Why choose a Catholic Primary School?
In partnership with families, Victorian Catholic primary schools provide high-quality academic, social, physical and religious education.
Each Catholic primary school is a vital part of the parish community, as well as a significant presence in the local community. Catholic schools provide a welcoming, inclusive and safe environment focused on your child’s wellbeing, achievement, challenge, creativity and enjoyment.
Catholic school leaders and teachers are committed to an education that integrates and celebrates faith, learning and life. They provide religious education and opportunities for faith development in communities where prayer and sacramental celebrations are integral to life. A distinctive mark of Catholic schools is the emphasis on community – principals, teachers, staff and parents working together and with the wider community to educate and develop the whole child: emotionally, academically, physically, socially, and spiritually. Each Catholic school has the flexibility to tailor its programs to meet the individual needs of students and its local parish and communities.
By choosing a Catholic school, your child will be nurtured in an environment which engages with the Gospel teachings. Catholic schools recognise that every child is special and unique and make every effort to cater for your child’s individual learning needs.
Catholic schools encourage parents to become involved in their child’s learning and engaged in school life. Working together, schools and families create an effective learning environment and a climate of mutual respect. This ensures timely communication and enables discussion on matters of concern.
The principal or a senior staff member will meet with parents, arrange tours or classroom visits, and provide publications containing information about the school and its policies. It is best to contact the school to make an appointment for a mutually convenient time. This ensures that classes are not disrupted and that the principal or staff member is available.
Parents and carers are encouraged to contact their nearest Catholic school to find out about the enrolment procedures and closing dates for applications and the forms and paperwork required to complete the enrolment application. Documentation that may be required includes:
■ birth certificate
■ baptismal certificate
■ immunisation records
■ any previous school reports
■ visa for newly arrived refugees and immigrants (and passport for anyone on a Visa)
■ information/assessments for students with diverse learning needs.
It must be noted that schools may not always be able to accept every family who applies due to availability of places.