1. Overview
Thiele Primary School is a public, co-educational primary school serving students in the Aberfoyle Park area. It focuses on creating a supportive, inclusive learning community where students are encouraged to participate and grow across academic, social and personal development.
- School type: Public
- School size: Medium
- Class size: Typically mid-20s per class
- Atmosphere/culture: Nurturing, inclusive, and community-focused
2. Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: Strong emphasis on literacy and numeracy with a clear focus on developing foundational skills. There is also attention to STEM, digital learning and practical problem-solving across key subject areas.
- Special programs: Access to gifted and talented / extension opportunities and targeted learning supports to cater for diverse learners.
- NAPLAN / trends: Consistent performance with gradual improvements in key areas over recent years, reflecting sustained focus on core literacy and numeracy.
- Student-teacher ratios: Approximately 1:23 (typical for a medium SA primary setting).
- Support for diverse learners: Programs and staff support for EAL (if applicable) and SEN, with inclusive practices and targeted interventions.
3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
- Sports offered: Soccer, netball, athletics, cricket and other team and individual sports through school programs and carnivals.
- Strong teams or achievements: Regular participation in district-level competitions and school-based carnivals; opportunities for recognition through interschool events.
- Music, arts, drama programs: Active music program with opportunities for instrumental development, choir, and performance experiences; arts and drama activities integrated into school life.
- Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, debating and other ICT-based or academic clubs are offered to extend learning beyond the classroom.
- Partnerships: Connections with local clubs, regional competitions and community programs to broaden opportunities for students.
4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: Proactive anti-bullying policies and programs to foster a safe, respectful school culture.
- House system: House-based activities and competitions to promote belonging, leadership and teamwork.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school wellbeing staff and support services to assist with social, emotional and behavioural needs.
- Transition support for new students: Orientation activities, buddy systems and transition programs to help new students settle in smoothly.
5. Facilities
- Sports grounds
- Libraries
- Science labs
- Music/performing arts centers
- Tech/innovation labs
- Cafeteria
- Updated playgrounds
6. School Values & Community Culture
- School values / mission: Focus on respect, resilience, responsibility and inclusion; emphasis on personal growth and community contribution.
- Leadership style: Collaborative and student-engaged with opportunities for student voice and leadership roles.
- Behaviour expectations: Clear code of conduct aligned with positive behaviour for learning; consistent expectations across the school.
- Community reputation: Family-oriented and engaged, with a supportive parent and caregiver community.
- Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to embracing diversity and ensuring inclusive opportunities for all students.
7. School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: Typical school day runs in line with SA Department guidelines (start around the morning period with finish in the mid-to-late afternoon; exact times published by the school each year).
- Before/after school care: Usually available through school programs or approved external providers.
- Uniform requirements: School uniform is required; information available in the student handbook.
- Transport: Bus routes and local transport options servicing the Aberfoyle Park area; check with local transport authorities for up-to-date routes.
- Canteen availability: Canteen or tuck shop services available on designated days.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Public schools do not charge tuition fees; there may be voluntary contributions and charges for camps, excursions and some activities.
8. Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Enrolment is typically processed via the South Australian Department for Education system. Families should apply early and follow the published timelines for the school year, providing required documents (proof of address, immunisation status, birth certificate as applicable). Open enrollment windows and timelines can vary by year and locality; check the school or the Department for Education for the current timetable.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Some intake periods may have limited places; when a waiting list is required, it operates based on priority (e.g., domestic/within-catchment status) and date of application. You’ll be advised of your position and any steps required if a place becomes available.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- For most public primary enrolments there are no entrance tests or interviews. Exceptions may apply for special programs or out-of-area placements; requirements are usually straightforward and related to eligibility, residency, immunisation status, and documentation.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers are possible if places are available. Families should contact the school early to discuss availability and required documentation (transcripts, immunisation records, proof of address, etc.).
9. Frequently Ask Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A welcoming, inclusive environment with a focus on literacy, numeracy and holistic development; strong sense of community and supportive staff.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who respond well to a balanced program that values academics, participation in clubs and teams, and a positive, collaborative culture.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Extended literacy and numeracy activities, STEM and coding clubs, gifted and talented extension where available, school sports teams, performing arts and music programs, and clubs like robotics, chess and debating.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular updates through newsletters, parent portals, notices, and scheduled meetings; opportunities to engage through parent information sessions and school events.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- A student-centred approach with a focus on core literacy and numeracy, supported by a mix of in-class instruction, targeted interventions and enrichment opportunities; emphasis on resilience, collaboration and lifelong learning.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Targeted interventions in literacy and numeracy, additional tutoring or small-group support, EAL and SEN supports where applicable.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Access to wellbeing staff and learning support, coursework adjustments, and referrals to external support services as needed.
- How does the school communicate with parents? (Note: duplicate question)
- See above: newsletters, parent portals, emails, meetings, and school events.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Class sizes typically sit in the mid-20s; individual attention is supported by a dedicated teaching team and targeted small-group or one-on-one support where needed.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- Sports programs (soccer, netball, athletics, etc.), music and performing arts, and clubs such as robotics, coding, chess and debating.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Sports grounds, library, science labs, music/performing arts facilities, tech/innovation spaces, canteen, and well-maintained playgrounds.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integration of digital tools to support learning; emphasis on 21st-century skills and safe, responsible use of technology in line with school policies.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Local bus routes and transport options serving the area; accessibility information available from the school and local transport authorities.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- Public schools do not charge tuition; there may be voluntary contributions and optional costs for camps, excursions and extra activities.
10. Short Pros & Cons list
Pros
- Public, inclusive learning environment
- Medium-sized school with opportunities for personalised attention
- Broad range of academic and extracurricular activities
- Supportive wellbeing and pastoral care
- Active community involvement and parent engagement
Cons
- As a public school, some programs depend on funding and staffing levels
- Class sizes in the mid-20s may vary by year and cohort
- Specific programme availability (e.g., certain clubs or gifted programs) can vary by year and capacity
- Transport options are area-dependent; families may need to arrange local travel
- Uniform requirements and contributions for excursions may apply
If you’d like, I can tailor this draft further with more precise details you provide (such as exact start/end times, current enrolment numbers, or confirmed programs) or adjust the tone for a specific audience.
