Tom Price Primary School

1. Overview

Tom Price Primary School is a public, co-educational primary school serving the town of Tom Price, Western Australia. It offers Kindergarten to Year 6 education in a small to medium-sized school community, with class sizes typically around 20–25 students. The school fosters a nurturing, inclusive, and community-focused atmosphere where families are valued and staff work closely with students to support their learning and wellbeing.

1. Academics & Learning

• Academic strengths: emphasis on literacy and numeracy with opportunities to explore STEM concepts, leadership, and student-driven learning across the primary years.
• Special programs: school-based extension activities and opportunities for leadership development; gifted/talented pathways are supported within the school and district as available.
• Support for diverse learners: dedicated support for diverse learners including EAL and SEN assistance, with individual learning plans and targeted interventions where needed.

1. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths

• Sports offered: a variety of school sport options, including netball, basketball, cricket, football (soccer), athletics, and cross-country programs; participation in inter-school sport events.
• Strong teams or achievements: active involvement in local and regional inter-school competitions with opportunities to develop teamwork and competitive spirit.
• Music, arts, drama programs: school music programs and opportunities to participate in choir or drama activities and performances.
• Clubs: robotics, chess, coding, and debating clubs supported to foster problem-solving and critical thinking.
• Partnerships: connections with local community clubs and regional sport/arts programs to broaden opportunities and competition.

1. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care

• Anti-bullying approach: whole-school anti-bullying policies and programs to promote a safe, respectful environment.
• House system: house groups that run throughout the year to encourage belonging, collaboration, and healthy competition.
• Counsellors / wellbeing officers: access to school wellbeing staff and counselling support to assist students with social, emotional, and academic needs.
• Transition support for new students: structured orientation, buddy systems, and transition activities to help new students settle in smoothly.

1. Facilities

• Sports grounds: dedicated outdoor spaces for physical education and sports.
• Libraries: on-site library with books and digital resources.
• Science labs: dedicated science spaces to support hands-on learning and experiments.
• Music/performing arts centers: facilities for music classes, rehearsals, and small performances.
• Tech/innovation labs: basic tech and digital learning spaces to support coding and project-based learning.
• Cafeteria: on-site canteen or lunch facilities for student meals and snacks.
• Updated playgrounds: modern play areas and outdoor learning spaces.

1. School Values & Community Culture

• School values / mission: focus on Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, and Excellence; a commitment to inclusive, student-centered learning.
• Leadership style: collaborative leadership with opportunities for student voice and involvement in school decisions.
• Behaviour expectations: clear expectations and positive behaviour policies that reinforce respectful conduct and responsibility.
• Community reputation: known as a welcoming, close-knit community where families and staff work together to support student growth.
• Diversity & inclusion: emphasis on creating an inclusive environment that respects and celebrates diverse backgrounds and abilities.

1. School Logistics & Daily Operations

• School hours: typical school day runs roughly 8:30am–3:00pm during term time.
• Before/after school care: options generally available through OSHC providers or school programs; families should confirm current arrangements.
• Uniform requirements: school uniform policy in place for daily wear and special events.
• Transport (train/bus routes): bus routes and local transport options available to eligible students; check specific routes with the school.
• Canteen availability: on-site canteen or lunch program available for student meals and snacks.
• Fees (low/medium/high ranges): as a public school, tuition is not charged; there are usually Voluntary Contributions and activity charges, with overall costs considered low to moderate for families.

1. Enrolment & Admissions
2. What is the enrolment process and timeline?

• Begin by contacting Tom Price Primary School or the WA Department of Education enrolment office to obtain the necessary forms and guidance. Submit the completed enrolment application with required documents (birth certificate or proof of identity, immunisation records, proof of address, etc.). There is a planning and transition period, typically well in advance of the intended start date.

1. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?

• If the school is at capacity, a waiting list may be established. Placement on the waiting list is usually prioritized by date of application and availability of spaces, with regular communication from the school about status and potential offers.

1. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?

• Generally, there are no entrance exams for primary school enrolment. Some schools may conduct a brief orientation or meeting to help families understand the program and for the school to learn about the student’s needs.

1. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?

• Mid-year transfers are possible if spaces are available. Prospective families should contact the school as early as possible to discuss capacity and required documentation.

1. Frequently Asked Questions

• What type of student thrives at this school?

- Students who enjoy a collaborative, inclusive environment, participate in a range of activities, and benefit from strong teacher support and family engagement.

• What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?

- Access to extension activities and clubs in STEM, coding, robotics, debating, music, and drama; competitive and recreational sport opportunities; leadership roles and student council activities.

• How does the school communicate with parents?

- Regular emails, newsletters, parent-teacher interviews, and digital platforms to share updates, attendance, and student progress.

• What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?

- student-centered learning with a focus on literacy and numeracy, integrated STEM and arts experiences, and differentiated instruction to meet diverse needs.

• How does the school support students who need extra academic help?

- Targeted interventions, EAL/SEN support, learning plans, and collaboration with families to track progress and adjust strategies.

• What support is available for academic challenges?

- Additional tutoring, small-group instruction, and individualized planning to address specific learning gaps.

• What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?

- A range of sports (netball, basketball, cricket, football, athletics), plus clubs in robotics, chess, coding, and debating, and music/drama activities.

• What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?

- Sports grounds, library, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, technology/innovation spaces, cafeteria, and updated playgrounds.

• What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?

- Integration of digital learning in the curriculum with age-appropriate technology use, coding activities, and online learning resources.

• What transport and accessibility options are available?

- Local bus routes and transport options for eligible students, with considerations for walking or cycling where feasible.

• What are the typical school fees or additional costs?

- Public schooling does not charge tuition; expect Voluntary Contributions and small activity charges for certain programs or excursions.

1. Short Pros & Cons list

Pros

• Strong sense of community and supportive staff
• Focus on literacy and numeracy with opportunities across STEM, arts, and sports
• Inclusive culture with EAL/SEN support and wellbeing services
• Wide range of extracurricular activities and clubs

Cons

• Remote location can limit access to some specialist programs and external activities
• Limited course options compared to larger urban schools
• Transport may require longer travel times for some families
• Facilities and resources can vary by year and funding; check current status with the school