC readiness; opportunities for accelerated subject selection where appropriate; leadership and service-focused programs embedded in the curriculum. - NAPLAN trends: Public information indicates stable to improving performance across year levels, with emphasis on reading, writing, and numeracy. - Student–teacher ratios: Small-to-medium class sizes and a favorable student–teacher ratio that supports individual attention (roughly in the low-teens to mid-teens for staffing levels per class). - Support for diverse learners: Dedicated support for EAL and SEN needs, with access to learning support staff and targeted assistance programs. --- # Sports & Extracurricular Strengths A key draw for families, with a broad offering that supports boys aged 10–14 and beyond. - Sports offered: Rugby, cricket, football (soccer), basketball, athletics, swimming, tennis, and other regional options. - Strong teams or achievements: Regular participation in local and regional competitions; a focus on developing teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship. - Music, arts, drama programs: Comprehensive music and performing arts programs, with opportunities for ensembles, choirs, and theatrical performances. - Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating, and other STEM and humanities clubs to extend learning beyond the classroom. - Partnerships: Connections with local clubs and regional competitions that provide additional pathways for sport and arts involvement. --- # Wellbeing & Pastoral Care Pastoral care and student wellbeing are central to day-to-day life at the College. - Anti-bullying approach: Clear policies and restorative practices to address concerns and promote respectful behaviour. - House system: A house-based framework supports belonging, mentoring, and healthy competition. - Counselors / wellbeing officers: Access to school counselors and wellbeing staff to support mental and emotional health. - Transition support: Orientation programs, buddy systems, and transitional support for new students to help them settle in smoothly. --- # Facilities Facilities are designed to support academics, sport, arts, and student wellbeing. - Sports grounds: Well-maintained playing fields and courts for a range of sports. - Libraries: Well-stocked libraries with study spaces and digital resources. - Science labs: Modern laboratories for biology, chemistry, and physics. - Music/performing arts centers: Dedicated spaces for rehearsals, performances, and music education. - Tech/innovation labs: Contemporary spaces for digital learning, coding, and maker activities. - Cafeteria: On-site dining facilities with healthy meal options. - Updated playgrounds: Safe, age-appropriate outdoor spaces and recreational areas. - Chapels or reflective spaces: On-site spaces aligned with the Catholic tradition. --- # School Values & Community Culture The school emphasises values, leadership, and a strong community ethos. - School values / mission: Grounded in Catholic principles such as respect, responsibility, service, and integrity. - Leadership style: Student leadership opportunities and a collaborative environment that encourages initiative and responsibility. - Behaviour expectations: Clear codes of conduct that promote respect, accountability, and positive behaviour. - Community reputation: A long-standing, reputable presence in the Bathurst community and broader Catholic schooling networks. - Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to an inclusive culture that welcomes students from diverse backgrounds and life experiences. --- # School Logistics & Daily Operations Practical information to help families plan. - School hours: Typical school day runs from morning start to mid-afternoon, with after-school activities available. - Before/after school care: Availability of after-school supervision and activities; potential partnerships with local providers for extended care. - Uniform requirements: Standard school uniform for daily wear, with sports uniforms for activities and games. - Transport (train/bus routes): Local bus routes and public transport options servicing Bathurst and surrounding areas. - Canteen availability: On-site canteen or dining facilities supporting lunch and snacks. - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees fall in the high-mid to high range for NSW independent Catholic schools, reflecting boarding and day options and the breadth of programs offered. --- # Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Submit an enrolment application with the required documents and any applicable fees. - Provide requested records (birth certificate, immunisation history, prior school reports, baptism/catechism details if applicable). - Complete any entrance assessment or interview process; participate in an admissions conversation. - School reviews applications and, if suitable, offers are made for the desired year level. - Upon offer, complete enrolment formalities and any deposit or agreement requirements. - Receive confirmation of enrolment and start date. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - There may be a waiting list for certain year levels or intake periods. - Priority is generally given to applications received earlier, siblings, and available vacancies; applicants may be contacted as spaces become available. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - An admissions interview or meeting is typically part of the process. - Some subjects or year levels may require a short assessment in English or maths to determine readiness. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Mid-year transfers are possible where there are vacancies, subject to the standard admissions checks and transfer documents. --- # Frequently Ask Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A balanced combination of Catholic values, strong academics, broad sport and activity options, and supportive pastoral care in a close-knit community. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who value academic effort, leadership, teamwork, and participating in sport and co-curricular activities within a values-driven environment. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - A range of advanced subject choices, leadership roles, sport teams, music ensembles, theatre productions, robotics, debating, and other clubs and competitions. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular newsletters, portals, and parent/teacher meetings; updates about student progress, events, and school notices. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - A structured curriculum focused on literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking, with support for diverse learners and opportunities for extension. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Access to learning support staff, targeted tutoring or interventions, and accommodations aligned with student needs. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Dedicated teachers, tutoring programs, and progress monitoring to ensure students receive appropriate guidance and support. - How does the school communicate with parents? (Note: This question appears twice in the list; see above for typical methods.) - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes are designed to be small to medium, enabling more individual attention and teacher support. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A broad program including rugby, cricket, football, basketball, athletics, swimming, tennis, music and drama, robotics, chess, coding, and debating. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Sports grounds, libraries, science labs, music/performing arts centers, tech/innovation labs, canteen, and updated playgrounds. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integrated technology and digital learning through dedicated labs and supported by a modern curriculum to prepare students for a changing world. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Local transport options and school-related arrangements to support commuting families; available bus routes in the region and connections to public transport. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Fees are in the upper-mid to high range for NSW independent schools, with potential additional costs for boarders, uniforms, excursions, and activities. --- # Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Strong Catholic values and community focus - Balanced emphasis on academics, sport, and co-curricular programs - Supportive pastoral care and wellbeing services - Small-to-medium class sizes enabling individual attention - Broad facilities for science, arts, and technology - Cons - Higher fees typical of private independent schools - Commutes or travel considerations for regional families - Limited to male students (if seeking a co-educational environment)