Whitford Catholic Primary School

## 1. Overview Whitford Catholic Primary School is a Catholic, co-educational primary school serving families in the Whitfords area of Perth. It offers a faith-based learning environment that emphasises community involvement and character development within the Catholic tradition. - School type: Catholic - School size: Medium - Class size: Typically around 20–25 students per class - Atmosphere/culture: Nurturing, inclusive, faith-based --- ## 2. Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: Strong focus on literacy and numeracy with opportunities to develop STEM thinking, critical inquiry, and leadership skills through integrated learning experiences. - Special programs: Catholic Education programs with opportunities for extension and enrichment, including gifted/talented pathways and enhanced digital technologies; active opportunities for enquiry and project-based learning. - NAPLAN / trends: Positive trends over recent years with steady progress in reading, writing and numeracy; trends indicate improving outcomes alongside robust classroom supports. - Student-teacher ratios: Competitive ratios for a primary setting (roughly around 1:20), with additional support staff and specialists as needed. - Support for diverse learners: Dedicated support for diverse learners, including EAL/D programs and targeted interventions for students with additional learning needs; inclusive education practices. --- ## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: Broad primary-sport offering, with participation in team sports and school events (e.g., football/soccer, basketball, netball, athletics, cricket depending on year level and season). - Strong teams or achievements: Active participation in inter-school events and district competitions with growing participation and success in teams and individual events. - Music, arts, drama programs: Music program and performing arts opportunities; regular school performances and showcases. - Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating and other student clubs supported by staff and community partners. - Partnerships: Connections with local clubs, sporting associations and competitions to broaden opportunities for students. --- ## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: Whole-school anti-bullying framework with restorative practices and proactive wellbeing education. - House system: House groups that promote belonging, teamwork and healthy competition. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school wellbeing staff and/or counsellor support as part of the pastoral care model. - Transition support for new students: Orientation programs, buddy systems and gradual induction to help new students settle in smoothly. --- ## 5. Facilities - Sports grounds: On-site oval/fields for PE and sport. - Libraries: Well-equipped library supporting reading and research. - Science labs: Dedicated spaces for science activities and hands-on learning. - Music/performing arts centers: Music rooms and spaces for performing arts activities. - Tech/innovation labs: Digital learning spaces and resources to support technology education. - Cafeteria: On-site canteen or lunch facilities offering healthy meal options. - Updated playgrounds: Modern play areas and outdoor spaces for recreation and learning. --- ## 6. School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: Catholic values such as faith, compassion, service, and respect integrated into daily learning and activities. - Leadership style: Inclusive leadership with opportunities for student voice and leadership through age-appropriate roles. - Behaviour expectations: Clear code of conduct emphasising respect, responsibility and care for others. - Community reputation: Positive standing within the local Catholic education community and broader school community networks. - Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to an inclusive environment that welcomes students from diverse backgrounds. --- ## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: Typically a standard primary day, starting in the morning and ending in the afternoon; exact times published by the school. - Before/after school care: Before and/or after-school care options often available through external providers or school programs. - Uniform requirements: Uniform dress code required for everyday wear and a separate sports uniform for PE or sport days. - Transport (train/bus routes): Access to local bus routes and convenient drop-off/pick-up arrangements; walking and cycling options may be supported. - Canteen availability: Canteen or lunch facilities available with healthy meal options. - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees generally fall in a moderate/medium range for Catholic primary schools; additional costs may apply for excursions, camps and some activities. --- ## 8. Enrolment & Admissions - 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Start with the school’s enrolment information and CEWA guidelines, complete the initial application, submit required documentation (proof of identity, residency/catchment information, baptism or Catholic affiliation details if applicable), and participate in any required interviews or information sessions. Offers are typically made for the upcoming school year, with timelines varying by year level and demand. Early applications are usually encouraged to maximise placement opportunities. - 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - Waiting lists are common when year groups are full. Placement on a waiting list is usually determined by factors such as catchment eligibility, sibling relationships, Catholic affiliation, and availability. The school will advise on the current waitlist position and any expected timelines. - 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - Entry requirements commonly include proof of Catholic affiliation (where applicable) and family information. Some schools may conduct short introductory interviews or family information sessions; formal academic entrance tests are not typical for primary Catholic schools. Specific requirements vary by year and intake. - 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Mid-year transfers may be possible subject to space and readiness of the new student. Parents should contact the school promptly to discuss availability, required documentation, and transition processes. --- ## 9. Frequently Ask Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A values-driven, faith-based environment with a supportive staff, strong literacy/numeracy focus, and a sense of community. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who value community, faith-based learning, service, and active involvement in school life. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Extension in core subjects, participation in STEM and arts programs, sports teams, music and drama, clubs (robotics, chess, coding, debating) and leadership opportunities. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular newsletters, emails, parent portals, and scheduled interviews or conferences; timely updates about events and student progress. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - Differentiated instruction within a Catholic education framework, emphasis on inquiry-based learning, relationships-based teaching, and ongoing feedback. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Targeted literacy/numeracy interventions, additional support staff, EAL/D programs, and access to wellbeing and SEN support. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Individual or small-group tutoring and intervention plans, plus monitoring by teachers and specialists. - How does the school communicate with parents? - See above: newsletters, portals, emails and teacher conferences; open channels for feedback. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes around 20–25 students; teachers provide differentiated instruction and targeted support, with opportunities for small-group guidance. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - Sports teams and inter-school events, plus clubs in robotics, chess, coding, debating, music and drama. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Sports grounds, library, science labs, music/arts spaces, technology labs, and outdoor/play facilities. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integrated ICT across learning, digital devices and platforms, and teaching of digital citizenship and responsible use. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Access to local bus routes, walkable/cycling options, and supportive drop-off/pick-up arrangements where possible. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Fees are generally in a medium range for Catholic primary education; additional costs may include uniforms, excursions, camps and some activities. --- ## 10. Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Values-based Catholic education with a supportive, inclusive culture - Medium-sized, community-focused environment - Solid literacy and numeracy emphasis with opportunities in STEM, arts, and sports - Strong wellbeing and pastoral care, with a house system and student support - Range of facilities including library, science labs, music and tech spaces - Active extracurricular program (clubs, sports, music, drama) - Cons - As a faith-based school, alignment with Catholic identity is important for families - May have limited space in certain year levels during peak intake periods - Fees and additional costs can be a consideration for some families - Transport options depend on local routes and availability; some families may need to arrange own transport