At St Francis de Sales, we believe it is every student’s right to experience growth in their learning.
Our approach is informed by the principles of multi-tiered systems for supporting the academic, behavioural, communication, engagement, health and wellbeing needs of all learners.
Literacy
We use an evidence-based approach to literacy to help every child become a confident reader, writer, speaker, and listener. In the early years, students receive explicit instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, handwriting, and Systematic Synthetic Phonics using programs such as Little Learners Love Literacy and UFLI Foundations. From Years Two to Six, explicit teaching of spelling, morphology, and literature continues to strengthen language and literacy skills.
A daily, structured literacy block ensures all learners are supported and challenged.
Mathematics
Mathematics is a daily priority, with learning aligned to the Victorian Curriculum across Number & Algebra, Measurement & Geometry, and Statistics & Probability. Through explicit whole-class instruction, targeted teaching, and purposeful lesson closures, students build strong mathematical vocabulary and problem-solving skills. Daily review and retrieval practices strengthen understanding and retention, supporting students to become confident and creative mathematical thinkers.
Religious Education
Religious Education is at the heart of our school, guided by the Gospel values of Jesus and the traditions of the Catholic Church. We partner with families as the primary educators of faith and honour the diverse spiritual experiences of our students. Prayer and liturgy are central to school life, with regular class, school, and parish celebrations. Our Sacramental program is a strong partnership between families, school, and parish.
Inquiry
Our Inquiry Learning Program fosters curiosity, engagement, and active learning as students explore big ideas across areas such as Science, History, Geography, Civics and Citizenship, and Design & Technologies. Each term, learning is guided by a central concept aligned with the Victorian Curriculum and enriched through real-world connections, student voice, and hands-on experiences. Students develop strong inquiry skills, becoming confident, independent learners with a love of learning.
LOTE- Italian
Italian (LOTE) is offered to all students from Prep to Year 6 through weekly 40-minute lessons. Students develop foundational language skills while exploring Italian culture and history. In the early years, our program is enriched through the Early Learning Languages Australia (ELLA) initiative, using a play-based, digital approach to build language, cognitive, and social skills while celebrating culture and diversity.
Physical Education
Physical Education is offered from Prep to Year 6 through specialist and classroom teachers, building motor skills, movement competence, fitness, and teamwork through games, sport, and outdoor learning. Students participate in swimming programs in Years 1–4 and a camp in Years 5–6. From Year 3, students have opportunities to represent the school in inter-school sports, including cross country, athletics, and team competitions.
Art
Visual Arts is offered from Prep to Year 6. Our specialist teachers support children to delve into creative expression, develop fine motor skills, and build technical proficiency. Students explore diverse mediums, including painting, ceramics, and digital media. The many masterpieces created by our children are celebrated in our bi-annual art exhibition, showcasing student work and innovation to the wider community.
STEM
Our STEM program delivers immersive, hands-on learning for students from Prep to Year 6. Integrating Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, we transform curiosity into real-world problem-solving. With premium resources like LEGO Education, Keva blocks, and specialized mechanical tools, students build, code, and innovate. These weekly sessions foster the critical thinking and collaboration skills essential for the future. It’s a high-energy highlight of our curriculum where every child is empowered to design, test, and create.
SEL-
Social Emotional Learning
Our Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum supports students to understand themselves individually and in relation to their peers. We explicitly teach students about skills such as emotional literacy, resilience, respectful relationships, and responsible decision-making. SEL is woven through everyday classroom practice and also in dedicated lessons, giving students dedicated time to build self-awareness, regulation, empathy, and leadership skills. This holistic approach is designed to strengthen wellbeing, engagement, and learning outcomes, helping every child develop the confidence and character to flourish at school and beyond.