Choosing the right education for your child is one of the most important decisions you will ever make.

As parents, carers, or grandparents you have a choice - and the right - to offer your child the best education available.

The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle proudly hosts some of the best schools in Newcastle, Maitland, the Hunter and Upper Hunter, Lake Macquarie and Manning regions.

Catholic schools offer a unique educational experience which forms the child or young person as a person of integrity, compassion, faith and wisdom. Catholic schools also work closely with their local parish to enhance in students a capacity to make sense of their world, to make judgements and to recognise the uniqueness of others within a faith community.

Each school has a supportive community of teachers, parents, carers, P&F committees, clergy, parishioners, and support staff who work together to focus on students; encouraging success, promoting discipline, supporting creativity and instilling compassion. This means that Catholic schools do not just teach religious studies, they seek to develop spirit, mind, body and character and cultivate Gospel values that support lives filled with joy, endeavour and hope in the future.

Each Catholic school has a commitment to focusing on each individual student's ability, offering a unique array of educational, creative, sporting and formation opportunities for students.

Finally, Catholic schools offer peace of mind to parents, knowing they’ve made the right choice and the best investment for their child’s future. It is because of this and the many opportunities available to students that we believe choosing a Catholic education is the right choice to make.

WHY DO FAMILIES CHOOSE ST JOHN THE BAPTIST? 

EXCELLENCE IN LEARNING

St John the Baptist Primary School, Maitland appreciates and values the right of all students to an authentic Catholic education. We provide a welcoming, secure and happy environment which is conducive to learning in a 21st century setting. As a school, our teaching and learning protocols promote the raising of student achievement within a culture of collaboration. We have developed frameworks that address the myriad of needs of our students to encourage all children to become lifelong learners. Regular programs of intervention, as well as enrichment opportunities for students who demonstrate learning capabilities beyond those of their peers are available, particularly in literacy and numeracy.

SUPPORTING THE WELLBEING OF OUR STUDENTS

As a Catholic community, St John the Baptist values and supports the uniqueness of each individual student and understands that its role is to provide a learning environment in which the full range of needs of our students can be addressed in our academic, pastoral and co-curricular programs. All members of the school community remain firmly focused on student wellbeing and provide a meaningful and inclusive learning program catering for the intellectual, spiritual, emotional, social and physical dimensions of all students. We focus on a range of areas for growth and development for our students, through in-class programs in personal development such as You Can Do It and the Leadership Program.

SOCIAL JUSTICE INITIATIVES

St John the Baptist places a high level of importance on community and serving others. Students take pride in their active involvement with the Maitland community where they share a very special relationship with the residents of the local aged care facility by regularly visiting the elderly to tell stories, share their school work or entertain the residents. St John the Baptist stands firm in support of those in need who are suffering or marginalised from society. Our annual Rainbow Day enables students to wear colourful outfits to show support and raise funds for many worthy charities. Our active Mini Vinnies group raises awareness and funds for causes that impact the wider community, particularly on a global scale. Students also have the opportunity to support local community initiatives such as Tocal Field Days, Anzac services and local government functions.

ENCOURAGING CULTURAL PURSUITS

St John the Baptist is a place where the creative, expressive and individual talents of its students are greatly appreciated, embraced and encouraged. Most notably, students are recognised for their success in cultural pursuits of public speaking, debating, music, drama and visual arts. All students participate in the annual end of year performance, can audition for the school talent quest, enter local competitions, showcase their talents at assemblies and audition for ASPIRE. Involvement in local music, drama and dance pursuits is recognised, supported and encouraged. We enjoy visits from a range of performers in the creative arts area, in particular music and visual arts, as well as visits from local wider community children’s authors. We visit Maitland Art Gallery and enjoy cultural endeavours provided by Maitland City Council.

TRANSITION INTO KINDERGARTEN

At St John the Baptist we aim to ensure the transition into Kindergarten is a smooth and positive experience for all students. The school’s orientation process for new Kindergarten enrolments relies on participation in the Better Buddies program which encourages relationships between senior students and new students. This program promotes caring for others, friendliness, respect and valuing difference. The buddy system allows our Year 6 students to take responsibility and provide guidance for the new students, welcoming them into a friendly and comfortable environment.