Future leaders, scientists, performing artists and sport stars are emerging from a school in the south-western suburbs of Brisbane.
Nestled among the picturesque green hillsides, Our Lady of the Rosary School Kenmore has a range of facilities that would be the envy of many primary schools.
Principal Paul Rees said his facilities spanned Sport, Technology, and the Arts, allowing for most activities to be held at the Brisbane Catholic Education school.
“You can have music, drama or tennis lessons during school time,” Mr Rees said.
“In 2025 we are commencing an Instrumental Band Program for all students in Year 4, where students will participate in small group lessons and a weekly band rehearsal leading to regular performances.
“We have a pool onsite and the performing arts centre is high quality.
“These facilities, paired with our team of excellent passionate educators, support our students to develop academically, physically and personally.”
He said an oval, with a running track, and tennis courts added to student options to explore their talents. The school’s size and variety of outlets for student ambition helped create a sense of community.
Mr Rees said a hallmark of the community was that “each student has a sense of belonging and is known as an individual, part of the OLR family”.
“You are visible and valued and have enormous opportunities to try lots of things and find your passion.”
He said the school also prides itself on its academic achievements.
“We have a strong commitment to academic excellence and supporting students to learn in ways that suit their individual needs,” he said.
“We have consistently had high performing NAPLAN results. In 2024 our teacher leaders were part of the University of Melbourne Early Years Literacy Project and have strengthened the school’s systematic teaching of phonic, spelling, and reading.
“We also partner with Australian Catholic University with the Pre-service Teacher practicums ensuring that OLR is helping develop teachers in our profession.”
Mr Rees said all students received the chance to take on leadership roles, building confidence and resilience and teaching skills around, personal social capabilities, problem solving, negotiation and learning to speak in front of audiences.
He said the school had a strong emphasis on technology from Prep.
“Students are each provided with an iPad and are grounded early in future work and life skills.”
The Year 6 leadership program allows our senior primary students to develop independence, service, collaboration and confidence to make a difference in the real world.
At OLR there is a culture of high performing learners, combined with a sense of belonging.
Onsite we have an offering of Pre-School Kindergarten and Prep to Year 6 combined with Outside School Hours Care for busy working families to utilise.
Other extra-curricular activities include futsal, basketball, violin, youth group, drama and chess.
Students and families report that the connection with others within and beyond the school community is a special part of OLR.
To learn more visit the Our Lady of the Rosary School Kenmore website.
