St Therese's School

## 1. 1. Overview St Therese’s School, Bentley Park is a Catholic, co-educational primary school serving families in the local Queensland community. The school offers a nurturing, faith‑based learning environment with a strong focus on values, inclusion and community involvement. It is a medium-sized school with class sizes typically around 22–25 students, fostering close relationships between students, families and staff. Atmosphere and culture are built on respect, service, and a collaborative approach to learning. The school aims to balance academic rigor with pastoral care, providing opportunities for students to grow socially, emotionally and spiritually within a supportive community. --- ## 2. 2. Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: English and literacy, numeracy, STEM, and digital technologies; emphasis on critical thinking, reading for meaning and effective writing. - Special programs: Gifted and Talented pathways, accelerated learning options where appropriate, and opportunities to develop leadership and communication skills; some support for second language learning (LOTE). - NAPLAN trends: Consistent year-to-year performance with steady progress in reading and numeracy; ongoing focus on targeted improvement where needed. - Student-teacher ratios: Moderate class sizes with substantial teacher contact time; classroom routines designed to maximise individual attention within a collaborative setting. - Support for diverse learners: EAL support, inclusive education practices, and SEN support through targeted in-class and small-group assistance; access to specialist staff and learning support programs. --- ## 3. 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: Soccer, netball, Australian football codes, cricket, basketball, athletics and swimming programs; a range of both team and individual activities. - Strong teams or achievements: Competitive participation in district and inter-school events with a focus on teamwork, skill development and fair play. - Music, arts, drama programs: School choir, classroom music, and opportunities to participate in musical productions and performing arts events. - Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, debating and other student-led clubs to foster problem-solving and collaboration. - Partnerships: Local community partnerships, collaboration with regional clubs and participation in inter-school competitions and events. --- ## 4. 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: Clear anti-bullying policies, positive behaviour support, and programs that promote respectful relationships and digital citizenship. - House system: House-based activities that encourage belonging, leadership and teamwork; houses often themed around local saints or values. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school wellbeing staff to support social-emotional learning, transitions and personal development. - Transition support for new students: Buddy programs, orientation sessions and family engagement to ease entry for new students and families. --- ## 5. 5. Facilities - Sports grounds: On-site playing fields and court spaces for physical education and extracurricular sport. - Libraries: Well-stocked library with quiet study spaces and access to digital resources. - Science labs: Modern science facilities to support hands-on inquiry and practical experiments. - Music/performing arts centers: Dedicated spaces for music, drama and performances. - Tech/innovation labs: Updated spaces for digital learning, coding and design projects. - Cafeteria: On-site canteen or meal facilities supporting healthy lunch options. - Updated playgrounds: Safe, age-appropriate play areas and outdoor learning environments. --- ## 6. 6. School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: Catholic ethos centred on service, respect, responsibility and compassion; emphasis on forming values-based citizens. - Leadership style: Student and staff leadership opportunities with a focus on servant leadership and inclusive decision-making. - Behaviour expectations: Clear code of conduct promoting courtesy, integrity and cooperation; consistent routines and consequences aligned with school values. - Community reputation: Known for a welcoming, inclusive and engaged school community with active parent involvement. - Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to equity and inclusion, celebrating diverse backgrounds and ensuring accessibility for all students. --- ## 7. 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: Typical daytime schedule with start and finish times aligned to primary school norms; flexible allocation for assemblies and events. - Before/after school care: Availability of before/after school care options or partnerships with outside providers to support working families. - Uniform requirements: School uniform policy with daily wear and sport/special days; guidance on hats and sunscreen for outdoor activities. - Transport (train/bus routes): Local bus routes and school transport options; information available to families to assist with planning. - Canteen availability: On-site canteen or lunch service offering healthy meal options. - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees are in the mid-range for Catholic primary schools; exact figures vary by year level and family circumstances. --- ## 8. 8. Enrolment & Admissions ### 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Submit an online expression of interest or enrolment application. - Provide required documents (birth certificate, immunisation records, religious affiliation information, custody details if applicable). - Attend an enrolment interview or information session; meet with leadership or principal as part of the process. - Receive confirmation of enrolment and complete any orientation or intake steps before the start of the school year. ### 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - Waiting lists may operate when capacity is reached; place on the list is typically prioritized by application date and, where relevant, Catholic priority. - Families will be updated on their status and the expected timeline if a place becomes available. ### 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - Generally no formal academic entrance tests for primary entry; there is usually an interview or information session for families. - Preference may be given to Catholics and to families who demonstrate alignment with the school ethos; documentation and consent requirements apply. ### 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Mid-year transfers are possible subject to space and a smooth transition plan. - Prospective families should contact the school early to discuss availability and to organise transition support for new students. --- ## 9. 9. Frequently Ask Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A welcoming Catholic community, strong pastoral care, balanced academics and opportunities for students to lead and serve. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who value a faith-based community, collaborative learning, and participation in a range of academic, sporting and creative activities. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Extension in literacy and numeracy, leadership roles, STEM/ICT activities, sports teams, music and drama programs, and clubs such as robotics, coding and debating. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular newsletters, emails, parent portals, school app updates, and scheduled parent-teacher meetings. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - Student-centered, with emphasis on literacy/numeracy foundations, inquiry-based learning, digital literacy and inclusive practices. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Learning support plans, targeted interventions, EAL assistance and small-group instruction. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Access to learning support staff, consultations with teachers, and adaptive strategies to meet individual needs. - How does the school communicate with parents? - See above: newsletters, portals, emails and meetings; responsiveness to queries. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes around 22–25 students with frequent teacher contact time and opportunities for small-group instruction. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A range of sports, arts, music, and clubs including robotics, coding, chess and debating. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Sports grounds, libraries, science labs, performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs and a canteen. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integrated digital literacy, classroom technology, and development of responsible, creative tech use. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Local bus routes, transport information, and parking/traffic guidance for families. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Fees are mid-range for Catholic primary schools; there are usual additional costs for uniforms, excursions and activities; exact amounts vary by year level. --- ## 10. 10. Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Strong Catholic ethos with a supportive, inclusive community - Balanced focus on academics, wellbeing and character - Moderate class sizes and good teacher-student interaction - Wide range of extracurriculars, sports and arts opportunities - Clear commitment to wellbeing, inclusion and pastoral care - Cons - As a primary-focused setting, opportunities for secondary-level specialization may be limited (refer to local options) - Fees are higher than public schools; some families may face annual cost considerations - Availability of mid-year transfers depends on space; wait times can occur during peak intake periods