Enrolment Policy

​​St Vincent's and St Kevin's Primary Schools were established by the people of the Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish to provide for the educational needs of the children of parish families. The primary purpose of these schools is to nurture and educate the whole child through and by the principles, traditions and teachings of the church and within a community of faith.

In recognition of the importance of the relationship between the Catholic school and the parish community and with due reference to Archdiocesan policies and practices, the following criteria are adopted to establish priorities for accepting enrolments.

For students requiring significant educational adjustments, please refer to the Enrolment Application and Support Procedures below.

Enrolment Priority Criteria

  1. The child is a sibling of student/s who is/are enrolled at and attending St Vincent’s.
    or
    The child is a baptised Catholic whose family can demonstrate ongoing involvement in the life, worship and service of the Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish.
  2. The child is a baptised Catholic whose family can demonstrate ongoing involvement in the life, worship, service of another parish and now seeks to participate actively in the life, worship and service of this parish.
  3. The child is a baptised Catholic whose family resides in Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish and whose family is committed to and guided by the values of the gospel and the traditions of the Catholic Church.
  4. The child is baptised Catholic, his/her family is committed to and guided by the values of the gospel and the traditions of the Catholic Church and has appropriate reasons for not enrolling the child in their own parish school.
  5. The child, though not baptised as a Catholic, belongs to a family that can demonstrate some meaningful relationship with a Christian tradition and is committed to and guided by the values of the Gospel and accepting of the traditions of the Catholic Community.
  6. The child, though not Christian, belongs to a family that shares our values and wishes to join our community.

The Principal, in consultation with the Parish Priest, may exercise discretion regarding applications where pastoral considerations apply and, therefore, may determine a child's eligibility beyond the stated criteria.

General Requirements

  • The child must have attained the age of five (5) years by 30 June in the year they start Prep.
  • Parents are to familiarise themselves with the Priority Criteria and clearly indicate under which category they intend to apply for enrolment.
  • Children with special needs will be considered in accordance with Brisbane Catholic Education Office procedures.
  • All enrolment applications must be accompanied by:
    • Documentary evidence of birth
    • Documentary evidence of Baptism, and if applicable appropriate evidence to demonstrate commitment and/or involvement in the Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish
    • Copy of the latest school report (if applicable)
    • Copy of any court order verifying legal custody and/or access(if applicable)
    • Payment of the application fee of $55 per child

N.B: Enrolment applications will not be processed until all documentary requirements have been completed. Failure to complete these requirements may delay or affect the acceptance of the application.

Conditions of Enrolment

  1. Families accept the Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish Enrolment Policy.
  2. The student participates in the school curriculum which includes the nine Key Learning Areas, camps and excursions and sport.
  3. Parents are expected to continue their involvement in the life, worship and service of the Catholic Parish of Surfers Paradise and are expected to accept a sincere commitment to give their child every opportunity to experience the fullness of their faith.
  4. Parents are expected to support and encourage the living out of the Gospel values and the standards of behaviour that these imply.
  5. Parents are expected to accept and support all school, uniform and behaviour policies and procedures which have been formulated for the efficient management of the school and the safety and welfare of children and visitors.
  6. Parents are expected to commit themselves to the payment of school fees and charges.
  7. Acceptance of the position is conditional upon paying a security deposit. We require a term’s school fees as a security deposit to be lodged with the acceptance form. This fee will be refunded the year your youngest child completes the final year of primary school at St Vincent's and after all outstanding fees have been paid. This fee will not be refunded if your child/children leave before this time, however in the event of extenuating circumstances this matter will be left to the discretion of the principal.

Enrolment Application and Support Procedures

The Enrolment Application and Support Procedure (EASP) is a process that aims to reveal and clarify the needs of the student and to identify the educational adjustments and transition required for accessing the learning program for the student.

Adjustments

Adjustments are made for students with a disability to enable them to access the curriculum, achieve curriculum outcomes and participate in school life. An adjustment is any change made to help a student participate at school, learn, and be comfortable and safe.

Transition Process

Transitions occur when a student has to move from or into a new educational setting. Transitions may occur when students are moving:

  • into Prep
  • from one year level to another
  • from primary to secondary school

Before a transition process commences, parents, with support, are encouraged to take time to visit all possible educational settings when considering a placement for a student with a disability. The Enrolment Application and Support Procedure (EASP) is one way of identifying the support and personnel required to make the transitioning as smooth as possible. The purpose of a transition meeting is to discuss and plan, collaboratively, a suitable course of action to assist the move as effortlessly as possible.

More information is available in the Supporting Children with a Disability at School - A Guide for Parents.