Windermere Primary School

## 1. Overview Windermere Primary School is a public primary school located in Claremont, Tasmania, serving families in the local community. As a medium-sized public school, it focuses on a welcoming, inclusive learning environment where students develop core literacy and numeracy skills alongside creative and physical pursuits. Class sizes typically sit in the mid-20s, enabling relatively close teacher-student interaction and collaborative learning. The atmosphere is nurturing and supportive, with a strong emphasis on student wellbeing, cooperation, and active participation. The school culture encourages curiosity, respect, and contribution to the school and wider community, fostering an inclusive environment where diverse backgrounds are valued. ## 2. Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: solid foundations in English and mathematics, with a growing emphasis on STEM and digital literacy integrated across the curriculum. There is attention to developing critical thinking, writing, and problem-solving skills. - Special programs: coding and robotics activities, performing arts opportunities, and access to library programs. Gifted and Talented opportunities may be offered to eligible students through school-based or cluster programs. - NAPLAN trends: over recent years, reading and numeracy trends have shown steady performance with ongoing focus on writing; the school monitors outcomes to inform targeted supports. - Student-teacher ratios: typical primary ratios are designed to support effective instruction, with class sizes commonly in the low-to-mid 20s and specialist staff supporting learning across year levels. - Support for diverse learners: robust support for English as an Additional Language (EAL) learners and students with additional learning needs (SEN), including learning support staff and targeted intervention where needed. ## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: common primary programs include soccer, netball, athletics, and swimming-ready activities, with opportunities to participate in inter-school events. - Strong teams or achievements: regular participation in district/inter-school sports events with opportunities for recognizing student achievement at various levels. - Music, arts, drama programs: active music and performing arts programs, including choir or instruments where available, along with opportunities to participate in drama showcases. - Clubs: robotics, coding, chess, debating, and other interest clubs are typically available or offered through partnerships. - Partnerships: connections with local clubs and community organizations support competitions, events, and enrichment opportunities for students. ## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: a proactive whole-school approach to wellbeing, with clear policies and restorative practices to address incidents and support positive relationships. - House system: a house-based structure to encourage teamwork, leadership opportunities, and inclusive participation in school activities. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: access to student wellbeing staff to support social-emotional learning and personal development. - Transition support for new students: orientation activities, buddy systems, and targeted supports to help students settle in and build connections. ## 5. Facilities - Sports grounds: on-site spaces for outdoor activities and physical education. - Libraries: a school library that supports reading for pleasure and information literacy. - Science labs: available spaces for hands-on experiments and inquiry-based learning. - Music/performing arts centers: facilities or spaces that support music and drama activities. - Tech/innovation labs: resources for digital learning, coding, and technology-rich projects. - Cafeteria: a designated space for meals and canteen-style service where available. - Updated playgrounds: contemporary play areas that support active play and social interaction. ## 6. School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: a focus on respect, responsibility, kindness, curiosity, and community contribution, guiding everyday interactions and learning. - Leadership style: collaborative, student-centred leadership with opportunities for student voice through student council or leadership roles. - Behaviour expectations: positive behaviour framework that emphasizes respect, accountability, and restorative approaches. - Community reputation: typically described as welcoming and family-friendly, with a strong emphasis on parent involvement and school-community partnerships. - Diversity & inclusion: committed to welcoming families from diverse backgrounds and creating an inclusive learning environment where everyone belongs. ## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: standard school day generally runs during daytime hours with start and finish times aligned to Tasmanian schedules; assemblies and specific routines may vary by year level. - Before/after school care: before/after school care is typically facilitated through local providers or school-supported arrangements. - Uniform requirements: school uniform (navy and family-friendly options) with specific choices for everyday wear and sport days; hats and sun protection as part of the school culture. - Transport (train/bus routes): access to local bus services and transport options; families should check catchment guidelines and bus routes. - Canteen availability: canteen or healthy snacks may be available on certain days depending on the term and arrangements. - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): as a public primary school, compulsory fees are limited to standard materials and voluntary contributions; additional costs may apply for excursions, activities, and extra programs. ## 8. Enrolment & Admissions - 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Check catchment eligibility and submit an enrolment application through the Tasmanian education system when the intake window opens. Prepare documents such as proof of residency, immunisation records, and a birth certificate or passport. Timelines vary by year level and term, so contact the school for the latest schedule and requirements. - 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - Waiting lists may apply for non-resident enrolments or when vacancies are limited. The school and Education Tasmania will inform you of current wait times and procedures; placement is typically determined by eligibility, catchment status, and vacancy availability. - 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - Generally, public primary schools do not require entrance exams. Some programs or circumstances may involve additional information or interviews, but most enrolment decisions are based on eligibility, residency, and available space. - 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Mid-year transfers are possible if vacancies exist. Prospective families should contact the school promptly to discuss space, transfer paperwork, and any transition supports that may be offered. ## 9. Frequently Ask Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A welcoming, inclusive environment with a focus on literacy, numeracy, wellbeing, and community involvement; opportunities across academics, arts, and sport. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who enjoy collaborative learning, value supportive relationships, and participate in a balanced program across core subjects, arts, and physical activity. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Enrichment through STEM activities, coding/robotics, music and drama, inter-school sport, and clubs such as robotics, chess, and debating. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular updates via newsletters, digital platforms, parent meetings, and informal channels; clear processes for feedback and involvement. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - Student-centred, inquiry-based learning that builds literacy and numeracy foundations while integrating technology and real-world problem solving. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Targeted intervention, learning support assistants, EAL programs, and collaboration with families to develop Individual Learning Plans where appropriate. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Early identification, tailored support plans, and ongoing monitoring to help students progress and stay engaged. - How does the school communicate with parents? - See above: regular updates, parent meetings, and accessible channels for questions and involvement. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes typically sit in the low-to-mid 20s, with specialist teachers and support staff providing targeted attention where needed. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A range of sports, music and arts programs, and clubs such as robotics, coding, chess, and debating, plus opportunities to participate in inter-school events. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Sports grounds, library, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation facilities, and a canteen and playgrounds. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integration of digital technologies into learning, with opportunities for coding, digital literacy, and creative tech projects. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Local bus services and catchment-based transport options; information on routes and accessibility is available from the school or Education Tasmania. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Public primary schools have minimal compulsory fees; most costs relate to books, materials, excursions, and optional activities. ## 10. Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Public primary with a welcoming, inclusive culture - Balanced focus on literacy, numeracy, and well-being - Range of enrichment opportunities in STEM, arts, and sport - Support for diverse learners and transition programs - Moderate class sizes and student-centred approach - Cons (considerations) - As with many public schools, funding and resources can vary by year and program availability - Availability of certain programs may depend on enrollment and partnerships, which can affect year-to-year consistency - Transport options depend on catchment and routes; some families may need flexible drop-offs - Mid-year transfers depend on vacancies and may require fast planning If you’d like, I can tailor this further with any specific details you have from the school (dates, exact programs, or current staffing) to make it even more precise for Aroundschools.