Intreview for Catholic School? any experiences

[~Flossie~]

We had our interview yesterday at the local Catholic school for DD to start prep next year.

I just dont know what to think after the interview, it all went well although DD did not answer questions, she was all shy, i suppose they are used to that.. DD did all the tasks required, naming colours, writing her name etc..

We are a catholic family and attend the church on a regular basis so its not like we are outsiders of the community.

I just dont know what they are looking for to get your child in!

they have 78 spots available, 1st places go to siblings, then catholics, so we are at the top of the list however they have over 120 applications!

Has anyone got words of wisdom to put my mind at ease?
I should find out the outcome in the next 7-10days.. i hate waiting its going to be worse than a TWW!!

[melham74]

I am sure that if you attend the parish church you will be offered a place, when we enrolled DD in Catholic preschool 8 yrs ago, we were told that because we attend the church they had to offer her a place, my nephew was also at the school, and I picked him up after school, a lot of children dont talk at these interveiws so dint worry I think she will get accepted

[Rouge]

I'm not sure, the year Paris was accepted she was the last Catholic child to take a place.

I guess if you are part of the community there will be a higher chance of getting in, but it sounds like you already are. How far is the school from your home? Would it be considered in your zone (I know it doesn't really matter but they do give preference to locals). Did she go to the feeder Kinder? Are the applications just Catholic or are they other/non denomination applications as well. We were told on the day had we not been Catholic we would not have been accepted as the non/other quota was already filled.

I know I haven't really given you much to help ease your mind but GOODLUCK! Have you got alternatives?

[Jo+3]

I wouldn't worry, they get reports from kinder to see your child's development and they expect children to be shy at the first meeting. They usually have a good induction programme so children feel comfortable when they start school. You will get first preference after siblings as you are catholic and in their parish. Don't worry. You're as good as in.

[jaspen]

can i ask what things they go through at the interview - or is it very principal/school dependant??

[*Ang*]

At our interview last year the Principal didnt really talk to Gabriella, more observed her playing and colouring in in her office. She didnt ask us too much about values/religion etc, more about our family life instead and what we were hoping Gabriella would get from the school. Was very relaxed.

We went to 2 interviews at two schools and they were both very similar (although at one we were a shoe-in cause mum was a teacher there so was more a formality then anything else ).

Both interviews the Principals discussed what the school could offer both for Gabriella as an individual and us as a family.

[~Flossie~]

Hi - well we got into the school!! Uniform fitting is next week! yikes
Anyway, our interview was very relaxed, it was a lot of observation of DD and some questions regarding our possible involvement at the school being part of the school community etc.
DD was asked to draw picture of herself, identify colours and shapes, write her name and just asked to play with a couple of toys, some puzzles etc

[jaspen]

thanks ladies for that info - we have ours on Monday so wondered what we'd be up for re questions for children, parents, values, religion etc.

[~Flossie~]

What was the outcome of your interview Jaspen??