Tharbogang Public School

## 1. Overview Tharbogang Public School is a public primary school serving the local NSW community with a focus on inclusive, community‑driven education. The school emphasises supported learning, strong student wellbeing, and partnerships with families to help students thrive academically, socially, and personally. - School type: Public - School size: Small to medium - Class size: Around 20–25 students per class - Atmosphere/culture: Nurturing, inclusive, community‑oriented, with a focus on student wellbeing and belonging ⸻ ## 2. Academics & Learning Tharbogang Public School emphasises solid literacy and numeracy foundations, with opportunities for students to explore STEM, creative and critical thinking, and leadership skills. - Academic strengths: English/literacy and numeracy foundations; STEM exploration; opportunities for student leadership and inquiry-based learning - Special programs: Extension or gifted/talented opportunities where available; targeted tasks and group work to challenge capable students; emphasis on developing literacy, numeracy and digital skills - NAPLAN / trends: Recent years show stable to improving trends across key domains; continual focus on strengthening writing and problem-solving - Student-teacher ratios: Class sizes typical of NSW primary schools, with about 1 teacher per class and additional support staff where needed - Support for diverse learners: Contains support for diverse learners including EAL/D and SEN provisions; inclusive practices to support all students ⸻ ## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths A robust mix of sport, arts and clubs helps students build teamwork, resilience and a wide range of interests. - Sports offered: General primary-level sports such as soccer, netball, rugby league, cricket, athletics, and swimming initiatives - Strong teams or achievements: Participation in local inter-school competitions; schools often achieve regional recognition in various events - Music, arts, drama programs: Regular music and performing arts opportunities; opportunities to participate in school plays and concerts - Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, debating and other enrichment clubs as available - Partnerships: Connections with local clubs and regional competitions to broaden opportunities for students ⸻ ## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care Wellbeing is a top priority, with structures to support positive relationships, safe learning environments and smooth transitions. - Anti-bullying approach: Clear anti-bullying policies and preventative strategies; focus on respectful behaviours and restorative approaches - House system: House groups promote belonging, healthy competition and peer support - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school wellbeing staff or counsellors to support student mental health and social-emotional learning - Transition support for new students: Buddy programs, orientation activities and targeted transition support to ease start‑of‑year adjustments ⸻ ## 5. Facilities Facilities are designed to support a range of learning and enrichment activities and to create a welcoming, safe environment. - Sports grounds: Outdoor play and sports spaces for physical activity - Libraries: School library with a range of books and literacy resources - Science labs: Simple science spaces to support hands-on learning - Music/performing arts centers: Spaces for music practice and performances - Tech/innovation labs: Basic IT and digital learning spaces to foster technology skills - Cafeteria: On-site canteen or prepared meal options for students - Updated playgrounds: Safe, age-appropriate play equipment and outdoor learning spaces ⸻ ## 6. School Values & Community Culture The school fosters a values‑driven, inclusive culture with opportunities for student leadership and community involvement. - School values / mission: Respect, responsibility, resilience, inclusion and kindness guide daily learning and interactions - Leadership style: Collaborative and student‑involved; leadership opportunities for students through roles such as student council or class captains - Behaviour expectations: Clear, consistent expectations aligned with positive behaviour approaches - Community reputation: Strong relationships with local families and the broader community; emphasis on supporting every child to succeed - Diversity & inclusion: Welcoming environment that recognises and respects diversity, with practices to support all learners ⸻ ## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations Practical information to help families plan around school life. - School hours: Typical daily schedule from start to finish (e.g., around 9:00 am–3:00 pm) - Before/after school care: Availability of after‑school care through local providers or in partnership with the school - Uniform requirements: School uniform policy (with appropriate seasonal adjustments); hat requirements for sun safety - Transport (train/bus routes): Bus routes and transport options; local public transport accessibility - Canteen availability: Canteen or canteen options for lunch and snacks - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Low to moderate costs for uniforms, excursions and activities; voluntary contributions and fundraising may apply ⸻ ## 8. Enrolment & Admissions 8. Enrolment & Admissions - 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Typically through the NSW Department of Education enrolment process; families provide proof of local residence and required documents; timelines vary by intake and year level, with earlier applications preferred for local intake - 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - Waiting lists may apply when year levels are full; priority is often local intake, with positions filled as vacancies arise - 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - Generally, primary school enrolment does not require entry tests; occasional interviews or information sessions may occur for transition considerations or if there are special circumstances - 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Mid‑year transfers are possible subject to vacancy availability and the school’s enrolment procedures ⸻ ## 9. Frequently Ask Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A supportive, inclusive environment with small class sizes, strong teacher–student relationships, and active family involvement. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who respond well to a nurturing, collaborative setting, who enjoy a well‑rounded program that blends academics, sport, arts and social learning. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Extension in literacy and numeracy, leadership opportunities, sports teams and inter-school events, and arts/creativity through music, drama and clubs such as robotics and coding. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular updates through newsletters, notices and a school interface; parent–teacher meetings and direct contact with staff as needed. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - A balanced curriculum with explicit instruction, differentiation to meet diverse needs, and a focus on student engagement, inquiry and digital literacy. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Targeted small‑group support, differentiation within classes, and access to EAL/D and SEN assistance where required. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Additional tutoring, in-class supports, and ongoing assessment to identify and address learning gaps. - How does the school communicate with parents? (Repeated) - See above: regular updates, meetings and responsive staff communication. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes typically around 20–25 students, with teachers providing differentiation and targeted support; some students may receive additional assistance from support staff. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - Sports such as soccer, netball, rugby league and athletics; clubs including robotics, coding, chess and debating; music and drama programs; local and regional competitions. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Sports grounds, library, science spaces, music/performing arts facilities, technology/innovation spaces, canteen, and well‑developed outdoor learning areas. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integrated technology in learning; access to ICT resources and digital learning activities to build ICT skills and responsible use. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Local bus routes and transport options; accessible facilities to support students with mobility needs where applicable. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Generally low costs for uniforms and excursions; some activities and events may involve minor fees or voluntary contributions. ⸻ ## 10. Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Supportive, inclusive culture with strong community links - Small to medium class sizes enabling more individual attention - Balanced program across academics, sport and arts - Clear wellbeing focus and student leadership opportunities - Accessible facilities and a range of clubs and activities - Cons - Limited specialist facilities compared to larger schools (relative to regional settings) - Transport options may require planning for families living farther away - Some activities may incur costs for excursions or clubs - Availability of certain programs may vary by year and cohort ⸻