Overview
St Thomas Aquinas Primary School is a Catholic, co-educational primary school in Charnwood, ACT. As a medium-sized, community-focused school, it blends faith-based values with strong academic foundations to nurture well-rounded learners. The environment emphasises respect, inclusion and parental involvement, creating an atmosphere where students feel supported to explore their interests.
With a focus on literacy and numeracy within a broader curriculum, the school aims to foster curiosity and resilience. The culture is collaborative and inclusive, balancing faith-based values with high expectations for personal growth, sport, arts and service to the community.
Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: Strong literacy and numeracy programs, integrated STEM learning, and opportunities for English and mathematics enrichment within the primary curriculum. Emphasis on a well-rounded, curriculum-aligned education.
- Special programs: Potential for gifted/talented opportunities, targeted literacy and numeracy interventions, and enrichment activities tied to student needs and interests.
- Support for diverse learners: EAL support, SEN support and inclusive learning provisions are available through dedicated learning support staff and coordinated programs.
- Sports offered: Netball, basketball, soccer/football, AFL, cricket, athletics, swimming and other interschool activities through local competitions.
- Strong teams or achievements: Regular participation in interschool sports and ACT Catholic Education competitions, with opportunities for students to contribute to school teams and events.
- Music, arts, drama programs: Active music and performing arts programs, choir, school plays and opportunities to engage in arts activities throughout the year.
- Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess and debating are commonly available, alongside other interest-based clubs and activities.
- Partnerships: Practical connections with local clubs and community programs, plus participation in inter-school and regional competitions to broaden experiences.
Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: Clear anti-bullying policies, consistent behavior expectations and restorative practices to support a safe learning environment.
- House system: House groups organise pastoral care, team-building activities and school events, contributing to a sense of belonging and healthy competition.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to wellbeing staff or a designated counsellor to support student welfare and mental health.
- Transition support for new students: Buddy programs, orientation sessions and smooth transition processes to help new students settle in quickly.
Facilities
- Sports grounds: On-site spaces for physical education and outdoor activities.
- Libraries: A dedicated library for reading, research and presentation of work.
- Science labs: Access to science resources and practical investigations.
- Music/performing arts centers: Facilities to support music lessons, rehearsals and performances.
- Tech/innovation labs: Integrated spaces for digital learning and hands-on projects.
- Cafeteria: On-site dining facilities or arrangements for meals and snacks.
- Updated playgrounds: Modern and safe outdoor play areas for breaks and PE activities.
- School values / mission: Catholic ethos at the core, emphasising faith, compassion, respect, responsibility and service.
- Leadership style: Collaborative and inclusive, with opportunities for student voice and leadership within classroom and school-wide initiatives.
- Behaviour expectations: Clear code of conduct, consistent routines and restorative approaches to discipline.
- Community reputation: Strong sense of community, with active parent involvement and partnerships with local faith and community groups.
- Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to welcoming students and families from diverse backgrounds and ensuring an inclusive learning environment.
School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: Typical daytime hours aligned with ACT primary schedules; exact times published by the school each year.
- Before/after school care: OSHC or similar after-school care options commonly available, or arrangements to support families.
- Uniform requirements: School uniform policy in place, with guidelines for daily wear and special event uniforms.
- Transport (train/bus routes): Access to public transport and school-approved bus routes or drop-off arrangements; specifics depend on current routes.
- Canteen availability: On-site canteen or food service arrangements for students.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): School fees and contributions apply; typical ranges are described by the school to reflect annual costs and activities.
Enrolment & Admissions
What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Applications are typically submitted by a published deadline each year.
- The process usually includes providing necessary documentation, an interview or meeting with the principal or enrolments team, and assessment of eligibility or suitability.
- Notification of outcomes is provided within a defined timeframe, followed by confirmation of enrolment.
Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Some year levels may have waitlists when vacancies are full.
- Waiting lists are managed by the school; families may be contacted if spaces become available, with priority given based on the school’s enrolment policy.
Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Entry requirements often include documentation (birth certificate, immunisation records, proof of residency), and may include an interview or family meeting.
- Some Catholic schools may consider parish or Catholic school involvement as part of the enrolment process, along with alignment to school values.
Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers may be possible if vacancies exist, subject to the school’s enrolment policies and the timely transfer of student records.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A welcoming Catholic environment, strong community involvement, supportive staff, solid literacy and numeracy foundations, and a balanced focus on academics, sport and the arts.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who value faith-based community, collaborative learning, and opportunities to participate in a broad range of activities while developing character and responsibility.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Access to enrichment programs in literacy and numeracy, potential gifted/talented opportunities, scholarships or pathways in STEM, and active participation in sports, music and the arts.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular newsletters, emails and parent portals, parent-teacher meetings and annual events to keep families informed about student progress and school activities.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- A balanced curriculum with differentiation to meet diverse needs, emphasis on literacy and numeracy, inquiry-based learning in STEM and practical, hands-on experiences.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Targeted interventions, learning support staff, EAL and SEN resources to help students catch up or extend their learning.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Screening, targeted coaching, and collaboration with families to create effective support plans and monitor progress.
- How does the school communicate with parents? (Repeated)
- See above: regular updates, meetings and accessible channels for ongoing dialogue.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A range of sports (netball, basketball, soccer, AFL, etc.), music and performing arts, plus clubs such as robotics, coding, chess and debating.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Library, science labs, performing arts spaces, technology/innovation labs, sports facilities, canteen and updated play areas.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integrated digital learning across the curriculum, with appropriate supervision and safe-use guidelines for devices and online resources.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Access to public transport and bus routes, with car drop-off/pick-up arrangements and consideration for accessibility needs.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- Ongoing school fees and contributions, with examples of uniform, resource, and activity costs; exact amounts published by the school each year.
Short Pros & Cons list
- Strong Catholic community with values-based education
- Broad range of academics, sport, arts and clubs
- Focus on wellbeing, inclusion and student support
- Active parent involvement and community ties
- As a faith-based school, preference is typically for families aligned with Catholic values
- Limited vacancies can lead to waiting lists at peak intake times
- Specific programs or facilities may vary year to year depending on funding and staffing
- Fees and contributions apply, which may be a consideration for some families
