St Thomas Aquinas Catholic School - Norlane

## 1. Overview St Thomas Aquinas Catholic School in Norlane is a Catholic primary school focused on faith-based education, character development and academic growth. The school aims to nurture each student within a supportive community, guided by Catholic values and a commitment to inclusivity and service. The school typically presents as a medium-sized community with class sizes designed to support individualized learning and strong pastoral care. The atmosphere tends to be warm, collaborative and respectful, balancing academic effort with opportunities for spiritual growth, sport and creative pursuits. --- ## 2. Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: Focus areas often include strong literacy and numeracy foundations, with emphasis on English, math and religious education. STEM and digital literacy are commonly integrated across key learning areas, along with opportunities for leadership and personal development. - Special programs: Many Catholic primary schools offer faith formation, leadership opportunities, and enrichment options for gifted and talented students. Some also provide accelerated learning pathways or targeted programs to support diverse learners. - NAPLAN / trends: Historical trends in similar schools often show steady improvement in literacy and numeracy over time, with consistent performance in other mandatory learning areas. Schools typically monitor year-to-year progress and use data to guide teaching strategies. - Student-teacher ratios: Class sizes are kept to a manageable level to support individual attention, with student-teacher ratios commonly in the mid-range for primary settings. - Support for diverse learners: EAL (English as an Additional Language) and SEN (special educational needs) support are typically available through in-class differentiation, learning support staff and targeted interventions. --- ## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: Expect a range of team sports suitable for primary-aged students, such as football codes, netball, basketball, cricket and athletics, along with school-based competitions. - Strong teams or achievements: Schools in this category often participate in local inter-school events and diocesan competitions, with opportunities for developing school pride through team participation. - Music, arts, drama programs: There is usually a music program (choir or instrumental lessons), performance opportunities, and visual/performing arts activities woven into the school culture. - Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, debating and other interest clubs are commonly available to extend learning beyond the classroom. - Partnerships: Local community organizations and regional/diocesan events often provide additional pathways for sport, arts and academic competitions. --- ## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: Schools typically implement a whole-school anti-bullying policy with clear reporting processes and a focus on respectful relationships. - House system: A house/college style system is often used to foster belonging, healthy competition and leadership opportunities. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school-based wellbeing staff or guidance counselors is common to support students’ social and emotional health. - Transition support for new students: Buddy programs, orientation sessions and targeted transition support help new students settle in smoothly. --- ## 5. Facilities - Sports grounds: Multiple sport fields or ovals and outdoor play spaces. - Libraries: Modern library facilities to support independent reading and research. - Science labs: Dedicated science spaces to enable hands-on learning and experiments. - Music/performing arts centers: Spaces for music, drama and performance activities. - Tech/innovation labs: Computer labs or makerspaces for coding, robotics and digital projects. - Cafeteria: On-site dining facilities or a canteen for lunch and snacking needs. - Updated playgrounds: Well-maintained play areas and outdoor learning spaces. --- ## 6. School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: A values-driven environment grounded in Catholic teachings, with emphasis on faith, compassion, service, integrity and community. - Leadership style: A collaborative leadership approach that involves staff, students and families in shaping school culture. - Behaviour expectations: Clear codes of conduct focused on respect, responsibility and safety for all members of the school community. - Community reputation: A culture of inclusivity and support, with active involvement from families and parish connections. - Diversity & inclusion: Inclusive practices and respect for individual differences are promoted to build a welcoming school for all students. --- ## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: Regular start and finish times with routines that support structure and predictability. - Before/after school care: Availability varies; many schools offer supervised programs outside of standard hours. - Uniform requirements: A defined school uniform policy with options for daily wear and approved accessories. - Transport (train/bus routes): School-run or public transport connections are typically available to support commuting families; specifics depend on local routes. - Canteen availability: On-site canteen or lunch provisions to support student meals and snacks. - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees generally fall within the mid-range for primary Catholic schooling, with transparency around any additional costs for activities or camps. --- ## 8. Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Parents typically complete an initial inquiry, submit an enrollment form, provide required supporting documents, and participate in an information session or interview. The timeline varies by intake year and whether places are available. Early applications are encouraged. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - Many Catholic schools maintain a waiting list when year levels reach capacity. Families may be asked to confirm interest periodically, with placement offered as spaces become available, often prioritizing siblings, parish ties, or demonstrated need. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - Common requirements include an enrollment form, birth certificate, immunisation records, and, for Catholic schools, baptism or parish information. Some schools may conduct an informal readiness discussion or interview to understand the student’s needs and fit with the school community. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Mid-year transfers can be possible if spaces exist. Prospective transfers should contact the school promptly to discuss availability, alignment with the curriculum, and transition arrangements. --- ## 9. Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A values-based Catholic education, supportive pastoral care, and opportunities for academic, sporting and artistic growth within a welcoming community. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who respond well to a faith-informed, inclusive environment with a focus on respect, teamwork, and commitment to learning. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Enrichment programs, leadership roles, clubs (robotics, coding, chess, debating), sports teams and performing arts activities. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular updates through newsletters, official portals or apps, parent-teacher meetings, and open channels with teachers and leadership. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - A balanced, outcomes-focused approach that combines core literacy/numeracy with integrated faith formation, critical thinking and digital literacy. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Targeted intervention, differentiated instruction, and access to learning support staff or specialists. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Small-group or one-on-one support, referral pathways to additional services, and ongoing progress monitoring. - How does the school communicate with parents? (Duplicate of above) - See above: multi-channel updates and regular engagement opportunities. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes are kept to a manageable level to enable teacher feedback and student participation, with dedicated time for individual or small-group support. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A range of sports, music/arts programs, and clubs such as robotics, coding, chess and debating, plus inter-school activities. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Modern facilities including sports grounds, libraries, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, technology labs and a canteen. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integration of digital literacy across the curriculum, access to devices and specialty labs to develop responsible, innovative use of technology. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Local transport routes, with information available from the school to help families plan commuting options. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Fees are structured with transparency; expect standard tuition for primary Catholic schooling plus potential additional costs for camps, activities or excursions. --- ## 10. Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Values-driven, supportive Catholic environment - Focus on literacy and numeracy with integrated STEM/digital learning - Diverse extracurricular options (sports, arts, clubs) - Strong wellbeing and pastoral care - Inclusive culture with opportunities for leadership and service - Cons - Fee structure typical of non-government schools (may include extra costs for activities) - Availability of places may vary by year level; mid-year transfers depend on space - Uniforms and policy adherence require ongoing attention for families new to the school