## 1. Overview
Tomaree Public School is a public primary school serving the Salamander Bay community in New South Wales. The school emphasises an inclusive, nurturing environment where students are encouraged to grow academically, socially and emotionally.
- School type: Public
- School size: Medium
- Class size: Typically around 22–26 students per class
- Atmosphere/culture: Inclusive, nurturing, community-focused with a balance of academic and personal development
## 2. Academics & Learning
Tomaree Public School aims to deliver solid foundational learning across core areas, with opportunities for student leadership and problem-solving.
- Academic strengths: English and numeracy foundations, early STEM exposure, opportunities to develop leadership skills and literacy across content areas
- Special programs: Gifted and Talented opportunities, targeted literacy/numeracy supports, opportunities to engage in STEM activities and programs
- NAPLAN / trends: Steady to improving trends in reading, writing and numeracy over recent years, with emphasis on continuous growth
- Student-teacher ratios: Class sizes around 22–26; overall student-teacher ratio typically in the low teens to mid-teens depending on staffing
- Support for diverse learners: Strong EAL/D support and inclusive education for students with additional learning needs
## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
A focus on healthy activity, teamwork and a variety of clubs to suit different interests and talents.
- Sports offered: Netball, soccer, cricket, AFL/league-influenced programs, athletics and swimming training, with school-level events
- Strong teams or achievements: Intra-school and inter-school events; opportunities to participate in district competitions
- Music, arts, drama programs: Active programs in music and performing arts; opportunities to participate in school productions and concerts
- Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, debating and other enrichment clubs
- Partnerships: Local club partnerships and access to regional competitions and events
## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
Wellbeing is a core focus, with systems to support students across social and emotional development.
- Anti-bullying approach: Positive behaviour guidelines, promotes respectful relationships and cyber-safety awareness
- House system: House-based activities and celebrations to foster belonging and healthy competition
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school wellbeing staff and targeted pastoral support as needed
- Transition support for new students: Orientation activities and buddy programs to help new students settle in quickly
## 5. Facilities
Facilities that support a range of learning experiences and wellbeing.
- Sports grounds: Well-maintained outdoor spaces for PE, games and training
- Libraries: Active library with literacy programs and access to resources
- Science labs: Practical learning spaces to explore science topics
- Music/performing arts centers: Space for music lessons, rehearsals and performances
- Tech/innovation labs: Basic tech and maker-space elements to support STEM activities
- Cafeteria: On-site canteen or healthy eating options
- Updated playgrounds: Safe, age-appropriate play areas and outdoor learning spaces
## 6. School Values & Community Culture
A community-driven school focused on respectful, responsible and inclusive attitudes.
- School values / mission: Respect, Responsibility, Inclusion, and Growth
- Leadership style: Student voice through clubs and leadership opportunities; teacher guidance and collaborative decision-making
- Behaviour expectations: Clear codes of conduct promoting positive behaviour and mutual respect
- Community reputation: Welcoming, supportive community with active parental involvement
- Diversity & inclusion: Supportive environment for students from diverse backgrounds, including EAL/D learners
## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations
Practical details to help families plan around school life.
- School hours: Approx. 9:00 am–3:00 pm (with variations for year level and events)
- Before/after school care: Availability of outside providers for before/after school care
- Uniform requirements: School uniform policy with required items; school sports uniform for physical activity
- Transport (bus routes): Bus and public transport options available; check local schedules
- Canteen availability: Canteen or canteen-style service available with healthy options
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Public school contributions are generally modest; some optional activities and camps may incur costs
## 8. Enrolment & Admissions
Key steps and timelines to enrol your child.
- What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Start by contacting the school to express interest and obtain the enrolment form. You’ll need evidence of local eligibility (catchment rules), your child’s birth certificate, immunisation records, and proof of address. The school will guide you on documents and timelines, and may offer an orientation for new families prior to term start.
- Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- If the school is at capacity, a waiting list may be used. Families are kept informed, and priority is typically given by catchment rules and sibling placement where applicable. Regular updates from the admin team are provided.
- Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- For public primary enrolments, entry usually does not require entrance tests or interviews. The focus is on eligibility within the local catchment and required documentation. Special needs considerations may require additional planning with the school’s support team.
- Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Yes, mid-year transfers are considered. You’ll need to provide enrolment documentation, current school records (where applicable) and arrangements for a smooth transition, including any needed assessments or support planning.
## 9. Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions families ask when choosing a school.
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A welcoming, inclusive environment with small to medium class sizes, a focus on core academics, wellbeing support and strong community engagement.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who respond well to a balanced program that blends academics, sport, arts and collaborative learning; those who value a supportive, inclusive culture.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Enrichment in English and maths, STEM activities, leadership opportunities, sport teams, music/drama programs, robotics and coding clubs, debating and community events.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular updates via newsletters, a school website or portal, parent-teacher interviews, and actively accessible staff for questions and feedback.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- A structured curriculum that addresses foundational skills, with emphasis on differentiated support, inquiry-based learning, and practice of key competencies.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Targeted literacy/numeracy support, EAL/D assistance, in-class adjustments and small-group interventions as needed.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Access to learning support staff, referrals to specialist services when appropriate, and ongoing progress monitoring.
- How does the school communicate with parents? (Duplicate)
- See above; ongoing two-way communication is encouraged to keep families informed.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Class sizes typically 22–26 students; with dedicated teachers and support staff, students receive substantial individual attention within group learning.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A range of sports (netball, soccer, cricket, athletics), plus clubs (robotics, coding, chess, debating), and arts programs.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Sports grounds, library, science labs, music/performing arts facilities, tech/innovation spaces, canteen, and playgrounds.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integration of age-appropriate technology and digital literacy into the curriculum, with safe and responsible use guidelines.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Bus routes and public transport access; access considerations for students with mobility needs are supported as part of planning.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- Public schools have modest voluntary contributions; some activities or excursions may incur additional costs.
## 10. Short Pros & Cons list
A quick snapshot to help families compare at a glance.
- Pros
- Public, inclusive environment with strong community connections
- Medium class sizes that support individualized attention
- Balanced focus on academics, wellbeing, sport and arts
- Accessible support for EAL/D and diverse learners
- Active clubs and enrichment opportunities (STEM, robotics, debating, arts)
- Cons
- May have limited specialist facilities compared with larger schools
- Some elective programs and activities may have additional costs
- Mid-year enrolments depend on available places and waitlists
- Availability of after-school care can depend on external providers in the area
If you’d like, I can tailor any section further with more specific local details or tone to match other Aroundschools profiles.
