The Preparatory Year of full time schooling (Prep) provides a smooth transition to school life. Prep follows a quality teaching and learning program with the curriculum based on active learning, inquiry, investigation and play. Prep is an important year when children develop relationships and build strong foundations in learning, particularly English and Maths. Students are provided with learning experiences that develop an awareness of the five senses, social, fine and gross motor skills.
Students in Prep at St John’s enjoy access to a fully fenced early years learning environment which incorporates outdoor undercover learning areas, covered sand pit, purpose built bathroom facilities and gross motor playground equipment.
Download the Prep brochure here
Learning Environment
St John’s provides a challenging learning environment where students can achieve their potential across all Learning Areas, with an emphasis on English and Maths.
Classes are rich with diversity of students and at St John’s, programs are created with the understanding that children develop and learn differently. All learning programs are developed to cater for different learning styles.
Class sizes
Our small school setting with an average class size of 18 has an excellent teacher/student ratio which creates an optimum learning environment.
Academic Results and Student Support
St John’s positive school climate has contributed to students performing well academically.
Teaching and learning, informed by detailed analysis of annual national testing (NAPLAN) and other assessment data, aims to extend all students academically.
Early and systematic diagnostic identification strategies and intervention plans are implemented to help students in need of learning support or extension. Classroom teaching is supported with school officer assistance. Students also have access to visiting specialists and a school counsellor.
Our targeted professional development in literacy enrichment has attained terrific student improvement to date and promises to further promote St John’s as a school of academic achievement.
Gifted and Talented students are encouraged to achieve to their full potential. Integral to the success of our gifted and talented program is participation in academic competitions at local, state and national level across a number of curriculum areas.
“St John’s successfully blends excellence in academic performance, creative arts and sports. The school offers state-of-the-art technology and inclusive, flexible learning environments. All children’s needs are well catered for.”
Mrs Cassandra Scopelliti – Parent and past St John’s P&F President
Social Emotional Learning
A Catholic education is a holistic one that seeks to develop the ‘whole child’, not only academically, but also physically, culturally, socially and emotionally. The foundations of Social and Emotional Learning are the keys to wellbeing and are essential for success in school, home life, work and the world of tomorrow.
Social and Emotional Learning is developed through the “You Can Do It!” program to help foster better social and emotional intelligence and is integrated into all areas of the curriculum. ‘You Can Do It!’ education known as ‘Program Achieve’ is used throughout the school to help build the foundations of Getting Along, Organisation, Persistence, and Confidence. It aims to increase achievement and emotional wellbeing.
The ‘You Can Do It!’ Parent Program actively aims to help parents nurture and develop these foundations in their children.
Behaviour Mangement
St John’s has developed a Student Code of Behaviour. It is based upon the following four rules:
- Respect God and the Catholic faith
- Respect self
- Respect others
- Respect property
These rules encourage personal responsibility. The Social Emotional Learning program implemented throughout the school supports the Behaviour Management Plan as it teaches the skills associated with developing good patterns of behaviour.
“Students have many opportunities including Music tuition, Languages, Social and Emotional Learning, Intensive Swimming and a very successful Speech and Drama program. Our children are nurtured in a caring learning environment that values respect, encouragement, aspiration, care and honesty.”
Mrs Kylie Dodds
Kindy and school parent
