St Thomas More Catholic Primary School

1. Overview St Thomas More Catholic Primary School is a Catholic primary school serving families in Margaret River in Western Australia. The school provides a values-based education for students from Kindergarten to Year 6, guided by Catholic teachings and a focus on community, character, and academic growth. The school is characterized by a small-to-medium size that supports a close-knit, welcoming atmosphere where students are encouraged to participate, contribute, and care for others. - School type: Catholic - School size: small to medium - Class size: typically around 20–25 students per class - Atmosphere/culture: nurturing, inclusive, community-focused Note: Please verify current enrolment numbers, class sizes, and any recent changes with the school directly. 2. Academics & Learning This section highlights the core academic strengths and learning opportunities you can expect, subject to current program offerings. - Academic strengths: strong literacy and numeracy foundations, integrated religious education, and a focus on developing thinking skills across key learning areas. There is an emphasis on values-informed learning that supports student growth in academic and personal areas. - Special programs: Catholic Education WA framework alignment; potential enrichment or accelerated opportunities and targeted learning supports as required. Programs may include pastoral care integrated with classroom learning. - NAPLAN / trends: the school participates in state assessments; trends are reported by the education authorities and the school. For the latest trend data (e.g., improvements in reading, writing, numeracy), check the most recent school and departmental communications. - Student-teacher ratios: typical primary school ratios are around 1:20–1:25; actual ratios vary by year and class. - Support for diverse learners: support for diverse learning needs, including pathways for English as an Additional Language (EAL) learners and assistance for students with additional learning needs (SEN) through in-class and targeted supports. 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths A strong focus on balance between academics, sport, and the arts; activities are designed to engage students aged 10–14 and beyond. - Sports offered: common options at primary Catholic schools include soccer, netball, AFL/footy-style activities, athletics, and swimming programs; check current offerings with the school. - Strong teams or achievements: school teams may participate in local inter-school events and premiership opportunities; current achievements should be confirmed with the school. - Music, arts, drama programs: involvement in school choirs, music lessons, and performing arts experiences are typical; look for opportunities to perform at assemblies and community events. - Clubs: robotics, coding, chess, debating, and other enrichment clubs may be available; availability can vary by year. - Partnerships: potential connections with local community clubs, regional competitions, and inter-school events; confirm current partnerships with the school. 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care Wellbeing supports are a central part of the school experience, aiming to foster safe, respectful, and resilient learners. - Anti-bullying approach: programs and messages are typically embedded in school culture, with clear reporting processes and restorative approaches to conflicts. - House system: many WA Catholic primary schools use a house system to promote belonging, teamwork, and healthy competition; confirm specifics with the school. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: dedicated staff or trained personnel may provide student wellbeing support, social-emotional learning, and confidential guidance. - Transition support for new students: orientation activities, buddy programs, and targeted support to help new students settle into the school community. 5. Facilities Facilities are a key factor for parents, offering spaces that support diverse learning experiences and student wellbeing. - Sports grounds: ovals or hard-surface play areas for physical education and sport. - Libraries: a dedicated library or learning resource center for reading and research. - Science labs: dedicated spaces for hands-on science learning. - Music/performing arts centers: spaces for music, drama, and performance activities. - Tech/innovation labs: classrooms or spaces for digital learning, coding, and technology-based projects. - Cafeteria: on-site dining space or food service area. - Updated playgrounds: safe outdoor play and exploration areas; maintained to support active play. 6. School Values & Community Culture Parents often look for a school that aligns with their family’s values and aspirations for their children. - School values / mission: a Catholic ethos focused on faith, service, compassion, respect, and responsibility. - Leadership style: collaborative and servant-leadership approaches, with staff encouraged to model positive behaviours and foster student leadership. - Behaviour expectations: clear codes of conduct promoting respect, responsibility, and courteous manners; restorative approaches are commonly used. - Community reputation: generally anchored in parish and local community connections; speak with current families and the school to understand local sentiment. - Diversity & inclusion: commitment to inclusive education and welcoming all students, with attention to creating an environment where everyone can participate and belong. 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations Practical daily details help families plan around school life. - School hours: typically a standard primary school day with a morning and afternoon session; specifics should be confirmed with the school. - Before/after school care: a wrap-around care program may be offered or coordinated with local providers; check availability and timings. - Uniform requirements: school uniform with seasonal options; details on items, colors, and order process provided by the school. - Transport: bus routes and local transport arrangements; information about proximity to public transport and any school-specific transport options. - Canteen availability: on-site canteen or lunch program options may be available. - Fees: annual tuition/fees vary; discuss current charges, component costs (voluntary contributions, excursions), and any additional costs with the school. 8. Enrolment & Admissions Enrolment is a key step for families considering the school. The process and timeline can vary by year and student needs. - What is the enrolment process and timeline? Typical steps include submitting an application, providing required documentation, and completing any school-specific assessments or interviews; timelines vary by intake year. - Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? Many WA Catholic primary schools maintain a waiting list; details on placement priorities, waitlist length, and approximate wait times are provided by the school. - Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? Entry requirements may include documentation and eligibility checks; some schools conduct interviews or orientation sessions for prospective students. - Does the school accept mid-year transfers? Mid-year transfers may be possible if space is available; acceptance depends on enrolment capacity and year level demand. 9. Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - Reasons often include the Catholic ethos, sense of community, smaller class sizes, and a focus on holistic development. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who respond well to a values-based education, collaborative learning, and supportive teacher–student relationships. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Enrichment in literacy and numeracy, STEM activities, arts and music programs, and sport opportunities; check current offerings for details. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular updates via newsletters, parent-teacher meetings, parent portals or online platforms, and school events. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - A student-centered approach embedded in a Catholic framework, with integrated faith education and opportunities for collaboration, hands-on learning, and reflective practice. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - In-class differentiation, targeted intervention, and access to specialist support staff as available. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Additional tutoring, modification of tasks, and structured supports within the classroom or via specialist staff. - How does the school communicate with parents? (Repeated) - See above: multi-channel communication including meetings, newsletters, and digital platforms. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes are typically around 20–25 students, with teachers providing regular individual or small-group support as part of ongoing instruction. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A range of sports, clubs (robotics, coding, chess, debating), music and arts programs; exact offerings vary by year. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Sports grounds, library, science labs, music/performing arts facilities, technology spaces, and dining/assembly areas. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integration of digital tools to support learning, with age-appropriate technology use and potential coding or STEM activities. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Local transport options and proximity to bus routes; confirm specific arrangements with the school. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Fees vary by year level and activity; the school can provide a current breakdown of tuition, contributions, and typical excursion costs. 10. Short Pros & Cons list Pros - Catholic, values-based education with a nurturing community - Small-to-medium class sizes enabling more individual attention - Strong emphasis on holistic development (academic, spiritual, social) - Inclusive environment with support for diverse learners - Range of extracurriculars, arts, and potential sports opportunities Cons - As a smaller school, some specialized programs or facilities may differ from larger urban schools - Availability of certain enrichment clubs and advanced programs may vary year to year - Transport and inter-school competition options may be more limited compared with city schools - Fee and uniform costs can be an ongoing consideration for families - Mid-year transfer opportunities depend on space and current enrolments Note: This content is provided as a draft framework to assist in evaluating the school. Please verify all details with St Thomas More Catholic Primary School Margaret River directly to ensure accuracy and to obtain the most current information about enrolment processes, programs, facilities, and policies.