St Simon Peter Ocean Reef or Brighton Catholic primary schools

[hw72]

Hi, can anyone give me any feedback on their experiences of either of these schools?

 

Many thanks

[Arwen]

I have friends with children at both of these schools and they are happy. St Simon Peter feeds into Prendiville and Brighton into Irene McCormack.

[Scot01]

Don't know anything about Brighton Catholic but I use to work at St Simon peters several years ago. they have changed the head since I was there which is a good thing. It's a big school - triple stream which means three classes in each year. That is not necessarily a bad thing though as your child will always find friends. They had three really good learning support teachers, which is unheard of for schools that size, who taught the kids with dyslexia, reading difficulties as well as a special needs Unit for kids who had e.g autism or more severe difficulties. Those kids were integrated into as many lessons as possible which is good. They catered for chidlren at the end end too with a good gifted and talented programme. I always judge a school by its staffroom and everyone was always very friendly and mixed well. As a Catholic school, you have to pay fees but they are not too bad. Ocean Reef is a more expensive area than Butler and this is reflected in the schools NAPLAN results - St S and P's do much better on them. The best high school NOR after John XXIII (which is in the Western suburbs and the top coed Catholic school in WA) is Sacred Heart in Hilarys. next comes Prendiville that St S and P's feeds into - their results are much better than Irene McCormack so if you have a choice and can't get into a feeder Cathoic school for Sacred Heart, then go with St S and P's.

[hw72]

Many thanks for this information, I really appreciate it. Which are the feeder schools for Sacred Heart? If my children go to St Simon Peters do they automatically get a place at Prendiville? Or would we need to apply for that?

[Scot01]

I couldn't see anything on their website but I know it's Our Lady of Grace in North Beach (another lovely school) Padbury Catholic and Whitfords Catholic (though check that). There may be others but no school north of Whitfords.

You don't automatically get into any Catholic school. They don't have strict catchment areas like Govt school but it is to your advantage living within the Parish and for the most popular ones you almost need a letter from the Pope to get in. You would certainly need baptism certificate, letter from parish Priest (if you are in the UK bring that with you to get into a primary school) and things like reconciliation certificate. For high school then get your children's name down as soon as possible. Sacred Heart and John XXIII have massive waiting lists. Your only chance of getting into one is by going to a feeder primary as they give spots to siblings first, then feeder primaries, then children of old boys/girls/ and children of staff who work in Catholic education. That takes up almost all spots. Next comes Catholic children in non Catholic schools who have proof that they are Catholic, then the rest - which is zero chance. But even kids who are in feeder primary who haven't had their name on the list will be rejected - it is not automatic. Same to get into the primary too - it is not like the govt system where they have to take you, the primaries have waiting lists too - depending on the area and the school. Good luck with your decision, get your applications in asap (with your letter from the Pope!)

[Arwen]

Prendiville is easier to get into than Sacred Heart. You have to think about Sacred Heart whilst you are actually trying to conceive!!!

[travelbug]

Hi

 

I have tried to get my 8 year old in these schools for yr 3 and most catholic shcools are full so i was told, also tried Sacred Heart for my oldest for yr 11 also full but was told Prendiville is easier, she ended up going to Duncraig Senior and the other Duncraig Primary which she loves

[B52]

I would give Brighton catholic a miss. I know 6 separate families who have left over the past few years and not happy big bullying problems and principal or teachers cover it up and do nothing. Rough school. Try Francis Jordan of Saint Simon peter. Better quality and good reputations

[Sal]

Interesting first post B52, this is thread is a year and a half old so I think they may be sorted by now.

[B52]

Maybe but I found past posts useful when deciding which school to pick for my children :-) quite sure it's ok Sal ;-)

[Happyatpadburycatholic]

I think St Simon peter would be the safer bet!