Application and Criteria for Enrolment

St Anthony’s is a Parish School and as such its purpose is to serve the parishioners. Consequently first preference is given to the baptised Catholics who live within the parish and whose parents have a commitment to the faith. The Catholic School has an ecclesial identity, because it is a part of the evangelising mission of the Church. Yet a distinguishing feature of Catholic education is that it is open to all, especially to the poor and weakest in society...(Ecclesia in Oceania, November 2001 No. 33).

Kindergarten children must have turned five years of age by 30 April in the year of enrolment. Proof of age will be required. If there are less places than the demand in any year the following priorities will apply:

• Baptised Catholic children who are members of the designated local parish communities.
• Siblings of children already attending the primary school.
• Baptised Catholic children from other parishes who cannot obtain places in their local parish primary school.
• Baptised Catholic children from non-Catholic primary schools whose residential address is in the designated priority local parish communities.
• Baptised Catholic children whose parents/guardians seek to
  enrol them in a parish primary school outside their own parish but who can not obtain places in their own parish primary school.
• Other children whose parents/guardians desire and are committed to a Catholic Education.

The process of enrolment involves the school and parents working together to provide an effective educational environment. The following processes will normally occur:

• The parents attend, ring or write to the school requesting an Application for Enrolment Form.
• On receipt of the completed form, along with a copy of the birth certificate, baptismal certificate, and immunisation records, together with an enrolment fee of $15, the school will contact parents who are new to the school to arrange an interview.
• The interview provides an opportunity for the Parish Priest, Principal, and parents to discuss your child’s / children’s needs and the enrolment of the child.
  

Parents of children transferring from other schools will be asked to sign a form allowing us to check the background of their child. Where there has been evidence of learning or behaviour difficulties, the child’s case will be examined by an Integration Committee to assess the degree to which the child will be able to be catered for at St Anthony’s. This Committee may comprise of the Principal, resource teachers, class teachers and a Catholic Education Special Needs Education Officer.

Although the students in the school will be predominantly Catholic, children from other faith backgrounds are most welcome to attend St Anthony’s.