Enrolment

In Western Australia, the Mandate of the Bishops requires the Catholic Education Commission of Western Australia (CECWA) to advance the Church’s purpose for Catholic schools, while embodying the Church’s preferential option for the poor and disadvantaged, by making available a Catholic school education for all Catholic children, insofar as this is possible. (Bishops’ Mandate, p. 50).

The term Aboriginal refers to the original inhabitants of Australia and includes the Torres Strait Islander people. The term student will include all students, including children and young people and children enrolled in early learning and care services. The term parents will include parents or guardians or carers.

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Bunbury:

3.1 Provides a distinctly Catholic education for enrolled children.

3.2 Recognises the uniqueness of each student.

3.3 Promotes justice to all, with due consideration for the diversity of those who are culturally, socially, physically, intellectually, financially, emotionally or spiritually disadvantaged.

3.4 Ensures financial grounds shall never be the reason for the non-enrolment in, or exclusion of, any child from school.

3.5 Catholic schools fulfil their mission in partnership with parents who are the first educators of their children.

3.6 Ensures Aboriginal students shall be given enrolment preference wherever possible and practicable.

3.7 Complies with the requirements of student enrolment in accordance with the Western Australian School Education Act 1999 and the Disability Standards in Education 2005.

N.B. Enrolment in St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School does not guarantee enrolment in any other Catholic school.

4.1 (a) Completion of an Application for Enrolment Form and acceptance of the application by the school do not guarantee a place at the school, nor does it guarantee an enrolment interview. (b) Each Application for Enrolment will be considered individually.

4.2 Priority in selection is given to: • Catholic students from the Parish with a Parish Priest reference. • Catholic students from outside the Parish with a Parish Priest reference. • Other Catholic students. • Siblings of non-Catholic students. • Non-Catholic students from other Christian denominations. • Other non-Catholic students.

4.3 The final decision regarding the enrolment of a student is left to the discretion of the Principal.

4.4 Before an offer of a place is made, prospective students and their parent(s) or guardian(s) shall be interviewed by the principal or a member of the school Leadership Team.

4.5 The Catholic/Non-Catholic Enrolment Percentage Parameters approved by the Bishop of the diocese shall be referred to when enrolling students.

4.6 The principal may vary the above priorities to suit particular local circumstances prevailing at the time after prior consultation with the Executive Director of Catholic Education.

4.7 If the school does not have the necessary physical and/or human resources to provide adequate and positive learning experiences for that child, the Principal will suggest alternatives to best meet the child’s needs.

4.8 On applying for enrolment, parents are requested to send a copy of the child’s Birth Certificate, Baptism Certificate, Parish Priest Reference form, MyGov Immunisation Record, Visa Documents and any relevant reports from preschool or the previous school at the time of enrolment. In accordance with statutory requirements, children are to turn: Three years old to be eligible for enrolment in the Pre Kindergarten Programme Four years old by June 30 in the year they are enrolled into Kindergarten. Five years old by June 30 in the year that they are admitted to Pre Primary. Six by June 30 in the year that they are admitted to Year 1. A copy of any parenting or custody court orders needs to be supplied with the application.

4.9 Parents of the students seeking enrolment are expected to support the Catholic policies and practices of the school. Parents must show an interest in the Christian values of the school and work with the teachers in helping their child achieve these values.

4.10 All families are expected to support the religious education and participate in the Sacramental programmes provided by the school. Accordingly, new families will be requested to meet with our school priest as part of their welcoming into our school community.

4.11 Parents are expected to support the school financially by paying fees and also by becoming involved in the Parents & Friends Association and other school activities.

1 Contact St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School to obtain a prospectus and enrolment form.

2 Parents/Guardians to lodge enrolment form.

3 A non-refundable $20.00 administration fee is required with the lodgement of an Application for Enrolment and the required supporting documentation. An enrolment fee of $200.00 is payable upon the acceptance of a new student to the school. This fee will be credited to the family school fee account when the student commences at the school. Please note this $200.00 enrolment fee is non-refundable if you withdraw your application.

4 A letter acknowledging receipt of the documentation will be sent.

5 Should a position be available for your child/children, parents/guardians will be invited to attend an interview with the Principal so that information regarding school policies and operation can be discussed.

6 Parents are given a guided tour of the school facilities.

7 If a position is available the enrolment is then completed and further information given regarding uniforms, booklists and so forth.

8 If a position is not available, the application will be placed on the waitlist.

9 Every assistance possible will be provided to make your child’s transition to St Joseph’s as smooth as possible.

10 Pre Kindergarten parents/guardians will be invited to a class meeting at the conclusion of the school day in Week One – Term One.

11 Kindergarten parents will be invited to a class meeting and orientation day.

Parent Information Handbook Here

Download Enrolment Form Here