Sts Peter and Paul Primary School - Garran

## 1. Overview Sts Peter and Paul Primary School is a Catholic, co-educational primary school serving families in Garran and the broader Canberra community. It combines faith-based education with a strong focus on academics, character development, and community involvement. As a medium-sized school, it offers a close-knit feel while providing a broad range of programs to support students’ growth. Class sizes typically range around 20–25 students, enabling individual attention within a collaborative learning environment. The atmosphere is nurturing, inclusive, and faith-driven, with an emphasis on respect, service, and belonging. --- ## 2. Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: Strong emphasis on literacy and numeracy, with integrated STEM, digital literacy, and inquiry-based learning woven through the curriculum. - Special programs: Religious education and faith formation are integrated into daily learning; extension and enrichment opportunities for capable students where offered; support for diverse learners through EAL and inclusive education initiatives. - NAPLAN trends: Consistent, stable performance with gradual improvements over recent years in reading and numeracy, alongside robust growth in writing and overall literacy development. - Student-teacher ratios: Typical ratio around 1:18–1:23, with class sizes of about 20–25 students to support individual attention and group collaboration. - Support for diverse learners: Dedicated support for EAL students and students with additional learning needs, including targeted interventions, explicit teaching strategies, and collaborative planning with families and specialists. --- ## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: Soccer, basketball, netball, cricket, athletics, and other local or inter-school fixtures as opportunities arise. - Strong teams or achievements: Participation in inter-school competitions with a focus on teamwork, sportsmanship, and steady improvement; opportunities to contribute to school success across teams. - Music, arts, drama programs: School choir or vocal groups, classroom music, and opportunities for drama productions and performances. - Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating, and other interest-based clubs that complement classroom learning. - Partnerships: Connections with local clubs, visiting coaches, and participation in regional competitions to broaden experiences and skills. --- ## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: Values-based programs, explicit anti-bullying messaging, and restorative practices to address conflicts and promote a positive school climate. - House system: House groups foster belonging, healthy competition, and peer support across year levels. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school wellbeing staff or counsellors to support social, emotional, and mental health needs. - Transition support for new students: Orientation activities, buddy systems, and targeted supports to help students settle into new environments and routines. --- ## 5. Facilities - Sports grounds: External playing fields and court spaces for a variety of sports and activities. - Libraries: On-site library with a range of fiction and reference resources to support independent reading and research. - Science labs: Dedicated spaces for hands-on experiments and inquiry-based science learning. - Music/performing arts centers: Rooms and spaces for music, drama, and performance activities. - Tech/innovation labs: Access to digital technologies and age-appropriate tech learning environments. - Cafeteria: On-site or supervised lunch facilities offering convenient meal options. - Updated playgrounds: Safe, well-maintained play areas that support active play and social interaction. --- ## 6. School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: Faith-based education centered on values such as respect, responsibility, compassion, and service to others. - Leadership style: Student voice is encouraged; leadership opportunities via student councils, roles within classes, and peer leadership initiatives. - Behaviour expectations: Clear expectations around respectful conduct, responsibility, and restorative approaches to conflict. - Community reputation: A welcoming parish-school community with emphasis on partnership with families and parish life. - Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to inclusivity, celebrating diverse backgrounds and ensuring all students feel valued and supported. --- ## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: Typical school day starts mid-morning and finishes in the early afternoon, with routines that support punctual arrival and orderly dismissal. - Before/after school care: Availability of before- and after-school care or supervision programs may be offered on-site or through partner services. - Uniform requirements: Formal school uniform required (with seasonal adjustments); sports uniform on designated days or activities. - Transport (train/bus routes): Access to local public transport routes; information provided to families about bus or community shuttle options where applicable. - Canteen availability: Canteen or supervised lunch options available on school days. - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees are in the moderate range for this type of school, with transparent parent information about any additional costs (e.g., excursions, books, and activities). --- ## 8. Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Inquiries and information sessions are offered to prospective families. Applications are typically submitted during a defined intake period, followed by shortlisting, possible interviews, and an offer of enrolment. The timeline varies by year and intake; families are advised to monitor the school’s official communications for precise dates. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - Waiting lists may apply when a cohort is full. Applications are recorded, and placements are offered as vacancies arise, with priority given to siblings, parish families, and date of application where applicable. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - Entry usually involves an application, and may include an interview or discussion with families and students. Specific testing is not universally required but may occur for certain cohorts or programs as determined by the school. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Mid-year transfers are sometimes possible, depending on space and alignment with the school’s curriculum and pastoral supports. Families should contact the school early to discuss options and required documentation. --- ## 9. Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A faith-based, values-driven environment with a nurturing community, strong literacy and numeracy foundations, and opportunities for both academic and personal growth. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who value a supportive, inclusive community, enjoy collaborative learning, and engage with both academics and service within a faith-context. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Enrichment through extension programs, leadership opportunities, inter-school sports, music and drama activities, robotics and coding clubs, and participation in regional competitions. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular updates through newsletters, emails, a school website or portal, parent-teacher meetings, and informal contacts with teachers and school leaders. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - A literacy- and numeracy-rich curriculum with inquiry-based learning, integrated technology, and differentiation to meet diverse learner needs within a supportive, faith-informed framework. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Targeted small-group instruction, EAL and SEN support, collaboration with families and specialists, and individualized planning where required. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Early intervention, tutoring or targeted interventions, and ongoing progress monitoring to adjust supports as needed. - How does the school communicate with parents? (Note: previously asked) - See above: newsletters, digital portals, meetings, and direct liaison with teachers. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes typically around 20–25 students, with teacher-led instruction and opportunities for small-group or one-on-one support. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A range of sports (soccer, netball, basketball, etc.), plus clubs in robotics, chess, coding, debating, and arts activities. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Sports grounds, libraries, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, canteen, and well-maintained play areas. - What is the school's approach to technology and digital learning? - Integrated digital literacy across the curriculum, with age-appropriate tech tools and opportunities to develop critical-thinking and responsible use of technology. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Access to local transport options with information provided to families; considerations for accessibility and safe travel to and from school. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Fees fall within a moderate range for Catholic primary schools, with details provided in the school’s enrolment information and financial policies. --- ## 10. Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Catholic, values-driven education with a nurturing, inclusive culture - Medium-sized school fostering strong community and individualized attention - Solid focus on literacy, numeracy, and integrated STEM - Broad range of co-curriculars (sports, arts, robotics, debating) - Support for diverse learners and transition programs for new students - Cons - As a faith-based school, religious education is a core component, which may not suit all families - Mid-year transfers depend on space and program alignment - Fees are in the moderate range; extra costs for excursions and activities can apply