# Overview
Trinity Anglican School Cairns is a private, independent Anglican co-educational school serving families in the Cairns region. The school emphasizes a faith-informed education within a supportive, community-focused environment. The student body is medium-sized, with class sizes that provide a balance between individual attention and peer collaboration. The overall atmosphere is nurturing and inclusive, with a strong emphasis on academic effort, personal growth, and a healthy sense of school community.
# Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: English and literacy, science and STEM disciplines, leadership development, and languages.
- Special programs: Gifted and talented opportunities, accelerated learning options, and programs that encourage broader thinking and problem solving.
- NAPLAN / trends: Positive year-on-year trends with steady improvements across key year groups in recent years.
- Student-teacher ratios: Generally favorable, supporting small-group learning and targeted support.
- Support for diverse learners: EAL support, SEN pathways, and inclusive education practices to help all students succeed.
# Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
- Sports offered: soccer, rugby, cricket, Australian rules football, netball, basketball, swimming, and athletics.
- Strong teams or achievements: Competitive regional participation with a focus on school spirit, teamwork, and achievement through regular fixtures and tournaments.
- Music, arts, drama programs: Active music ensembles, choir, drama productions, and opportunities to perform.
- Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating, and other interest-based clubs.
- Partnerships: Collaboration with local academies and participation in inter-school competitions and regional events.
# Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: Clear anti-bullying policies with restorative practices and ongoing education.
- House system: A house structure for competitions, mentoring, and community building.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Dedicated wellbeing staff and access to counselling services.
- Transition support for new students: Orientation programs, buddy systems, and gradual induction supports to help new students settle in.
# Facilities
- Sports grounds
- Libraries
- Science labs
- Music/performing arts centers
- Tech/innovation labs
- Cafeteria
- Updated playgrounds
# School Values & Community Culture
- School values / mission: Anglican-informed values focused on respect, integrity, compassion, and excellence.
- Leadership style: Collaborative and inclusive, with opportunities for student leadership and service.
- Behaviour expectations: Positive behavior framework with clear guidelines and supports.
- Community reputation: Family-focused, with strong community ties and a welcoming school culture.
- Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to belonging, equity, and inclusive practices across the school community.
# School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: Typical day starts in the morning with after-school programs available; exact times vary by year level.
- Before/after school care: On-site options often available for extended care.
- Uniform requirements: Uniforms required with specified dress standards for daily and formal occasions.
- Transport (train/bus routes): School bus services and local transport options commonly available for commuting families.
- Canteen availability: On-site canteen or cafeteria service supporting healthy meal options.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees fall in the mid-range for independent schools, with potential extra charges for specific programs or activities.
# Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Inquiry or expression of interest is followed by an application.
- Required assessments or interviews may be scheduled, along with review of prior reports and records.
- Offers are issued based on availability and compatibility with the program, with a timeline that typically spans several months before the start date.
- Once offered, families complete enrollment formalities and confirm placement, with any orientation sessions prior to the first term.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Yes, there is often a waiting list when demand exceeds available places.
- Priorities may include siblings, local catchment or proximity considerations, and date of application.
- Applicants on the waiting list are kept informed about potential openings and timelines.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Admissions may include interviews and/or placement assessments.
- There is usually a review of previous academic records, and language proficiency considerations if applicable.
- Immunisation and health documentation are commonly required as part of the enrolment process.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers are possible subject to place availability and a smooth transition plan.
- Transfers typically involve a quick orientation and a handover of academic expectations to minimize disruption.
# Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A values-based, supportive community with strong academics, pastoral care, and opportunities across sport, arts, and clubs.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who respond well to a nurturing, inclusive environment with a balance of academics, faith-informed values, and extracurricular options.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Enrichment in STEM and English, leadership and service opportunities, competitive sports, music ensembles, drama productions, robotics, coding, debating, and more.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular updates via newsletters, parent portals, emails, and scheduled meetings; open channels for parent feedback.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- A mix of strengths-based instruction, differentiated learning, and a focus on literacy, numeracy, critical thinking, and real-world problem solving.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Targeted interventions, small-group support, and access to specialist staff and resources.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Academic coaching, prioritised access to teachers, and structured plan with progress monitoring.
- How does the school communicate with parents? (Repeated)
- See above: regular updates and transparent reporting through multiple channels.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Class sizes are kept to moderate levels to allow for individualized feedback and focused instruction.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A wide range of sports, music, drama, robotics, coding, debating, and other clubs to suit diverse interests.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Comprehensive facilities including sports grounds, libraries, science labs, performing arts spaces, and tech/innovation labs.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integration of digital tools to support learning, with appropriate guidance on responsible use and digital literacy.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- School bus and local transport options to support commuting families; accessibility considerations are in place.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- Fees fall in a mid-range category for independent schools, with possible extra costs for uniforms, activities, or specific programs.
# Short Pros & Cons list
- Pros
- Nurturing, faith-informed environment
- Strong academics with broad program options
- Supportive pastoral care and wellbeing services
- Varied extracurriculars (sports, arts, clubs)
- Moderate class sizes and emphasis on individual attention
- Inclusive, diverse community with a clear code of conduct
- Cons
- Private school fees require ongoing investment
- Transport or location considerations for some families
- Availability of certain programs may vary by year or cohort
- Admissions can involve a waitlist during high-demand periods
