Each school in NSW offers something slightly different depending on the community. Here's what we offer for you.
For further information regarding any of these services, contact our school office.
Aboriginal education
Aboriginal education focuses on integrating Indigenous perspectives, cultures, and histories into our curriculum, promoting understanding and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It aims to support all students in developing a deeper appreciation for Australia’s Indigenous heritage while providing Aboriginal students with culturally relevant learning experiences that reflect their identities and histories, especially through activities during NAIDOC Week and Reconciliation Week, which encourage reflection, learning, and community engagement. Our student mob group meet weekly and supports First Nations students in developing leadership skills, connecting with their culture, and fostering connections with one another and their communities.
Band
Our school band showcases the incredible musical talent of our students, fostering teamwork and creativity through collaborative performances. With a diverse repertoire, the band participates in various events, enriching the school community and promoting a love for music.
Before-school, after-school, and school holiday care – Fun Club @ West Wollongong
Fun Club @ West Wollongong is operated by Big Fat Smile, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to providing community-owned services in child education, care, recreation, culture, and inclusion. The Fun Club caters to students aged 5 to 12 years, offering care before school, after school, and during school holidays.
- Before school: 6:30 AM - 9:00 AM
- After school: 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
- School holidays: 6:30 AM - 6:00 PM
For more information, please call Fun Club @ West Wollongong at 02 4225 9520.
Book Week celebrations
Book Week celebrations bring the joy of reading to life through engaging events like the book fair, where students can explore and purchase a variety of books. The highlight of the week is the book character parade, allowing students to dress up as their favourite characters and celebrate their love for literature in a fun and vibrant atmosphere.
Breakfast Club
The Breakfast Club at our school operates every day, providing students with a nutritious meal to start their day on the right foot. This initiative not only promotes healthy eating habits but also creates a welcoming environment for students to socialise and connect with their peers before classes begin.
Chess club
Our chess club provides a welcoming environment for students of all skill levels to learn and enjoy the game of chess. Through weekly meetings and friendly competitions, members can enhance their strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
Choir
Our school choir brings together students of all ages to share their passion for music and performance. Performances may include the Choral Festival, other special events, and various school events, fostering teamwork, creativity, and a love for singing in a supportive environment.
Debating
Debating helps children at our school develop critical thinking, public speaking, and teamwork skills, which are essential for their academic and personal growth. Participating in inter-school competitions fosters a sense of confidence and encourages our students to engage with diverse perspectives and ideas.
Dance troupe
Our dance troupe is a group of dancers who perform together, often showcasing a variety of dance styles and techniques. Performances may include events such as Southern Stars, the South Coast Public Schools Dance Festival, and other school events, emphasising teamwork and artistic expression.
Dogs Connect
The Dogs Connect program at our school focuses on building social skills and emotional resilience in students through interactions with therapy dogs. By participating in activities with trained therapy dogs, students enhance their communication abilities and experience the calming effects of animal companionship.
EAL/D programs
EAL/D (English as an Additional Language or Dialect) programs at our school are designed to support students who are learning English as a second language, helping them develop their language skills in a nurturing environment. Through targeted instruction and tailored resources, these programs aim to enhance students' communication abilities and confidence, enabling them to fully participate in the classroom and school community.
Easter celebrations
Easter celebrations at our school bring the community together with festive activities, including an exciting Easter hat parade where students showcase their creative and colourful hats. This fun event not only highlights the spirit of Easter but also encourages creativity and participation among students, fostering a sense of joy and camaraderie.
Excursions and incursions
Excursions and incursions are valuable educational experiences that enhance students' learning outside the classroom. Excursions involve taking students to external locations, such as museums or nature reserves, to provide firsthand experiences related to their studies, while incursions bring experts or special programs into the school, allowing students to engage with new concepts and skills in a familiar environment.
Gala days
Inter-school gala days are exciting events where students come together to participate in various sports, including soccer, oz-tag, and netball, fostering a sense of community and sportsmanship. These events allow students to showcase their skills, engage in friendly competition, and build lasting friendships outside the classroom.
Garden Club
The Garden Club at our school provides students with the opportunity to learn about gardening, sustainability, and teamwork while cultivating a beautiful green space. Members engage in hands-on activities such as planting, watering, and maintaining the garden, fostering a sense of responsibility and connection to nature.
Homework club
The homework club is a tutoring service provided by student volunteers from Edmund Rice College each Thursday afternoon. It offers students a supportive environment to complete homework and enhance their learning outside of regular school hours to foster collaboration and academic growth among peers.
Intervention programs
At our school, intervention small group programs are designed to provide targeted support to students who may be struggling with specific learning challenges. These programs focus on personalised instruction and collaborative learning, allowing students to receive tailored strategies and resources in a supportive environment, ultimately helping them to improve their skills and confidence.
Life education
Life Education programs provide students with essential knowledge about health, wellbeing, and safety through engaging and interactive lessons. The program empowers students to make informed choices about their health, covering important topics such as nutrition, relationships, and substance use in a fun and supportive environment. Our children love Healthy Harold's annual visit to our school.
Learning and support programs
Learning and support programs at our school focus on providing additional assistance to students with diverse learning needs, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive academically. These programs offer targeted interventions, resources, and personalised strategies to help students overcome challenges and achieve their full potential within an inclusive learning environment.
Library
The library at our school serves as a vibrant hub for learning and exploration, offering a wide range of resources, including books, digital materials, and reading spaces. It provides students with opportunities to develop their reading skills, engage in research, and participate in various literacy programs that promote a love for reading and learning.
Multicultural education
Multicultural education fosters an inclusive and respectful learning environment by embracing the diverse cultural backgrounds of students and promoting understanding among different communities. Celebrating Harmony Day each year is a significant event that highlights the importance of inclusivity, encouraging students to participate in activities that celebrate cultural diversity and promote the message that "everyone belongs."
New arrivals programs
Our new arrival program supports students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds as they transition into our school. This program provides tailored assistance, including language support, cultural orientation, and social integration activities, helping new students feel welcomed and equipped to succeed academically and socially at our school.
Playgroup
At our school, the play group for 0-5 year olds meets every Thursday from 10 AM to 12 PM, providing a nurturing environment where young children can engage in creative play and social interactions. This program focuses on developmental activities that support early learning, helping children build essential skills while fostering a love for exploration and discovery in a safe and supportive setting. Please visit - Multicultural Supported Playgroups (MSP) – Illawarra Multicultural Services for further information.
Public speaking
Public speaking and participation in school and network competitions help students develop essential communication skills, boost confidence, and foster critical thinking. These experiences encourage teamwork and provide opportunities for students to express their ideas and creativity in front of an audience.
School counselling service
Our school psychologist plays a vital role in supporting students' mental health and wellbeing by providing counselling services and interventions. She also works collaboratively with teachers and parents to create a positive learning environment for all students.
School religious education (SRE)
Special Religious Education (SRE) provides students in NSW public schools with the opportunity to receive religious instruction from approved providers. SRE is delivered on a voluntary basis and aims to support the spiritual, moral, and ethical development of students.
Our school offers SRE every Tuesday
- Years 3 to 6 – 11:40am-12:10pm
- Kindergarten to Year 2 – 12:10-12:40pm
Showcase assemblies
Showcase assemblies at our school provide a platform for students to showcase their learning and achievements from the year so far in front of their peers, teachers, and families. These assemblies, held each semester, highlight the diverse skills and knowledge students have acquired, fostering a sense of pride and community while encouraging appreciation for each other's efforts and accomplishments.
Sporting carnivals
Athletics, swimming, and cross country carnivals are key events in our school sports calendar, providing students with the opportunity to compete at various levels, including school, district, regional, and state competitions. These events not only promote physical fitness and teamwork but also encourage students to strive for personal bests and represent their schools with pride.
Student led conferences
At our school, student-led conferences provide an opportunity for students to take ownership of their learning by presenting their progress, achievements, and goals to their parents and teachers. These conferences held each semester encourage students to reflect on their educational journey, fostering communication and collaboration between home and school while empowering them to take an active role in their academic development.
Student representative council (SRC)
Our Student Representative Council (SRC) is a body in our school that provides students from Years 1-6 with a voice in decision-making and fosters leadership skills. It plays an essential role in promoting student welfare and enhancing the school community through various initiatives and events.
Support classes
At our school, there are four support classes that cater to the diverse learning needs of students with disabilities, including autism. These classes provide specialised instruction and resources to help students enhance their skills and achieve their academic goals in a nurturing and therapeutic environment.
Talent development programs
Our talent development programs identify and select students based on their high potential or exceptional talent across various domains, including intellectual, social/emotional, physical, and creative areas. These programs provide tailored activities and opportunities that nurture and enhance students' abilities, encouraging them to reach their full potential and pursue their passions.
Talent Quest
Our annual talent quest showcases the diverse skills and creativity of students as they perform in front of their peers, teachers, and families. This event fosters a sense of community and encourages students to express themselves through various forms of art, including music, dance, drama, and more.
Technology programs
The provision of 1:1 iPad devices by the school enhances learning by giving students access to a range of educational apps and resources that support their engagement and creativity. Additionally, coding and robotics programs empower students to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they create and innovate using technology.
Transition to high school programs
Our transition to high school programs collaborate with local high schools to ensure a smooth and supportive shift for students moving from primary to secondary education. These programs include orientation sessions, school visits, and information exchanges that help students become familiar with the high school environment, expectations, and opportunities, easing any anxieties and building confidence for the next stage of their education.
Transition to school program for Kindergarten children
Our school's transition to school programs for Kindergarten students are designed to ease the shift from home or preschool to a formal school setting. These programs offer activities that help children become familiar with the school environment, routines, and expectations, ensuring they feel confident and prepared for their new educational journey.