FAQ

HOW IS ST. ANTHONY’S DIFFERENT TO OTHER SCHOOLS?

As a parent trying to choose between schools, it can sometimes be difficult to discern their key differences. Sometimes, people resort to type, Government vs Catholic vs Independent, without truly understanding that every school is unique. Children will have different experiences and create different memories even within a school. However, what is common to the children and families of St. Anthony’s is a strong sense of belonging within the school and the school community.

“Every Child Matters” has been woven into the fabric of the school over many years. As a community, we believe each child’s uniqueness is limitless and is to be celebrated. We ensure that every child matters to their teachers, peers, and the whole student school community. This compassionate environment enables learning to thrive.

Our commitment to each child starts before their first day. As part of our transition program, every family has a welcome meeting with the school to ensure that we understand the child's unique qualities and can put the appropriate supports in place from day one.

Learning at St. Anthony’s extends beyond high academic achievement. We help every child understand their unique qualities and value the unique qualities of others, knowing that self-awareness and self-respect are only truly possible when one is compassionate and respectful of others. We encourage students to explore their interests and talents and provide quality facilities and opportunities to enable them to thrive. This holistic approach that develops the whole child ensures that St. Anthony’s prepares students for their academic future and life outside school.

DOES THE SCHOOL GET GOOD ACADEMIC RESULTS?

Yes, St. Anthony’s Catholic Primary School takes pride in our academic results. As educators, we understand that academic results should be considered in the context of the student’s capability. We ensure that we take the time to understand every child and find ways to help each child grow, improve, and achieve the best possible results. This is one of the important approaches we use to ensure that every child matters and continues to thrive.

DOES THE SCHOOL HAVE GOOD PASTORAL CARE?

The school has a long history of care and compassion, which has continually evolved to cater to each generation's unique challenges. Pastoral care is at the core of everything we do and is informed by the Mercy Keys to ensure care for all our students, individually and collectively.

At St. Anthony’s, pastoral care has never been more important. We are aware that the current generation of Australian children is experiencing unprecedented levels of mental health and social challenges. As educators, we know that learning cannot start until the child feels safe and secure in their environment, which is why we believe that caring, compassion, and respect make learning possible. We are blessed to see this care underpin transformations in academic results, social skills and sense of self that form the foundations of confident, capable students ready for the world.

HOW DOES THE SCHOOL DEAL WITH PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY?

The school takes a proactive approach to the social interaction of all students within and across year levels. The school teaches strategies that help all students develop respectful relationships with each other.

At times, students may be part of a coaching conversation with their teacher or leadership, utilising our W-W-H = What happened? What is important? and How are we going to act? Formulating a growth action plan to move forward.

DOES THE SCHOOL HAVE EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES?

We are blessed to have access to a wealth of resources and committed staff and community members that enable our students to explore their interests in extra-curricular activities and discover new interests by participating in a wide range of activities. These include gardening, woodwork, sports, cooking, technology, music, choir, reading, art, and other creative activities.

ARE NON-CATHOLIC FAMILIES WELCOME?

Yes, we welcome all students and their families, regardless of their background once part of the school and school community students and families have expressed the same sense of belonging in our school and school community.

ARE ALL FAMILIES WELCOME?

Known for genuine hospitality, compassion and respect, St. Anthony’s welcomes all students and families to join our school community. We encourage you to visit us and see our school in action firsthand. Let us share how we can make a positive difference to your child’s learning experiences.

HOW IMPORTANT ARE THE SCHOOL FEES?

100% of the school fees go to the school, providing the school with funding that can be directed to where it will benefit the students, both now and in the future. The school's funding comes from multiple sources, including state and federal government and the Catholic Education Office, with school fees contributing less than 10% of the funding mix. [LC1] While the contribution that school fees make can be the difference between something happening or not within the school, school fees will not stand in the way of a child attending the school.

HOW WELL RESOURCED IS THE SCHOOL?

St. Anthony’s has been a beneficiary of the generosity of the community and the Catholic Church for 125 years. Subsequently, we have an abundance of indoor and outdoor spaces and resources. In addition to our spacious classrooms, our students have access to horticulture, sports, arts, cooking and performing arts resources. All of which are well supported by our high teacher-to-student ratio. The Catholic Education South Australia office has recently committed to growing the school, investing in an extensive capital works project to construct new classrooms and other learning facilities to support the learning of your children and future generations.

HOW ARE FEES STRUCTURED?

We are mindful of the financial pressures many families face, and our new fee structure will include additional fee relief for families. Our fees for a single student range up to $1,700 per year. Discounts are available for siblings. If you are eligible for the government assistance School Card (LINK TO - https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/education-and-learning/financial-help-scholarships-and-grants/school-card-scheme), then a fee reduction may be applicable. Fees are payable from the term your child starts school. Extracurricular activities, excursions, camps, and bus transport will be charged separately. We wish to reassure all families that, where required, fee support is available.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO CLASS SIZES AS THE SCHOOL GROWS?

While it might sound contradictory, class sizes will get smaller as the school grows. The current class sizes are averaging around 25 students. The modelling done by the school is based on two Reception classes of 15 and then three classes of 20 across two-year levels in subsequent years (Actual numbers in any year level are subject to enrolments and may differ from the modelling).

While actual class sizes will vary based on enrolment levels in a particular year level, St. Anthony’s is committed to ensuring that ratios of adults to students in the classroom provide every student with a peaceful and productive learning environment.

WHAT IS MID-YEAR RECEPTION?

Many Catholic schools across South Australia are now offering a mid-year reception enrolment intake for students who turn five on or before October 31. St. Anthony’s is delighted to be one of these schools, providing flexibility and enhanced learning opportunities for our community. Our Mid-Year Reception program is a nurturing and nature-filled environment that facilitates a smooth and seamless transition into Reception. Note: Students who start in Term 3 will spend 18 months in Reception before progressing to Year 1.

WILL CHILDREN FROM GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS FIND IT HARD TO ADAPT?

Not at all. We regularly receive enrolments from families who have found the government setting has not met their needs. [LC2] Like any significant change, changing schools can be daunting; however, within days, hours, or weeks, the students are well settled in their new environment, having established new friends and routines. As a school, we are very proud of how a child who had concerns or issues at another school became a high-performing student at St. Anthony’s.

WHEN CAN WE ENROL?

We accept enrolments at all times. Whether you are moving into the district or simply moving schools, we can assist you with the process and time of the transition to best meet your children's needs. For families wanting the reassurance of knowing where their child is going for Reception, we can also formalise the enrolment early and welcome you into our school and community events.

WHAT IS THE FIRST STEP?

The first step is to contact the school office and express your interest. We will then discuss the easy process with you. Some families like to do lots of research, and others know us well enough that they want to formalise the enrolment. Wherever you are on your enrolment journey, we are ready to help.