Whitefriars Catholic School

## Overview Whitefriars Catholic School is a private Catholic, co-educational school serving the Woodville Park community. As a mid-sized institution, it focuses on faith-informed learning, strong community connections, and a supportive, inclusive atmosphere. Class sizes typically sit around 20–23 students, which helps teachers give individual attention and fosters a nurturing environment. The school emphasises values-based education, pastoral care, and academic growth within a welcoming culture where students are encouraged to participate, collaborate and develop resilience. --- ## Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: English and mathematics form the core, with emphasis on literacy and numeracy across the curriculum. STEM, humanities, and languages are supported through integrated programs and advanced learning opportunities. - Special programs: Gifted and Talented initiatives, leadership programs, and faith-based learning experiences that complement core subjects. - NAPLAN trends: Steady progress over recent years in reading and numeracy with consistent year-to-year improvement rather than volatility. - Student-teacher ratios: Typically around the low teens to mid-teens per teacher in primary settings, with class groups around 20–23 students to enable targeted instruction. - Support for diverse learners: Strong inclusion focus with dedicated support for EAL (English as an Additional Language) learners and SEN (Special Educational Needs), plus access to learning support staff and targeted interventions. --- ## Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: A range of team and individual sports including football (soccer), basketball, netball, AFL-style activities, athletics, and swimming programs. - Strong teams or achievements: Active participation in inter-school competitions and district events, with opportunities for both recreational participation and competitive teams. - Music, arts, drama programs: Active music ensembles, choir, and opportunities to participate in school drama and productions; visual arts programs and showcases. - Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, debating, and other after-school clubs to extend interests beyond the classroom. - Partnerships: Connections with local clubs and community organisations for coaching, fixtures, and inter-school events; participation in Catholic education network activities and competitions. --- ## Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: Whole-school anti-bullying framework with clear policies, student education, and proactive reporting pathways. - House system: House-based activities and competitions to foster belonging, teamwork, and healthy competition. - Counselors / wellbeing officers: Access to school counsellors or wellbeing staff to support social, emotional, and mental health needs. - Transition support for new students: Structured induction, buddy systems, and parent information sessions to ease entry for new students and families. --- ## Facilities - Sports grounds: On-site sports fields and multi-purpose courts for PE and inter-school events. - Libraries: Well-stocked library with digital resources and spaces for group study. - Science labs: Dedicated science facilities to support hands-on experiments and STEM learning. - Music/performing arts centers: Space for rehearsals, ensembles, and performances. - Tech/innovation labs: Modern classrooms and labs focused on digital learning and project-based activities. - Cafeteria: On-site dining options promoting healthy meals. - Updated playgrounds: Safe, age-appropriate outdoor play spaces and equipment. --- ## School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: Values-driven education grounded in Catholic tradition, focusing on respect, responsibility, service, and compassion. - Leadership style: Collaborative leadership with input from staff, families, and student voice to guide school improvement and culture. - Behaviour expectations: Clear expectations around respect, integrity, and responsibility; consistent routines and positive behaviour supports. - Community reputation: Known for a warm, welcoming community with strong parent involvement and supportive relationships among staff, students, and families. - Diversity & inclusion: Inclusive environment that welcomes students from diverse backgrounds and abilities, with targeted supports to ensure meaningful participation for all. --- ## School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: Typical start in the morning with a mid-afternoon finish; precise times align with the school calendar and year level. - Before/after school care: Availability of before and after school care programs or supervision to support working families. - Uniform requirements: formal school uniform with seasonal variants; clear guidelines for dress and presentation. - Transport: Access to bus routes and public transport options; information available through school or local transport providers. - Canteen availability: On-site canteen or lunch program offering a range of healthy options. - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fee structure generally reflects a private Catholic school; considered to be in the mid-to-mid/high range for the region, with information available from the school in a transparent format. --- ## Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Submit an application via the school’s admissions channel, including required documents (birth/citizenship, immunisation records, and any Catholic education references). Open days or information sessions are typically offered prior to the main intake window. There is a defined application window, after which offers are made based on availability and any applicable prioritisation policies (e.g., sibling priority). 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - Yes, there is often a waiting list when places are limited. Waiting lists are managed by year level and priority rules; families may be asked to confirm ongoing interest periodically and may be contacted as spaces become available. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - Entry requirements commonly include completion of necessary documentation and compliance with Catholic education guidelines. Some year levels may involve a short information interview or meeting with families; formal testing is not always required for primary intake but can occur for certain programs or years. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Mid-year transfers are typically considered if spaces are available. Availability varies by year level and cohort size; prospective families should contact the admissions team as early as possible to discuss options and requirements. --- ## Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A faith-based, value-driven environment with caring staff, smaller class sizes for individualized attention, and strong community connections. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who respond well to a supportive, inclusive, faith-informed setting, with a willingness to participate across academics, sport, arts, and service. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Enrichment in literacy and numeracy, STEM and leadership programs, sports teams, music and drama programs, and clubs such as robotics, coding, chess, and debating. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular updates through newsletters, emails, parent portals, and scheduled meetings; open days and information sessions are also common. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - A balanced, evidence-informed approach with a focus on literacy and numeracy foundations, critical thinking, and faith-based values integrated across the curriculum. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Targeted intervention with learning support staff, EAL and SEN supports, and differentiation within classrooms. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Access to tutoring, additional practice resources, and collaboration between teachers, families, and support staff to set goals and monitor progress. - How does the school communicate with parents? (duplicate) - See above: regular communications via multiple channels, including direct meetings and digital updates. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes around 20–23 students with teacher-led instruction and targeted small-group or one-on-one support as needed. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A broad range of sports (netball, basketball, soccer, AFL-style activities), music and drama, and clubs such as robotics, coding, chess, and debating. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Sports grounds, libraries, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, and a canteen. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integration of digital tools to support learning, with age-appropriate devices and platforms to build digital literacy and responsible use. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Bus routes and public transport access; information provided by the school and local transport authorities. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Fees reflect private Catholic schooling; families are encouraged to consult the school’s admissions or finance office for a transparent breakdown. --- ## Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Values-based, faith-informed education in a supportive community - Smaller class sizes enabling individual attention - Strong pastoral care and wellbeing supports - Broad range of academics, sports, arts, and clubs - Inclusive environment with focus on diversity and belonging - Cons - Private school fees may be higher than government options - Limited year-level intake can affect waiting times for certain cohorts - Transport options depend on local routes and availability - Specific enrichment programs may vary by year and staffing