Introduction
Stella Maris Primary School opened in 1980 with the support of the Presentation Sisters. The school was founded to cater for the spiritual and academic development of families in the Stella Maris Parish and the wider parish communities. The school continues the educational mission of the wider Church which aims to nurture the integration of faith and life through the principles, teachings and traditions of the Catholic Church.
Rationale
A clear enrolment policy enables Stella Maris School to act justly in the important task of enrolment, especially where the continued growth of the Sunshine Coast region puts pressure on demand for places. This enrolment policy is created with reference to the Archdiocese of Brisbane Catholic Education Council Policy Statement – 'Enrolment of Students in Catholic Schools'.
Gospel Values
We aim to 'act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with our God.' (Micah 6)
Policy Statement
While nurturing children in the Catholic faith and maintaining a Catholic ethos, Stella Maris School remains open and welcoming to all who support its vision, mission and values. Considerations such as availability of places, class composition, physical accommodation and ability of the school to meet student needs are also taken into account when enrolling new students.
Enrolment of Prep/Primary School Students
To qualify for enrolment in Prep, a student must turn 5 years before 1 July the year before enrolment. Application for early entry may be made when the student's birthday falls in July and the parent believes the student is ready to begin school. Enrolment is then at the discretion of the School Principal. Prep is a compulsory year of schooling.
Applications for enrolment will be considered in the following order:
- Children who have siblings enrolled in the school.
- Baptised Catholic children whose family regularly attends a church in the Maroochydore Parish.
- Baptised Catholic children living within the geographical boundaries of the Maroochydore Parish and whose family is committed to and guided by the Gospel values and traditions of the Catholic Church.
- Baptised Catholic children living beyond the parish boundaries who have a suitable reason for enrolling in the school. Please Note: Where applicant numbers exceed available places, the following criteria will be applied in determining enrolments: Suitable reference from the Parish Priest or suitable reference from the Priest of another Parish
- Children (not baptised) of Catholic families, living within the geographical boundaries of the Maroochydore Parish.
- Baptised children of other Christian denominations whose families value the religious aspect of education and are practising in their Parish. A reference from the family's minister or pastor is recommended.
- Christian children of other denominations whose families value the religious aspect of education but are not actively involved in their Parish.
- Children of non-Christian traditions whose family supports the values of the gospel.
- Children whose family members acknowledge no religious affiliation but who support the school's Vision, mission and values.
Consideration of Applicants
Where circumstances require special consideration, a team consisting of the Principal, Assistant Principals (and Support staff as required) work collaboratively to discern and allocate placement.
Before offers of enrolment places, the Principal will give consideration to:
- Class size/places available
- Class composition
- Physical accommodation available
- The ability of the school to meet the child's needs
- ¨The need to maintain the Catholic/community character/ethos of the school
- The discretion of the Principal / Parish Priest
Enrolment Adjustment Support Process
The EASP is a consultative and collaborative process that encourages all participants in the education process (e.g., student, parent/legal guardian, teachers, school leadership, student support team and BCE Learning and Teaching Services personnel) to share as partners in consultations to ensure that students with disability are afforded access to and participation in education on the same basis as other students.
Process
Enrolment applications for all year levels can be submitted at any time. When allocating Prep places, no advantage is given to early submission of applications. Whenever an application is received, the placement remains dependent upon meeting the requirements of this policy.
Term One of the Year Before Placement
Applications are accepted online from the beginning of the year before enrolment. An interview with the Principal or Administration Team member is organised. The following documentation must accompany the enrolment application:
- Birth certificate
- Baptismal certificate (as applicable)
- Other documentation relevant to the child's educational and physical needs eg. specialist assessments
- BPOINT receipt for payment of enrolment application fee
Term Two / Three of the Year Before Placement
Communication is sent to parents, notifying them of either an enrolment position or placement on the waiting list. Parents sign a 'Confirmation of Enrolment' form which is returned with a $100 Confirmation of Enrolment Fee. If the enrolling family is in financial hardship, the Application for Fee Concession form should be completed and submitted with the required documentation within two weeks of Confirmation of Enrolment.
Term Four of the Year Before Placement
A student orientation session is held for all Prep students. Students and parents are invited to attend. Students join their year-level teachers while parents gather for an information session and welcome morning tea.
Role of Parents
It is expected that parents:
- Meet their financial commitments or maintain close contact with the Principal regarding their financial situation should this not be possible
- Nurture the faith development of their children
- Support the school expectations of behaviour, punctuality and dress
- Support their children's full participation in the school program
- Support school staff and each other. There is no place for gossip or behaviour that diminishes community.
- Assist where possible through support of school activities