Star of the Sea School

## Overview Star of the Sea Catholic Primary School in Rockingham offers a values-based, faith-centered education for local families. The school is co-educational and operates as a Catholic community school with a medium-sized student body. Class sizes are typically around 20–25 students, fostering approachable learning environments where teachers know their students well. The atmosphere is described as nurturing and inclusive, with a focus on respect, resilience, and community involvement. ⸻ ## Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: Strong emphasis on literacy and numeracy, integrated with faith-based learning. Students also engage with Australia-wide curricula in areas such as science, technology, and Indonesian language studies, supporting well-rounded academic growth. - Special programs: Opportunities for accelerated or enriched learning within the classroom, plus faith formation and values education as a core component of daily learning. Additional programs in music, arts, and ICT help students explore diverse interests. - NAPLAN trends: The school aims for steady year-to-year progress in literacy and numeracy, with improvements seen across cohorts in recent years and resilience in the wake of disruptions to schooling. - Student-teacher ratios: Class sizes roughly in the 20s with a student-teacher ratio commonly around 1:10 to 1:22, depending on year level and staffing. - Support for diverse learners: EAL (English as an Additional Language) support and SEN (Special Educational Needs) resources are available, alongside inclusive practices and access to targeted support to help all students participate and progress. ⸻ ## Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: A broad range of activities typical for primary schools, including soccer (football), netball, basketball, athletics, swimming, and cross-country events. - Strong teams or achievements: Active participation in inter-school and local competitions with school teams achieving recognition in age-group events and district-level fixtures. - Music, arts, drama programs: School ensembles and performing arts opportunities, including choir, instrumental music, drama productions, and public-speaking activities. - Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating, and other interest-based clubs support varied student talents and curiosity. - Partnerships: Engagement with local clubs and community organizations, and participation in local inter-school programs and festivals to broaden opportunities beyond the classroom. ⸻ ## Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: A proactive, whole-school anti-bullying policy with clear reporting pathways, restorative practices, and ongoing wellbeing education to foster respectful relationships. - House system: A house-based structure encourages team spirit, leadership, and positive competition across assemblies and events. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: On-site wellbeing staff and accessible support for students, families, and social-emotional learning. - Transition support for new students: Orientation experiences, buddy systems, and targeted onboarding to help students settle into school life smoothly. ⸻ ## Facilities - Sports grounds: Dedicated playing fields and courts to support a wide range of physical education and sporting activities. - Libraries: Well-stocked library with quiet reading spaces and access to digital resources. - Science labs: Practical science spaces to support hands-on experiments and inquiry-based learning. - Music/performing arts centers: Dedicated spaces for music tuition, rehearsals, and performances. - Tech/innovation labs: Computer and makerspace facilities to support digital literacy, coding, and STEM projects. - Cafeteria: On-site canteen offering healthy meal and snack options. - Updated playgrounds: Modern, safe outdoor play areas that encourage active learning and recreation. ⸻ ## School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: A faith-centered mission focusing on respect, compassion, responsibility, service, and academic growth within a Catholic framework. - Leadership style: Inclusive leadership with opportunities for student voice through councils or roles, supported by teachers and school leaders. - Behaviour expectations: Clear behavioural standards grounded in kindness, accountability, and integrity; consistent reinforcement across the school. - Community reputation: A well-regarded, welcoming Catholic school known for its supportive parent community and emphasis on holistic development. - Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to an inclusive culture with support for students from diverse backgrounds and abilities, including EAL and SEN students. ⸻ ## School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: Typical day runs from around 8:30am to 3:00pm, with possible variations by year level and term; supervision and activity options extend beyond core hours as needed. - Before/after school care: Wrap-around care and after-school programs are available to support families. - Uniform requirements: Standard formal uniform with seasonal options; clear guidelines on acceptable attire for daily wear and excursions. - Transport (train/bus routes): Access to local transport options; school commutes are supported by public transport links and family drop-off/pick-up arrangements. - Canteen availability: On-site canteen or snack facilities offering healthy options. - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees are in the medium range for WA Catholic primary schools, with additional costs for excursions, camps, and optional activities. ⸻ ## Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Express interest via the school’s enrolment process, typically starting with an application form and supporting documents. Open days and information sessions help families understand the school. The timeline generally includes submission, eligibility checks, interviews or meetings (where appropriate), and notification of outcomes within a defined period. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - Many Catholic primary schools maintain a waiting list when vacancies arise. Applicants may be placed on a waiting list after submission, with priority given to eligible siblings and Catholic families in alignment with policy. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - Entry requirements may include documentation (birth certificate, immunisation records, proof of Catholic affiliation where applicable) and may involve informal discussions or interviews to understand the candidate’s readiness and fit with the school’s values and programs. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Mid-year transfers are considered subject to vacancy and alignment with enrolment policies. Parents typically submit an application and coordinate with the school to facilitate a smooth transition. ⸻ ## Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A values-based Catholic education that focuses on character, academic growth, and community involvement, with a nurturing environment and strong family partnership. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who respond well to a supportive, inclusive learning culture, engage in faith-informed values, and participate in a broad range of academic and extracurricular activities. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - A mix of enriched literacy and numeracy programs, elective clubs (robotics, coding, chess, debating), performing arts, music, and participation in inter-school sports and competitions. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular updates via newsletters, parent-teacher meetings, learning progress reports, and digital platforms that provide timely information about events and student progress. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - A blended approach combining evidence-based pedagogy, differentiated instruction, and integration of faith-based values to support holistic development. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Targeted support through EAL/SEN services, in-class differentiation, and access to support staff or specialist programs as needed. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Ongoing assessment, personalised learning plans, and additional tutoring or small-group support where appropriate. - How does the school communicate with parents? (Repeated) - See above: newsletters, meetings, progress reports, and digital communication tools. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes typically around 20–25 students, with a favorable student-teacher ratio enabling meaningful teacher interaction and personalized feedback. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A wide range of sports (e.g., soccer, netball, basketball, athletics, swimming), plus clubs in robotics, coding, chess, debating, music, drama, and arts. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Modern facilities including sports grounds, libraries, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, and canteen. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Emphasis on digital literacy and ICT skills within the curriculum, integrating technology to support learning, creativity, and responsible use. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Access to local transport options and clear information about drop-off/pick-up arrangements to support convenient commuting. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Fees are in the medium range for WA Catholic primary schools, with some additional costs for excursions, camps, and optional programs. ⸻ ## Short Pros & Cons list - Pros: - Values-based Catholic education with a nurturing, inclusive culture - Medium-sized community fostering strong teacher-student relationships - Broad range of academic, arts, and sports opportunities - Supportive wellbeing and transition programs for new students - Comprehensive facilities that support learning across disciplines - Cons: - Fees typical of Catholic primary schools may require ongoing budgeting - Class sizes, while manageable, can vary by year level and staffing - Availability for mid-year transfers depends on vacancies and policy - Debt of knowledge and transitions to higher levels may require adaptation for some students