Yelarbon State School

## Overview Yelarbon State School is a public, co-educational primary school serving families in and around Yelarbon, a rural Queensland town. It is a small school with intimate class sizes that fosters a warm, inclusive culture focused on building strong literacy and numeracy foundations and a positive approach to learning. The school emphasises a supportive environment where students are encouraged to participate, try new things and grow as confident individuals. - School type: Public - School size: Small - Class size: Typically 15–22 students per class - Atmosphere/culture: Nurturing, inclusive, community-focused ⸻ ## Academics & Learning Yelarbon State School focuses on core literacy and numeracy with hands-on learning in science, technology and everyday problem-solving. Students are supported to develop digital literacy and collaborative skills through engaging activities and practical tasks. The school participates in district programs to provide opportunities for gifted and talented learners and accelerated learning when available, and it offers targeted support for diverse learners. - Academic strengths: Literacy and numeracy with hands-on STEM and digital learning; leadership opportunities and student voice embedded in learning - Special programs: Access to district gifted/talented and accelerated learning options as available; targeted reading and learning support - NAPLAN / Ofsted trends: NAPLAN trends over recent years show stable performance with some year-on-year improvements in reading and numeracy; detailed trends are available in the school’s annual report - Student-teacher ratios: Typical primary ratios around 1:15–1:20; smaller class groups in the early years - Support for diverse learners: Individual Education Plans (IEPs), SEN support, and access to teacher aides; programs to support EAL/digital learning as needed ⸻ ## Sports & Extracurricular Strengths Extra-curricular opportunities are designed to complement classroom learning and foster teamwork, creativity and resilience. The sports program emphasizes participation and development across a range of activities, with additional clubs and arts programs available through the school and local partnerships. - Sports offered: Cricket, netball, football, athletics, cross-country, swimming (seasonal) - Strong teams or achievements: Active participation in district/interschool events; opportunities for students to progress to regional levels - Music, arts, drama programs: School choir, performing arts opportunities, and instrumental/music activities - Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, debating and other after-school clubs where available - Partnerships: Collaboration with local clubs and regional competitions for sport, coding challenges and interschool events ⸻ ## Wellbeing & Pastoral Care A safe learning environment and strong wellbeing support are central to student success. The school adopts positive relationships and proactive strategies to keep students engaged, supported and motivated. - Anti-bullying approach: Clear anti-bullying policies, restorative practices and programs to build respectful relationships - House system: House-based activities and competitions to foster belonging and teamwork - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school wellbeing staff; linkage to regional guidance services as needed - Transition support for new students: Orientation and buddy systems; dedicated transition activities for new students and their families ⸻ ## Facilities Facilities are designed to support a broad, engaging learning experience across the primary years. The school provides well-maintained spaces for academics, arts and physical activity. - Sports grounds - Libraries - Science labs - Music/performing arts centers - Tech/innovation labs - Cafeteria - Updated playgrounds ⸻ ## School Values & Community Culture The school aims to cultivate responsible, respectful and curious students who contribute positively to the community. A collaborative leadership style and clear behaviour expectations support a welcoming and inclusive culture. - School values / mission: Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, Care for others - Leadership style: Collaborative, student voice and participation in decision-making - Behaviour expectations: Clear, consistently applied positive behaviour for learning - Community reputation: Supportive rural community with strong family involvement - Diversity & inclusion: Inclusive environment that welcomes students and families from diverse backgrounds ⸻ ## School Logistics & Daily Operations Practical information helps families plan around school routines and expectations. - School hours: Typical Queensland primary hours (approx. 9:00 am–3:00 pm), with variations by term and activities - Before/after school care: OSHC or local provider arrangements may be available; check with the school - Uniform requirements: Public-school uniform required; sun-safe hats and appropriate footwear; details provided by the school - Transport (train/bus routes): School bus or local bus routes available; check specific routes with the school - Canteen availability: Canteen services on select days - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): No tuition fees for public school; minimal voluntary contributions; costs related to uniforms, excursions and activities ⸻ ## Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Submit an enrolment application through the school/Department of Education process. - Provide required documents (proof of identity, proof of address, immunisation status, and any relevant health or support information). - Completion of orientation or transition activities; confirmation of placement and start date. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - There may be a waiting list when the school is at capacity; enrolment offers are made as space becomes available, prioritising in-area students and siblings where applicable. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - There are no entrance tests or formal interviews for general enrolments. Immunisation documentation is typically required; additional discussions may occur for students requiring special support or out-of-area placements. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Yes, mid-year transfers are possible if there is available capacity. Families should contact the school early to discuss options and arrange documentation. ⸻ ## Frequently Ask Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? A close-knit, supportive environment with a focus on literacy, numeracy and well-rounded development; strong community involvement; opportunities across sports, arts and clubs. - What type of student thrives at this school? Students who benefit from small class sizes, a nurturing culture, and a hands-on approach to learning; those who value community connection and consistent routines. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? Dedicated literacy/numeracy activities, STEM experiences, coding and robotics clubs, arts and music programs, and broad participation in district sports and events. - How does the school communicate with parents? Regular updates via newsletters, notices, and parent-teacher contacts; engagement through meetings and school events. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? Student-centered, evidence-based practices with a focus on core literacy and numeracy, collaboration, and real-world problem solving. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? Targeted interventions in literacy and numeracy, SEN support, and access to teacher aides and learning support staff. - What support is available for academic challenges? Individual or small-group support within the classroom; referrals to additional programs through the district or regional services as needed. - How does the school communicate with parents? See above (also includes digital platforms and direct contact with teachers and administration). - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? Class sizes are small (roughly 15–22 students) with opportunities for individualized attention through teacher planning and support staff. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? A range of sports (cricket, netball, football, athletics, swimming), plus clubs in robotics, coding, chess and debating, and arts programs. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? Sports grounds, library, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, canteen, and updated playgrounds. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? Integrated digital literacy across the curriculum with access to devices and online learning resources. - What transport and accessibility options are available? School bus/local bus routes; accessibility aligned with rural transport arrangements. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? No tuition for public schooling; modest costs related to uniforms, excursions and activities; check the annual information for specifics. ⸻ ## Short Pros & Cons list - Pros: - Small, close-knit community with welcoming atmosphere - Low student-teacher ratios and personalized support - Strong focus on literacy and numeracy with hands-on learning - Broad range of sports, arts and after-school clubs - Active wellbeing and inclusive culture - Cons: - Fewer specialist programs than larger urban schools due to size - Rural location may mean fewer immediate local options for some activities - Transport and after-school care arrangements may require planning around bus routes and providers