St Thomas More's Primary School

## Overview St Thomas More’s Primary School is a Catholic school in Canberra, ACT, committed to values-based education within a supportive, inclusive community. The school aims to foster academic growth alongside strong pastoral care, encouraging students to develop as responsible, respectful members of the school and broader community. The school operates as a medium-sized community with class sizes typically in the low-to-mid 20s. The atmosphere is generally nurturing and faith-informed, with a culture that supports partnerships among students, families, and staff to promote personal and academic growth. --- ## Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: Strong foci on literacy and numeracy, with opportunities to develop STEM thinking, language learning, and leadership skills as part of the broader curriculum. - Special programs: Catholic identity and values-based education, leadership opportunities, and a range of programs to support gifted and talented learners or individuals seeking challenge within the curriculum. - NAPLAN / trends: Trends over recent years typically show stable or improving performance in key areas such as reading and numeracy; the school may publish trend data in annual reports or communications. - Student-teacher ratios: Class configurations commonly provide opportunities for close teacher-student engagement; typical ratios are in the range of around 1:12 to 1:20, varying by year level. - Support for diverse learners: Access to support for diverse learners, including targeted assistance programs, EAL (if applicable), and SEN support to help students reach their individual learning goals. --- ## Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: A range of team and individual sports typical of Australian primary schools (e.g., soccer, basketball, netball, Australian rules football options, athletics) with opportunities to participate in inter-school competitions. - Strong teams or achievements: Participation in inter-school events and local competitions; emphasis on teamwork, sportsmanship, and personal development. - Music, arts, drama programs: Active music and performing arts opportunities, including possible school choirs or ensembles, drama, and related performances. - Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, debating, and other interest-based clubs to build skills beyond the classroom. - Partnerships: Connections with local community programs and competitions to extend learning experiences beyond the classroom. --- ## Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: Proactive, whole-school approaches to safety and respectful behavior, with clear policies and restorative practices. - House system: A house structure to foster belonging, friendly competition, and school spirit across year levels. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to dedicated wellbeing staff or school counselors to support student mental health and resilience. - Transition support for new students: Orientation activities and mentoring to help new students settle in, make friends, and navigate school routines. --- ## Facilities - Sports grounds: On-site or nearby fields suitable for PE, athletics, and outdoor activities. - Libraries: A library space for reading, research, and quiet study. - Science labs: Dedicated spaces for hands-on science learning. - Music/performing arts centers: Areas or rooms for music practice, rehearsals, and performances. - Tech/innovation labs: Facilities supporting digital learning, STEM activities, and creative projects. - Cafeteria: On-site canteen or lunch facilities offering meals and snacks. - Updated playgrounds: Safe, engaging outdoor play spaces with modern equipment. --- ## School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: Clear values-based mission aligned with Catholic education, emphasizing respect, responsibility, compassion, and service. - Leadership style: Democratic and collaborative, encouraging student voice, leadership opportunities, and teacher-student partnerships. - Behaviour expectations: Positive behaviour framework with consistent expectations across classrooms and common areas. - Community reputation: Perceived as a caring, faith-informed community with strong parent and parish involvement. - Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to inclusive education and a welcoming environment for students from diverse backgrounds. --- ## School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: Daytime timetable with standard start and finish times; morning tea and lunch breaks included. - Before/after school care: Availability of before/after school care programs or wrap-around care where offered. - Uniform requirements: Clear uniform guidelines appropriate to the school, including policy on winter and summer wear. - Transport (train/bus routes): Access to local transport options; information typically available for families on how to reach the school via bus or other services. - Canteen availability: On-site or nearby canteen/service providing meals and snacks. - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): School fees placed in a typical range for Catholic primary schools; exact amounts vary by year level and family circumstances. --- ## Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Generally, families submit an application within the school's intake period, followed by any required interviews or assessments, confirmation of placement, and enrolment documentation. Timelines vary by year, so check the school's admissions communications for current dates. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - Waiting lists are common; places are allocated according to the school’s admissions policy, which may include factors such as year level availability, sibling priority, and Catholic community preferences. You’ll be advised of your status and any next steps if a space becomes available. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - The process may include an interview or information session and may require certain documentation. Some Catholic schools may request baptism or parish affiliation as part of the admissions considerations, but exact requirements depend on the school's policy for the intake year. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Mid-year transfers can be considered if spaces are available. Transfers typically require a placement assessment, enrollment paperwork, and coordination with the receiving year level to ensure a smooth transition. --- ## Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - Often chosen for its values-based education, strong sense of community, supportive pastoral care, and emphasis on academic growth within a Catholic environment. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who are cooperative, respectful, curious, and engaged in both academics and community life tend to thrive, along with those who value a faith-informed context. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Opportunities across literacy, numeracy, STEM, leadership roles, sports teams, music and drama programs, and clubs such as robotics, coding, chess, and debating. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Through newsletters, email updates, a school portal or learning management system, parent-teacher interviews, and regular notices about events and student progress. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - A curriculum aligned with national and local standards, with a focus on inquiry-based learning, differentiation to meet diverse needs, and integration of faith-based values. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Targeted learning support, small-group instruction, in-class accommodations, EAL/SEN support where applicable, and opportunities for extension for advanced learners. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Access to learning support staff, structured intervention programs, and coordination with families to monitor progress and adjust plans as needed. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes typically fall in the low-to-mid 20s, with opportunities for individualized attention through small-group work and targeted supports. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A range of sports, arts, and clubs such as robotics, coding, chess, debating, choir or music activities, and participation in inter-school events. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Facilities include sports grounds, libraries, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, a canteen, and updated playgrounds. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integrated digital learning with access to devices and software to support learning, along with online safety education and appropriate use policies. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Public transport options and school-specific arrangements may be provided; details about drop-off/pick-up, bus routes, and accessibility should be confirmed with the school. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Fees vary by year level and family circumstances; families should consult the latest fee schedule for exact amounts and any additional costs (uniforms, excursions, materials). --- ## Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Values-based Catholic education with a supportive, inclusive culture - Strong pastoral care and focus on wellbeing - Solid academic foundation with opportunities for leadership and enrichment - Broad range of extracurriculars (sports, arts, clubs, robotics, debating) - Moderate class sizes that support individual attention - Engaged community and supportive parent involvement - Cons - Fees typical of Catholic primary schools; families should verify current cost structures - Religious activities and expectations may require family alignment and participation - Admissions can involve waiting lists or competitive placement due to popularity - Mid-year transfers depend on space and year-level coordination Note: The information above is a general guide for planning purposes. For the most accurate, up-to-date details on enrolment, fees, programs, and facilities, please contact the school directly and review their published admissions and communications.