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Welcome to the Catholic Primary School
In partnership with families, Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) schools provide high-quality academic, social, physical and religious education for children in Archdiocese of Melbourne.
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 opportunities for faith development in communities where prayer and sacramental celebrations are integral to life. Students are encouraged to engage in civic and public life, involving community service and working for social justice.
Catholic schools encourage parents/carers/guardians 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.
Children who attend a Catholic primary school usually attend the school in their local parish. Parents/carers/guardians are advised to contact their local parish school at least 12 months prior to the time they wish their child to commence primary schooling.
Catholic primary schools in the Archdiocese of Melbourne come under the jurisdiction of the Archbishop. As of 2021, all Catholic primary schools are owned and governed by a company (limited by guarantee) on behalf of the Archdiocese, and administered by the Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) office. Catholic primary schools continue their connection with their local parish and parish community.
To arrange a tour or a visit to your local parish school, it is best to contact the school to make an appointment for a mutually convenient time. The principal or a senior staff member will meet with parents/carers/guardians, 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.
Enrolment
In Term 1 each year, many Catholic primary schools begin taking enrolments for the following school year. Enrolment processes and criteria vary across schools. For specific enrolment details, contact your local Catholic school or refer to its website.
School staff can provide you with the appropriate enrolment forms if they are not available to download from the school's website. The enrolment process will require particular information, both at the application stage and if the school offers your child a place. An interpreter can be organised on request.
When you enrol your child, in order to meet school and government requirements, you will be asked to provide the school with the information outlined below.
Note: Children are eligible to commence school in January if they turn five years of age by 30 April of that year.
What information does the school need from you? |
Evidence of your child’s date of birth, e.g. birth certificate, passport |
Religious denomination |
Certificate of Baptism (and Reconciliation, Eucharist, Confirmation, if these sacraments have been completed) |
Name and address details of both child and parents/carers/guardians |
Parents/carers/guardians’ occupations and levels of education attained |
Parents/carers/guardians’ telephone numbers (home, work, mobile) |
Specific residence arrangements, including visa grant notification |
Nationality and/or citizenship |
Information about the language(s) your child speaks and/or hears at home |
Immunisation History Statement (showing whether your child has been immunised against diphtheria, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, whooping cough and haemophilus influenzae type B) |
Names of emergency contacts and their details |
Doctor’s name and telephone number |
Medical information about your child (e.g. the child may suffer from asthma, diabetes, allergies, poor eyesight/hearing, etc.) |
Information on diverse learning needs |
Parenting orders or arrangements. |
Fees
In Catholic primary schools, the setting of fees and levies is the responsibility of the individual school, taking into account the allocation of government funds, and educational programs and resources provided. Most schools offer a number of methods for paying fees to minimise financial burden and to assist financial planning. If you have difficulty in meeting the required fee payment, you are encouraged to discuss this at the earliest opportunity with the principal of the school.
Transition
In Catholic primary schools, teachers and leaders aim to create a safe and supportive environment where every child is valued, affirmed and challenged.
As parents/carers/guardians, you can support your child’s transition to school and help make the first few weeks exciting and enjoyable for both you and your child. Learning to be independent is an important aspect of school readiness. Children who have developed independence are more able to deal with the new demands that school life places on them.
Most schools will liaise with their local kindergartens and preschools to help ease the transition to school for students. Many primary schools conduct orientation programs for pre-school students. This is an opportunity for children to become familiar with the school environment, and begin to develop relationships with staff and peers. It also provides an opportunity for you to develop a relationship with the school, identify your child’s needs and work with staff to support a smooth transition. Contact your child’s school for details of their orientation programs.
What you can do to help your child transition to primary school |
Attend the school information sessions and tours. |
Visit the school with your child to become familiar with the surroundings. |
Talk to parents/carers/guardians of children in the school. |
Talk to the Prep teacher about your child’s development, skills, strengths and interests. |
Find out about your school’s buddy system. |
Encourage a daily routine with your child in readiness for school. |
Interest your child in school and its activities, e.g. learning as fun. |