## Overview
Yungaburra State School is a public, co-educational primary school serving the Yungaburra community on the Atherton Tableland. As a small rural school, it fosters a close-knit, supportive environment where students are known well by staff and families.
Class sizes are typically small (around 18–25 students per class), with multi-age groupings common to support individualized learning and strong teacher collaboration. The atmosphere emphasizes inclusivity, wellbeing, and hands-on, practical learning, helping students feel safe, valued and motivated to participate.
## Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: Strong focus on literacy and numeracy, with opportunities to explore science and sustainability concepts through practical, hands-on activities. English and Maths are foundational, with cross-curricular learning across science and the arts.
- Special programs: Access to extension and enrichment opportunities within the public system, plus support for diverse learning needs. Schools at this size often collaborate with district programs for gifted and talented pathways and targeted interventions.
- NAPLAN / trends: Local and district trends show steady performance with typical year-to-year variation; schools in small communities commonly see progress in reading and numeracy over time.
- Student-teacher ratios: Small class sizes contribute to favorable student-teacher ratios (approximately 1:12 to 1:16 in primary).
- Support for diverse learners: Support for diverse learners includes targeted literacy/numeracy assistance, SEN support, and assistance for EAL learners where applicable.
## Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
- Sports offered: A range of sports through the year, including athletics, cricket, soccer, and cross-country, with opportunities to compete in district events.
- Strong teams or achievements: Students frequently participate in local and district-level teams and events; school pride comes from teamwork and steady participation.
- Music, arts, drama programs: Music programs and opportunities for performing arts, including school productions and instrumental activities.
- Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, and debating are among the available clubs, often coordinated through the school or district partnerships.
- Partnerships: Connections with local community groups and regional school competitions support broader opportunities in sport, coding, and arts.
## Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: Clear positive-behaviour framework and anti-bullying initiatives to cultivate a respectful school culture.
- House system: House groups support pastoral activities, events, and a sense of belonging during school life.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to wellbeing staff and guidance services, with a focus on student welfare and social-emotional learning.
- Transition support for new students: Structured orientation, buddy programs, and transition supports to help new students settle in smoothly.
## Facilities
- Sports grounds
- Library
- Science labs
- Music/performing arts spaces
- Tech/innovation labs or makerspace
- Cafeteria
- Updated playgrounds
Visual and functional spaces are designed to support cross-curricular learning, health and wellbeing, and creative expression.
## School Values & Community Culture
- School values / mission: Values commonly include Respect, Responsibility, and Achievement, with an emphasis on safety and positive engagement.
- Leadership style: Distributed leadership that involves staff, students, and families in decision-making and school life.
- Behaviour expectations: Clear codes of conduct and positive reinforcement to foster a supportive environment.
- Community reputation: A welcoming, family-centric school with strong community ties and a sense of belonging.
- Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to inclusivity and support for students from diverse backgrounds and learning needs.
## School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: Typically 9:00 am–3:00 pm, with core learning blocks and both literacy and numeracy focus.
- Before/after school care: Availability of before/after school care through OSHC or local providers may vary; families should confirm options with the school.
- Uniform requirements: School uniform is standard; hats, sport uniforms, and approved footwear are part of daily requirements.
- Transport (bus routes): Local bus services and/or school transport arrangements support travel to and from the school.
- Canteen availability: Canteen or snack provisions are available on select days.
- Fees: Public primary schools have low to moderate costs, typically covering uniforms, excursions, and materials; no tuition but some optional activities or resource fees may apply.
## Enrolment & Admissions
- What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Submit an enrolment application through the Queensland Department of Education process for public schools.
- Provide required documents (proof of address/guardian details, birth certificate or visa details if applicable, immunisation status where required).
- The school/applicant will coordinate an intake discussion, and you will be notified of placement; timelines vary with term starts and capacity, but aim to confirm enrolment ahead of term commence.
- Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Waiting lists can occur for popular year levels or if capacity is limited. Applications are typically prioritized by residency and eligibility, then by date of application. The school/department will advise on the process and expected wait times.
- Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Public primary schools usually do not require entrance tests. An intake discussion or meeting may occur to understand student needs, learning support requirements, and how the school can support the child.
- Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Yes, subject to vacancy and a smooth transition process. Parents should contact the school early to arrange documentation from the previous school and to coordinate a transition plan for when the student starts.
## Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- Because of the small, nurturing community, attentive staff, and strong student support; small class sizes help teachers tailor learning and build close relationships.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who value a caring, inclusive environment, hands-on learning, and a community feel; those who benefit from small classes and individualized attention.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Extension in literacy and numeracy, science and sustainability activities, robotics and coding clubs, music and performing arts, inter-school sport, and leadership opportunities (e.g., house captain roles).
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular newsletters, notices, emails, school app or portal access, parent-teacher interviews, and meetings arranged as needed.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- A literacy- and numeracy-led foundation with hands-on, inquiry-based learning, integrated across subjects to build practical understanding and skills.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Targeted small-group interventions, learning support staff, and connections to district or regional programs for additional assistance.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Early identification, personalised support plans, and ongoing monitoring to adjust teaching approaches and ensure progress.
- How does the school communicate with parents? (Repeated)
- See above: through newsletters, portals, emails, and scheduled meetings.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Class sizes are small (approximately 18–25 students), with substantial teacher attention and opportunities for targeted support.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A variety of sports (athletics, cricket, soccer, cross-country), plus clubs such as robotics, coding, chess, and debating; arts and music programs complement sports.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Sports grounds, library, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation facilities, canteen, and updated playgrounds.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integrated digital learning with access to devices and about using technology to support research, coding, and creative projects.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Local bus routes and school transport arrangements; confirm specifics with the school for updated schedules.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- Generally low; costs relate to uniforms, excursions, and optional activities. The school can provide a precise breakdown.
## Short Pros & Cons list
- Pros
- Small class sizes and close-knit community
- Strong focus on wellbeing and inclusive learning
- Broad range of sports, arts, and clubs
- Local involvement and hands-on, practical learning
- Cons
- Limited specialist facilities compared to larger urban schools
- Fewer on-site specialty programs; some options may be accessed via district partnerships
- Transport options may require planning for families outside the immediate locality
