Tamborine Mountain State School

# Overview Tamborine Mountain State School is a public primary school serving the Tamborine Mountain community. With a small to medium school size, classes typically range around 20–25 students, fostering a welcoming and supportive atmosphere. The school prioritises a nurturing, inclusive culture where students are encouraged to try new things, collaborate with peers, and grow across academics, arts, and sport. The campus supports Prep to Year 6 learners with a focus on strong literacy and numeracy foundations, hands-on learning, and positive relationships. The school aims to create a safe, encouraging environment where students develop resilience, curiosity, and a sense of belonging in a close-knit rural-urban setting. --- # Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: strong emphasis on core literacy and numeracy, with opportunities to explore STEM activities, inquiry-based learning, and leadership experiences within the student community. - Special programs: opportunities for gifted and talented pathways, targeted extension activities, and enrichment opportunities within the primary curriculum. - NAPLAN trends: consistent focus on improving reading, writing, and numeracy outcomes over time, with steady progress evident in year-to-year trends. - Student-teacher ratios: typical primary class sizes around 20–25 students, with specialist support available as needed. - Support for diverse learners: access to EAL/D support, learning support staff, and targeted interventions to assist students who require extra help. --- # Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: a range of team and individual sports suitable for primary students, with opportunities to participate in school assemblies, interschool events, and local sports programs. - Strong teams or achievements: ongoing participation in district-level activities and interschool events, with emphasis on teamwork, fair play, and personal bests. - Music, arts, drama programs: diverse options in music and performing arts as part of the curriculum and after-school activities. - Clubs: robotics, coding, chess, debate, and other hands-on clubs to develop problem-solving and creative thinking. - Partnerships: connections with local community clubs and regional competitions to extend learning beyond the classroom. Most parents with children in the primary years appreciate a balanced program that combines sport, arts, and clubs to support well-rounded development. --- # Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: proactive strategies, student-led initiatives, and a supportive school culture centred on respect and safety. - House system: a house-based structure to promote belonging, teamwork, and healthy competition. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: access to school-based wellbeing staff to support social-emotional learning and student welfare. - Transition support for new students: orientation activities, buddy programs, and tailored onboarding to help new students settle in smoothly. This section builds trust by showing a committed focus on student wellbeing and positive relationships. --- # Facilities - Sports grounds: well-maintained outdoor spaces for physical education and sports. - Libraries: age-appropriate library collections and activities to foster a love of reading. - Science labs: dedicated spaces for hands-on experiments and STEM activities. - Music/performing arts centers: spaces for music, drama, and performance opportunities. - Tech/innovation labs: teaching spaces that support digital learning and technology education. - Cafeteria: on-site dining facilities to support daily meals and healthy eating. - Updated playgrounds: safe, engaging outdoor play areas for break times and physical activities. Facilities are presented in a visually simple way to help families picture daily life at school. --- # School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: emphasis on respect, responsibility, safety, and community-minded learning. - Leadership style: inclusive and student-centered, with opportunities for student voice through councils or leadership roles. - Behaviour expectations: clear, consistent rules promoting kindness, accountability, and collaboration. - Community reputation: known for a welcoming, family-friendly environment that supports diverse learners. - Diversity & inclusion: commitment to an inclusive culture where students from various backgrounds feel valued and supported. --- # School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: standard prep to 6 schedule with start and finish times aligned to the Queensland primary calendar. - Before/after school care: available options or referrals through approved providers; specifics vary by term and enrolment. - Uniform requirements: standard school uniform as part of daily dress; details provided by the school. - Transport: bus routes and public transport options available for eligible students; information on transport eligibility is provided by the school and local transport authorities. - Canteen availability: on-site canteen or lunch program supporting healthy meal options. - Fees: as a public school, charges are generally limited to voluntary contributions, with additional costs for excursions and certain activities. --- # Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Begin by confirming your child’s eligibility within the school’s catchment area. - Prepare required documents (proof of identity and age, proof of residency/address, immunisation records, and any custody or enrollment-related documents). - Submit the enrolment application through the school or Education Queensland enrolment system. - The school will confirm a placement timeline, include any orientation steps, and communicate what to expect before term starts. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - In-zone (catchment) enrolments typically take priority. - Out-of-zone applications may be considered if vacancies exist; there may be a waiting list or ballot process depending on demand and district guidelines. - The school will advise families of current status and any expected timelines. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - Primary school entry generally does not require entrance tests or formal interviews. - Documentation proving residency, age, and immunisation status is usually required. - Some schools may offer information sessions or brief on-site introductions; specific requirements are provided during the enrolment process. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Mid-year transfers are possible, subject to vacancy and timetabling availability. - Parents should contact the school as early as possible to discuss transfer options and required documentation. - The transfer process is coordinated with the relevant Education Department offices to ensure a smooth transition. --- # Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A welcoming, close-knit community with strong literacy and numeracy foundations, supportive staff, and a balanced program of academics, sport, and arts. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Curious, collaborative learners who enjoy working in teams, trying new activities, and building resilience across academics and extracurriculars. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Enrichment in literacy and numeracy, STEM and digital technologies, gifted and talented pathways, sports squads, music and performing arts, robotics, coding, chess, and debate. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular newsletters, emails, school app/website updates, parent-teacher interviews, and notices about events and opportunities. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - Student-centered, differentiated instruction with emphasis on core literacy and numeracy, inquiry-based learning, and inclusive practices. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Targeted interventions, small-group or one-on-one support, EAL/D assistance, and access to learning support staff. - What support is available for students with academic challenges? - Ongoing progress monitoring, tailored adjustment plans, and connections to external support services when needed. - How does the school communicate with parents? - See above: newsletters, emails, app/website updates, and parent-teacher conversations. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes typically around 20–25 students, with teachers differentiating instruction to meet individual student needs. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - Sports programs, clubs such as robotics, coding, chess, and debate, plus music and performing arts opportunities. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Sports grounds, library, science labs, music/performing arts facilities, tech/innovation labs, canteen, and updated playgrounds. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integration of digital technologies and computer literacy in the curriculum, with access to IT facilities and age-appropriate tech use. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - School transport options and routes via the local transport authority; canteen and accessibility considerations discussed with the school. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Generally low or moderate, consisting of voluntary contributions, excursion or activity costs, and uniform expenses; official details provided during enrolment. --- # Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Close-knit, welcoming community with a focus on core academics and well-rounded development. - Supportive environment for literacy and numeracy with opportunities in STEM, arts, and clubs. - Range of wellbeing supports and a structured, inclusive culture. - Variety of extracurricular options and partnerships that extend learning beyond the classroom. - Cons - Smaller school may have fewer on-site specialist facilities compared to larger urban schools. - Rural/peripatetic location can mean longer travel times for some families. - Availability of certain programs or mid-year transfers may depend on current vacancies.