Wallerawang Public School

## 1. Overview Wallerawang Public School is a public primary school serving families in the Wallerawang area. It offers a safe, close-knit rural learning environment where students are embraced as individuals and supported to grow across core subjects, wellbeing, and everyday life at school. As a small school, class sizes are typically in the low-to-mid 20s, which helps teachers give more individual attention and fosters a nurturing, inclusive atmosphere. The overall culture emphasises care, teamwork, and participation in both academics and community activities. ⸻ ## 2. Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: solid foundations in literacy and numeracy, with opportunities to explore STEM concepts, science, and hands-on learning that connects to real-world problems. - Special programs: opportunities for extension and leadership development, with targeted support for diverse learners and digital learning experiences as part of the school day. - NAPLAN / trends: NSW public schools track progress over time; the school typically aims for steady or improving literacy and numeracy outcomes. For the latest trends, refer to the annual NSW school reports. - Student-teacher ratios: generally around 1:20 to 1:25 in primary classes, allowing teachers to attend to individual needs while supporting collaborative learning. - Support for diverse learners: programs and staff to assist EAL/D and students with additional learning needs, including in-class support and targeted interventions when needed. ⸻ ## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: a range of school sports including athletics, cricket, netball, football/soccer, and cross-country events; students often participate in local and district competition days. - Strong teams or achievements: students regularly take part in district level events; opportunities exist for leadership roles within teams and inclusive participation across year levels. - Music, arts, drama programs: school assemblies, concerts, and opportunities to participate in music and performing arts activities; visual and performing arts are encouraged as part of well-rounded learning. - Clubs: robotics, coding, chess, debating, and other interest-based clubs may be available, depending on term planning and staffing. - Partnerships: connections with local community groups and regional events to extend opportunities beyond the classroom, including inter-school activities and competitions. ⸻ ## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: whole-school policies and practices that promote respectful behaviour, with clear expectations and supervision to maintain a safe environment for all students. - House system: a house-based structure to encourage belonging, teamwork, and healthy competition during events and activities. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: access to school wellbeing staff or designated counsellors to support emotional health, social skills, and resilience. - Transition support for new students: orientation activities, buddy programs, and dedicated onboarding to help new students settle in smoothly. ⸻ ## 5. Facilities - Sports grounds: outdoor playing fields and courts suitable for team games and physical education. - Libraries: a library with books and reading resources to support literacy development and independent reading. - Science labs: dedicated spaces for hands-on science activities and experiments. - Music/performing arts centers: rooms or spaces for music practice, drama, and performances. - Tech/innovation labs: computer or makerspace facilities to support digital literacy and coding activities. - Cafeteria: on-site canteen or lunch facilities to provide student meals and snacks. - Updated playgrounds: modern, safe play equipment and structures for recess and physical activity. ⸻ ## 6. School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: emphasis on respect, responsibility, learning, and community, with a focus on developing capable, care-filled citizens. - Leadership style: inclusive and participatory, with opportunities for student voice and leadership in classroom and school-wide activities. - Behaviour expectations: clear codes of conduct and positive reinforcement to encourage consistent, respectful behaviour. - Community reputation: a welcoming, supportive, and close-knit community known for strong family involvement and collaboration with local networks. - Diversity & inclusion: welcoming to families from diverse backgrounds; practices that support equitable access to learning and participation. ⸻ ## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: typical school day runs through core instructional hours, with supervision available before and after the formal day. - Before/after school care: commonly available through external providers or school-run arrangements; families should check current availability. - Uniform requirements: compulsory school uniform policy; details provided by the school and uniform shop. - Transport (bus routes): local bus routes and walking/cycling options available; check NSW Transport or school-specific information for current routes. - Canteen availability: on-site canteen or lunch facilities offering simple, child-friendly options. - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): public primary schools generally have low to moderate contributions for activities and excursions; specifics are provided by the school each year. ⸻ ## 8. Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Parents apply through the NSW Department of Education system for public school placement; the school provides enrolment documentation, immunisation requirements, and birth certificates or proofs of identity. Timelines vary by term; it’s best to contact the school early in the year prior to starting. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - Some year levels may have wait lists when applications exceed vacancies. The school will advise on current availability and placement priorities (e.g., siblings, boundary considerations). 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - Generally, public primary schools do not require entrance tests or interviews. Documentation (birth certificate, immunisation records, proof of address) and smooth transition arrangements are typical parts of enrolment. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Yes, mid-year transfers are considered where vacancies exist. Parents should contact the school admin as early as possible to discuss availability and enrollment steps. ⸻ ## 9. Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? A small, supportive community with caring staff, strong wellbeing focus, and personalized attention that helps students feel safe and engaged. - What type of student thrives at this school? Students who benefit from a close-knit environment, collaborative learning, and opportunities to participate in sports, arts, and leadership activities. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? Extension in literacy and numeracy, science and STEM activities, school clubs (robotics, coding, chess, debating), and participation in local and district sports and arts events. - How does the school communicate with parents? Regular updates via newsletters, a school app/portal, emails, and parent-teacher interviews; clear channels for urgent communications. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? Student-centred, inclusive, and balanced with explicit instruction, hands-on learning, and opportunities for inquiry and collaboration. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? In-class support, targeted literacy/numeracy interventions, EAL/D assistance, and SEN supports, with ongoing progress monitoring. - What support is available for academic challenges? Structured interventions, access to learning support staff, and timely communication with families to adjust plans as needed. - How does the school communicate with parents? (repeated) See above: newsletters, portal, calls, and parent-teacher interviews to share progress and upcoming events. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? Class sizes are typically around 20–25 students, with teachers able to provide targeted feedback and additional help during small-group sessions. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? A range of sports (athletics, cricket, netball, football), arts and music programs, and clubs such as robotics, coding, chess, and debating, with participation in district events. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? Sports grounds, libraries, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, a canteen, and updated playgrounds. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? Emphasis on digital literacy, access to devices and computer/ makerspace facilities, and responsible use of technology to support learning. - What transport and accessibility options are available? Local bus services and walk/ride options; safe supervision and clear drop-off/pick-up procedures; accessible facilities where applicable. - What are typical school fees or additional costs? Public primary schools have low to moderate voluntary contributions; there may be costs for excursions, activities, and uniforms. ⸻ ## 10. Short Pros & Cons list Pros - Small class sizes and strong teacher attention - Close-knit, supportive community with high family engagement - Safe environment with a focus on wellbeing and inclusion - Broad opportunities in sports, arts, and clubs - Local partnerships and participation in district-level events Cons - Rural location may mean longer travel for some families - Fewer specialist facilities compared to larger urban schools - Limited elective options in some subjects due to size and staffing - Availability of mid-year transfers depends on vacancies - Some programs and clubs may be dependent on term staffing and funding ⸻