St Thomas Aquinas Primary School

1. Overview St Thomas Aquinas Primary School is a Catholic, co-educational primary school serving families in Springwood and the surrounding area. The school emphasises a faith-based, inclusive community where students are encouraged to grow academically, socially and spiritually. - School type: Catholic - School size: Medium - Class size: Typically around 20–25 students per class - Atmosphere/culture: Nurturing, inclusive, faith-filled with a focus on values, learning and belonging ⸺ 2. Academics & Learning St Thomas Aquinas Primary School focuses on strong literacy and numeracy foundations, with opportunities to explore STEM concepts through hands-on learning and inquiry-based activities. The school supports the development of leadership, critical thinking and a love of learning within a Catholic context. - Academic strengths: English literacy, numeracy, STEM activities, leadership development, religious education - Special programs: Gifted and Talented or enrichment initiatives; opportunities for accelerated learning where appropriate - NAPLAN / trends: Demonstrates steady year-on-year growth in key learning areas, with strong progress in reading and writing and alignment to diocesan benchmarks - Student-teacher ratios: Typically around 1:20–1:25 - Support for diverse learners: EAL support, learning support for students with additional needs, targeted assistance through SEN programs ⸺ 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths The school offers a range of physical activities and clubs to support well-rounded development, especially valuable for families seeking broad participation opportunities. - Sports offered: Soccer, netball, basketball, cricket and athletics; other team and individual sports as available - Strong teams or achievements: Competitive involvement in inter-school events and district competitions - Music, arts, drama programs: Choir, band or small ensemble opportunities, school plays and arts activities - Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating, and other enrichment clubs - Partnerships: Local clubs and associations for sports, arts and competitions; opportunities for external clinics and events ⸺ 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care Wellbeing and pastoral care are central to student success, with systems in place to provide support, guidance and a sense of belonging. - Anti-bullying approach: Proactive policies with restorative practices and a focus on respectful relationships - House system: House groups that foster belonging, teamwork and healthy competition - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to a school counsellor or wellbeing staff for student support - Transition support for new students: Orientation programs, buddy systems and ongoing support to help new arrivals settle in ⸺ 5. Facilities The school’s facilities support a varied and engaging learning environment, with spaces designed for collaboration, creativity and physical activity. - Sports grounds: Multiple playing fields or courts for PE and team sports - Libraries: Well-resourced library with a range of fiction and non-fiction - Science labs: Dedicated spaces for hands-on science activities - Music/performing arts centers: Areas for music education and drama - Tech/innovation labs: Access to digital learning tools and problem-solving activities - Cafeteria: On-site dining facilities or arrangements for lunch orders - Updated playgrounds: Modern, safe outdoor play spaces - Additional: Multipurpose hall or auditorium for assemblies and events ⸺ 6. School Values & Community Culture Parents often choose a school based on its culture and values. This school emphasizes faith-based learning, character development and a welcoming community. - School values / mission: Catholic faith, respect, responsibility, compassion, service - Leadership style: Inclusive and collaborative, with opportunities for student voice and leadership - Behaviour expectations: Clear expectations aligned with positive behaviour for learning; consistent routines - Community reputation: Supportive, family-friendly atmosphere where students, families and staff are valued - Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to an inclusive environment with support for diverse families and learning needs ⸺ 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations Practical daily operations help families plan around school life. - School hours: Typical primary school day with start around traditional hours and finish in the mid-afternoon; exact times published by the school - Before/after school care: Available or arranged through approved providers; check current offerings - Uniform requirements: Formal school uniform; sports uniform for physical education and activities - Transport (bus routes): Bus or local transport options available; details provided by the school or local transport authorities - Canteen availability: On-site canteen or lunch ordering system on most days - Fees (range): Fees are in the mid-range for Catholic primary schools; exact amounts and payment schedules published by the school ⸺ 8. Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Applications are typically invited for the upcoming school year. Parents submit an enrolment form and supporting documents, with timelines published by the school. It is common for schools to provide information evenings or open days as part of the process. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - Waiting lists may apply when year levels are full. Allocation often considers factors such as sibling priority and date of submission, with nearer dates generally given preference. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - Entry requirements commonly include proof of age and custody, immunisation records, and enrolment forms. Some Catholic schools may request a short interview or meeting to discuss the student’s needs and fit with the school community. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Mid-year transfers can be possible subject to vacancies and compliance with enrolment criteria. Parents should contact the school early to discuss availability and next steps. ⸺ 9. Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A welcoming, faith-based environment with a focus on academic growth, wellbeing and community involvement. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who value a supportive community, strong core academics and participation in faith life, sport and clubs. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Enrichment programs, leadership opportunities, competitive sports, music and performing arts, robotics, coding and debating clubs. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular newsletters, official app or portal updates, parent-teacher meetings and open days. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - A balanced approach combining literacy and numeracy mastery with faith-based values and practical, hands-on learning. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Targeted classroom support, small-group intervention, and access to learning support staff. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Individualised learning plans where appropriate, ongoing assessment and collaboration with families. - How does the school communicate with parents? (Duplicate) - See above: newsletters, portals, and meetings. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes typically around 20–25, with additional support available for students who need it. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A broad program including team sports, music, drama, robotics, coding, chess and debating. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Sports grounds, library, science labs, performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, canteen, and updated playgrounds. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integration of digital tools to support learning, with age-appropriate access to technology and responsible use policies. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Local bus routes and standard transport options; information available through the school or local providers. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Fees are in the mid-range for Catholic primary schools; exact figures and payment plans available on request. ⸺ 10. Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Catholic, values-based education with a nurturing atmosphere - Balanced academics with strong literacy and numeracy focus - Wide range of extracurriculars (sports, arts, clubs) - Supportive wellbeing and pastoral care - Good facilities to support learning and activity - Cons - Enrollment can be competitive in popular year levels - Fees reflect Catholic independent school standards; families should review current schedules - Transport options depend on local routes and availability - Specific program availability may vary year to year depending on staffing and funding ⸺