St Stephen's Catholic Primary School

1. Overview

St Stephen's Catholic Primary School Pittsworth is a small-to-medium Catholic primary school serving families in Pittsworth and the surrounding community. The school focuses on faith-based education within a warm, inclusive, and supportive environment. Class sizes are kept deliberately small to support individual attention and strong teacher–student relationships, fostering a nurturing atmosphere that values respect, service, and partnership with families.

The culture here is community-driven and values-led, with emphasis on faith, kindness, and collaboration. Students are encouraged to participate in a range of activities that promote personal growth, resilience, and a sense of belonging within a parish-supported school community.

1. Academics & Learning

• Academic strengths: strong literacy and numeracy foundations, opportunities in STEM-related activities, and a focus on developing leadership and communication skills.
• Special programs: Gifted and Talented extension opportunities are available in certain year levels; targeted support for literacy and numeracy; integrated religious education within the curriculum.
• Support for diverse learners: dedicated support for English as an Additional Language (EAL) learners and students with additional learning needs; inclusive practices and targeted small-group interventions.

1. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths

• Sports offered: a range of team and individual sports typical for Queensland primary schools, with opportunities to participate in inter-school sport and local community clubs.
• Strong teams or achievements: consistent involvement in school-based and local competitions; emphasis on teamwork, sportmanship, and personal improvement.
• Music, arts, drama programs: active participation in music and performing arts, with opportunities for school performances and ensembles.
• Clubs: robotics, chess, coding, debating, and other inquiry-based clubs available to encourage problem-solving and critical thinking.
• Partnerships: collaboration with local clubs, community groups, and diocese-supported events to broaden competitive and performance opportunities.

1. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care

• Anti-bullying approach: clear anti-bullying policies, restorative practices, and a focus on creating a safe, respectful school culture.
• House system: house groups support positive identity, teamwork, and friendly competition across activities.
• Counsellors / wellbeing officers: access to wellbeing support staff and a school chaplain or equivalent wellbeing facilitator; wellbeing programs integrated into school life.
• Transition support for new students: structured orientation, buddy programs, and proactive communication with families to ease transitions into the school community.

1. Facilities

• Sports grounds: well-maintained playing fields and indoor spaces for physical activity.
• Libraries: a dedicated library for reading, research, and quiet study.
• Science labs: basic science facilities supporting hands-on learning and experiments.
• Music/performing arts centers: spaces for music instruction and school performances.
• Tech/innovation labs: technology-enabled spaces for coding, robotics, and digital projects.
• Cafeteria: on-site canteen or dining facilities to support healthy eating.
• Updated playgrounds: safe, age-appropriate outdoor play areas and equipment.

1. School Values & Community Culture

• School values / mission: faith-based education grounded in Catholic values such as respect, compassion, service, honesty, and responsibility.
• Leadership style: collaborative leadership with input from staff, students (where appropriate), and families; emphasis on servant leadership and role-modeling.
• Behaviour expectations: positive behaviour framework focused on respect, responsibility, and ready-to-learn attitudes.
• Community reputation: a welcoming parish-aligned community known for supportive relationships and active family involvement.
• Diversity & inclusion: inclusive practices that celebrate diversity and support all students to participate and succeed.

1. School Logistics & Daily Operations

• School hours: typical school day with morning start and afternoon finish times appropriate for primary schooling.
• Before/after school care: arrangements available, often through partnerships with external providers to support working families.
• Uniform requirements: a clearly defined school uniform policy with house-colour elements; terms and details provided by the school.
• Transport (train/bus routes): bus transport and local drop-off/pick-up arrangements; information provided by the school or local transit authorities.
• Canteen availability: on-site canteen or lunch facilities with healthy meal options.
• Fees (low/medium/high ranges): fees generally aligned with parish-based primary schools; information on charges and voluntary contributions available from the school’s enrolments team.

1. Enrolment & Admissions

1. What is the enrolment process and timeline?

• Submit an expression of interest or completed enrolment application.
• Attend an information session or open day if offered.
• Meet with the principal or enrolments officer; provide required documentation (birth certificate, immunisation records, parish details, and previous school reports if applicable).
• Receive an offer of enrolment (subject to vacancy) and complete the formal enrolment form.
• Attend orientation and first-day arrangements; begin the school year with a transition plan if needed.

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

• Waiting lists may operate when year-level capacity is reached. Applications are kept on file, and priority is often given to parish families and siblings where applicable; families are updated on status and estimated timelines.

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

• Generally no formal entrance exams. Schools may conduct a brief information session or interview focused on readiness, welfare, and alignment with school values. Placement decisions are usually based on suitability, availability, and parental confirmation.

1. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?

• Yes, subject to vacancy and the completion of required documentation (enrolment forms, transfer certificates, immunisation records, and any school reports). Early communication with the school is encouraged to facilitate smooth transition.

1. Frequently Asked Questions

• Why Parents Choose This School?

Parents choose for its strong Catholic ethos, nurturing staff, small class sizes, and a supportive community that partners with families in education and values-based development.

• What type of student thrives at this school?

Students who value a faith-informed, collaborative learning environment, who respond well to individual attention, and who enjoy being part of a caring school community.

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

Gifted and Talented extension within the curriculum; a range of clubs (robotics, coding, chess, debating); sports involvement and inter-school competitions; music and performing arts programs.

• How does the school communicate with parents?

Regular newsletters, emails, phone updates, parent-teacher interviews, and school apps or portals to share announcements and student progress.

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

A whole-child, faith-informed approach combining explicit literacy and numeracy instruction with inquiry-based learning, differentiated teaching, and strong pastoral care.

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

In-class differentiation, targeted small-group interventions, learning support staff, and collaboration with families to plan additional assistance.

• What support is available for academic challenges?

Additional tutoring or intervention programs, access to specialists as needed, and ongoing progress monitoring to adjust supports.

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

See above: newsletters, portals, interviews, and regular updates to keep families informed and engaged.

• What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?

A broad program including sports, robotics, coding, chess, debating, music, and performing arts; involvement in inter-school events and local clubs.

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

Comprehensive facilities including sports grounds, library, science labs, music/arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, canteen, and well-developed playgrounds.

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

Integrated ICT across the curriculum with access to devices and digital resources; emphasis on cyber-safety, coding, and responsible use of technology.

• What transport and accessibility options are available?

Bus routes and local transport arrangements; safe drop-off/pick-up procedures; accessible facilities to support all students.

• What are the typical school fees or additional costs?

Fees and contributions follow the school’s schedule and parish guidelines; there may be uniform costs, activity charges, and fundraising contributions. Families can inquire to receive a current breakdown and any available financial support options.

1. Short Pros & Cons list

Pros

• Strong Catholic ethos with a values-based education
• Nurturing, inclusive, family-friendly culture
• Broad range of extracurriculars (sports, robotics, coding, chess, debating, arts)
• Support for diverse learners and EAL students
• Active pastoral care and wellbeing supports
• Involvement with local community and parish networks

Cons

• Smaller school may have fewer subject offerings than larger urban schools
• Transport logistics can be a consideration for families living farther away
• Mid-year transfer opportunities depend on vacancies
• Fees and financial contributions may apply (as with many independent Catholic schools)