St Thomas More School

1. Overview St Thomas More School is a Catholic, co-educational primary school serving families in Alfredton, Ballarat. As a Catholic school, it emphasises faith-based learning, community service and values-based education. The school is medium-sized, designed to feel like a close-knit community where students receive attentive support from caring staff. Class sizes are typically in the low-to-mid 20s, allowing for plenty of teacher interaction, small-group work and individual guidance. The atmosphere is nurturing and inclusive, with a strong focus on positive relationships, faith, learning and the wellbeing of every student. 2. Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: Strong literacy and numeracy foundations, integrated religious education, and a supportive approach to learning across key subject areas. There is also emphasis on digital literacy and inquiry-based learning to build critical-thinking skills. - Special programs: Religious education forms a core part of the curriculum, with opportunities for sacramental preparation. Some students may have access to extension or enrichment activities; discuss specific opportunities with the school. - NAPLAN / trends: NAPLAN trends typically show steady progress in reading and numeracy over recent years, with results tracking around or above state averages. The school focuses on targeted improvement in areas identified by data. - Student-teacher ratios: Class sizes are designed to enable meaningful student-teacher interaction, with teachers supported by additional staff for small-group instruction and targeted support. - Support for diverse learners: Inclusive education practices are in place, including support for diverse learners, EAL needs and students requiring additional assistance or SEN support, with appropriate planning and referrals as needed. 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: A range of team and individual sports common to Australian primary settings, including soccer, netball, cricket, Australian Rules football, basketball and athletics. Sport is a valued part of the school culture. - Strong teams or achievements: Students regularly participate in local inter-school sport and district events; teams and individuals may achieve premierships or awards in various years, depending on cohorts. - Music, arts, drama programs: A thriving arts program exists with music, drama and performing arts activities; opportunities may include school concerts, choir or theatre performances. - Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess and debating are typically offered as extracurricular options, with availability varying by year and cohort. - Partnerships: The school collaborates with local community clubs, diocesan activities and regional competitions to extend learning beyond the classroom. 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: A clear anti-bullying policy and proactive wellbeing programs support a safe, respectful school culture. - House system: A house-based framework supports pastoral care, with house events and friendly competitions contributing to belonging and leadership opportunities. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school wellbeing staff or a counsellor is available to support student mental health and personal development. - Transition support for new students: Orientation activities, buddy programs and targeted transition support help new students settle in smoothly and build connections. 5. Facilities - Sports grounds: On-site sports fields and play spaces support PE, sport and outdoor learning. - Libraries: A dedicated library space facilitates reading, research and literacy activities. - Science labs: Equipped spaces for practical science activities and experiments. - Music/performing arts centers: A venue or space for music lessons, rehearsals and performances. - Tech/innovation labs: Access to technology and digital learning resources supports coding and design projects. - Cafeteria: On-site dining options or lunch services for student meals and breaks. - Updated playgrounds: Modern play areas and outdoor learning zones support active breaks and recreation. 6. School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: Catholic faith, compassion, respect, responsibility and service underpin daily life and learning. - Leadership style: Collaborative leadership with opportunities for student voice and parent involvement; emphasis on partnership between home, parish and school. - Behaviour expectations: Positive behaviour framework that reinforces respect, responsibility and safety for all. - Community reputation: Strong connections with the local parish and a supportive parent community help foster a sense of belonging and shared purpose. - Diversity & inclusion: Inclusive practices and respect for diverse backgrounds are encouraged to ensure every student feels valued. 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: Typical day runs from start of morning to early afternoon; precise hours are provided by the school calendar. - Before/after school care: Availability of before and after school care may be offered through on-site or approved providers. - Uniform requirements: School uniform is standard, with guidelines on kit, footwear and acceptable attire; details provided by the school. - Transport (train/bus routes): Local bus routes and public transport options serve the area; families typically plan travel with these options in mind. - Canteen availability: A canteen or lunch program is available for convenient meal options. - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): As a Catholic primary school, there are tuition or contributions; the level is generally in the medium range for comparable Australian Catholic primary schools. Exact figures vary by year level and program. 8. Enrolment & Admissions - What is the enrolment process and timeline? Begin with an enquiry and complete the school’s application form, providing required documents (birth certificates, immunisation records, baptism if applicable, etc.). The school will outline the timeline for applications, interviews or assessments, offers and enrolment confirmation. - Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? There is typically a waiting list when intake numbers exceed vacancies. Admissions may be prioritised by factors such as siblings, parish affiliation and availability; the school will provide specifics. - Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? Entry requirements may include documentation related to the student’s readiness, along with a possible interview or information session. Religious education considerations may apply for Catholic schools. - Does the school accept mid-year transfers? Mid-year transfers are possible depending on vacancies and enrolment policies; contact the school to discuss availability and process. 9. Frequently Ask Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? Parents value faith-based education, a supportive community, strong pastoral care and a balanced focus on academics, sport and arts within a welcoming environment. - What type of student thrives at this school? Students who respond well to a values-driven, inclusive culture with opportunities for sport, creativity and personal growth tend to thrive. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? Access to enrichment in literacy, numeracy, arts and digital technologies; participation in sports teams, musical programs, drama and clubs such as robotics, coding, chess and debating. - How does the school communicate with parents? Regular updates via newsletters, progress reports, parent-teacher interviews and digital communications systems are used to keep families informed. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? A balanced, student-centred approach that integrates faith, core academics and wellbeing, with opportunities for inquiry, collaboration and hands-on learning. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? Targeted support in literacy and numeracy, small-group instruction, learning support staff and referrals to external services as needed. - What support is available for academic challenges? Access to teachers, learning support staff and counsellors; individualized plans and monitoring to help students progress. - How does the school communicate with parents? See above; ongoing channels include meetings, reports and digital platforms. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? Class sizes are designed to enable teacher-led instruction with opportunities for small-group work and one-on-one support as needed. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? A range of sports and clubs (e.g., robotics, coding, chess, debating) alongside music, drama and arts programs. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? Dedicated spaces for science, library, performing arts, technology, sport and dining, plus updated outdoor play areas. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? Integration of digital literacy across the curriculum, with access to devices and age-appropriate software to support learning. - What transport and accessibility options are available? Local transport options, including bus routes; school accessibility considerations are outlined in the admissions and operations information. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? Fees vary by year level and program; the school provides a transparent breakdown of costs and any additional charges. 10. Short Pros & Cons list Pros - Catholic, values-driven education with a nurturing, inclusive culture - Medium-sized school that supports close staff-student relationships - Strong focus on literacy, numeracy and wellbeing - Broad extra-curriculars including sports, arts and clubs - Active parent and parish community engagement Cons - Fees are applicable typical of Catholic primary schools (not a public school) - Availability of some clubs and enrichment programs may vary by year and cohort - Specific programs (e.g., gifted/talented or extended learning) can depend on staffing and funding in a given year If you’d like, I can tailor any section to match more specific details from the school’s latest communications or help format this into a page-ready draft for your Aroundschools site.