## Overview
St Therese's Primary School is a Catholic, co-educational primary school in Kennington, Victoria. The school offers a faith-filled, inclusive learning community designed to nurture every child’s growth across academics, spirituality, and social development. With a small-to-medium size and class groups in the low- to mid-20s, the environment tends to feel close-knit and supportive, fostering a warm and collaborative culture where students are encouraged to do their best.
The atmosphere is typically described as nurturing and inclusive, with a strong emphasis on community, respect, and service. The school aims to balance faith formation with academic achievement, ensuring families feel connected to the school community through regular communication and involvement in school life.
## Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: emphasis on literacy and numeracy with integrated STEM approaches; focus on developing critical thinking and communication skills; opportunities for leadership and personal growth.
- Special programs: faith formation and sacramental program in line with Catholic education; opportunities for gifted and talented learners where available; programs to support student wellbeing and resilience.
- NAPLAN / Ofsted trends: trends typically show stable performance over recent years, with ongoing focus on literacy and numeracy improvement and student growth across year levels.
- Student-teacher ratios: generally favourable ratios that allow for individual attention, often within the low-to-mid teens to 1:20 range depending on year level.
- Support for diverse learners: dedicated support for diverse learners, including EAL (English as an Additional Language) support and SEN (special education needs) programs and inclusive education practices.
## Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
- Sports offered: common primary options such as soccer, basketball, netball, Australian Rules football, cricket, athletics, and swimming opportunities.
- Strong teams or achievements: active participation in inter-school sport with ongoing development of student-athlete skills and teamwork; visible accomplishment in local competitions.
- Music, arts, drama programs: choir, school performances, and general music programs; opportunities to participate in drama and performance activities.
- Clubs: robotics, chess, coding, debating, and various interest clubs supported through school programs or partnerships.
- Partnerships: collaborations with local community groups, sports clubs, and regional associations to provide extra-curricular opportunities and competitions.
## Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: clear anti-bullying policies with restorative practices and a focus on student wellbeing and safe school culture.
- House system: house-based activities and competitions to promote belonging, leadership, and teamwork.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: access to wellbeing staff or school counsellors to support mental health, social-emotional learning, and transition needs.
- Transition support for new students: buddy programs, orientation activities, and targeted transition support to help new students settle in smoothly.
## Facilities
- Sports grounds: on-site playing fields and outdoor spaces for physical activity.
- Libraries: well-stocked library catering to reading across ages and interests.
- Science labs: dedicated spaces for hands-on science learning and experiments.
- Music/performing arts centers: spaces for music practice, rehearsals, and performances.
- Tech/innovation labs: computer labs or makerspaces to support ICT and STEAM learning.
- Cafeteria: on-site canteen or dining area for meals and snacks.
- Updated playgrounds: modern, safe play areas for outdoor exploration and recreation.
## School Values & Community Culture
- School values / mission: a faith-centered mission emphasizing respect, compassion, service, and academic excellence within a Catholic context.
- Leadership style: collaborative and student-centered leadership, with opportunities for student voice and leadership roles.
- Behaviour expectations: clear codes of conduct focused on respect, responsibility, and safety, reinforced through consistent routines and positive reinforcement.
- Community reputation: seen as a welcoming, faith-filled community with strong family engagement and partnerships with local parishes.
- Diversity & inclusion: commitment to an inclusive environment that welcomes students from diverse backgrounds and abilities.
## School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: standard school day with start and finish times typical for primary schools; daily schedule structured to support learning blocks and breaks.
- Before/after school care: available or coordinated through approved providers to support working families.
- Uniform requirements: clearly defined school uniform policy with guidelines on daily dress and optional components for different days.
- Transport (train/bus routes): access to local transport options; information on bus routes or public transport accessibility as relevant to the area.
- Canteen availability: on-site canteen or arrangements for meals and snacks.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): fees fall within the mid-range for Catholic primary schools in the region, with transparent information available through the school administration.
## Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Families typically complete an enrolment application, provide required documents, and participate in any school interviews or information sessions. The process is guided by the school and may follow the standard Victorian Catholic school timelines, including consideration for start year placements and intake periods.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Waiting lists may operate when the school reaches capacity. Priority is often given to siblings and families within the local parish catchment, with other applicants considered as space allows. The school will communicate expected timelines and steps to join the waiting list.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Entry often includes an interview or family meeting to understand alignment with the school’s values and environment. Some Catholic schools may request basic information about the family and student needs; academic testing is not always required for primary-level enrolments.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers are possible if space is available and relevant documentation is provided. The enrolment team will outline the transfer process, required records, and any transitional supports offered to incoming students.
## Frequently Ask Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- Families choose this school for its Catholic foundation, supportive community, focus on values-based education, and balanced approach to academics, wellbeing, and activities.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who respond well to a faith-informed, inclusive environment with a collaborative culture, strong literacy and numeracy focus, and opportunities in sports and the arts tend to thrive.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Opportunities include enhanced literacy/numeracy programs, STEM integration, leadership roles, inter-school sports, music and drama programs, and clubs such as robotics, coding, and debating.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular updates through newsletters, parent-teacher meetings, digital platforms for attendance and progress, and open channels with teachers and the leadership team.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- A student-centered approach that blends faith-based values with evidence-based instructional practices, differentiates for diverse learners, and emphasizes active learning and collaboration.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Targeted literacy and numeracy support, EAL/SEN programs, small-group or one-on-one interventions, and collaboration with families to develop individual learning plans.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Additional tutoring options, access to wellbeing staff for holistic support, and referrals to external specialists if needed.
- How does the school communicate with parents? (Repeat)
- See above: ongoing updates, meetings, and digital platforms.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Class sizes are in the low- to mid-20s, with teacher-to-student ratios designed to enable some individual support and classroom differentiation.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A range of sports (soccer, netball, basketball, AFL, cricket, athletics, swimming), plus clubs like robotics, chess, coding, debating, and performing arts programs.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Sports grounds, libraries, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, a canteen, and updated playgrounds.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integration of ICT and digital literacy into the curriculum with age-appropriate technology use, online learning tools, and opportunities for STEM projects.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Access to local transport options and information about bus routes or other arrangements to support families in getting students to and from school.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- Fees are in the mid-range for Catholic primary schools in the area, with additional costs for camps, excursions, and some activities.
## Short Pros & Cons list
- Pros
- Strong values-based education in a supportive Catholic community
- Small-to-medium class sizes that enable individual attention
- Inclusive environment with support for diverse learners
- Broad range of extracurriculars, sports, and arts
- Active wellbeing and pastoral care with house-based opportunities
- Cons
- Enrollment may be competitive; waiting lists can occur during peak intake periods
- Some facilities and programs may be scaled based on annual funding and community demand
- Uniform policies and certain fees are part of the school experience, which may be a consideration for some families
