Welcome to the Catholic Primary School

Catholic primary schools provide high-quality academic, social, physical and religious education for more than 108,000 students in the Archdiocese of Melbourne.

Each Catholic primary school belongs to a parish and is a vital part of the parish community as well as a significant presence in the local community. As a welcoming school community each school provides an inclusive and safe environment focused on your child’s wellbeing, achievement, challenge, creativity and enjoyment.

With highly qualified and caring teachers committed to the practice and celebration of Christian values, Catholic schools provide religious education and 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.

Our schools encourage parent involvement, so that together we can create an environment of mutual respect, ensure timely and effective communication and enable participation in consultation on matters of parental concern.

Coming to our schools

Children who attend a Catholic school usually attend the local Catholic parish primary school. Some special education facilities are also available. Enrolments for children who turn five years of age by 30 April of the year in which they start school are welcomed. It is a good idea to start making contact with the principal and the parish priest of your Catholic primary school early in the year preceding the year when your child turns five years of age. The principal or another senior staff member is more than happy to meet with parents, arrange tours or classroom visits and provide publications containing important information about the school and its policies. It is best to phone 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 sets aside adequate meeting time.

By May each year most Catholic primary schools have begun taking enrolments for the following school year. Refer to the website of your Catholic parish primary school for specific enrolment details or contact the school by phone.

Enrolling in the school

School staff will provide you with the appropriate enrolment forms. The enrolment process will require particular information, both at the application stage and if the school offers you a place. An interpreter will be organised, if you require it.

To meet school and government requirements, you will need to provide the school with the information below when you enrol your child.

Starting primary school

In Catholic primary schools our teachers aim to create a safe and happy environment where your child is valued, affirmed and challenged.

Most schools will liaise with your child’s kindergarten to help ease the transition to school. As a parent you can do much to help 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 a most important aspect of readiness for school. Children who have developed independence are much more able to deal with the new demands that school life places on them.

Many of our primary schools conduct an orientation day/morning for preschool students. This is an opportunity for children to spend a morning with their teacher for their first year. You should contact your child’s school for more details of orientation procedures.