As our children approach Kindergarten, we all ask ourselves, "Is this the right school for my child?" This question often sparks lively conversations among friends and family. Similarly, across the Coffs Coast and surrounds, families are grappling with these decisions not just for Kindergarten but also for Year 5, Year 7, and Year 11.

My wife and I come from country towns like Mungindi and Temora and asked ourselves a similar question. We wanted a primary school that reflected our own experiences, where we knew the teachers, and they knew our children. We also sought a faith-based school, just as our parents did for us. I encourage families to begin these important discussions early.

When selecting a school, consider the following key areas:

1. Choose a school that values equity, voice, and daily impact. Reports and assessment matter, but values matter more. The right school supports each child’s unique needs, ensuring fairness, not sameness. It creates a culture where students, families, and staff feel heard and respected. Strong leadership listens first. And it’s the small daily moments, from greetings to classroom care, that shape a child’s future. Look for a school that invests in connection every day.
2. School environment and culture: A positive, inclusive school culture encourages student engagement and wellbeing. Look for schools that actively promote respect, diversity, and community involvement.
3. Extracurricular opportunities and holistic development: A diverse and enriching range of extracurricular activities empowers students to discover new talents, pursue their passions, and grow beyond the classroom. Whether excelling in sports, shining on stage in drama or dance or music, or stepping up as leaders, schools should be encouraging students to thrive in every aspect of their personal and creative development.
4. Academic programs: It is important that a school’s curriculum supports your child’s individual needs and interests. Programs that focus on foundational skills in literacy and numeracy in primary school and continue to expand in high school are crucial and need to be met with a broad range of subjects and electives.
5. Quality facilities: Modern and well-maintained facilities enhance the overall educational experience for students. Schools need to invest in cutting-edge classrooms, science labs, sports facilities, innovative spaces and performing arts spaces to strongly support student learning.
6. Community involvement: Schools that encourage parental engagement create a collaborative environment that benefits student development. Schools should welcome parents to be involved in their child's learning journey. This can be through teacher communication, or events such as assemblies, community days, and service projects. This sense of partnership enhances the school experience for everyone, especially students.
7. Academic excellence: A truly great school inspires curiosity and a genuine love for learning. By delivering a challenging, engaging, and future-focused curriculum, students are encouraged to think critically, push boundaries, and reach their full academic potential, creating a culture that nurtures lifelong learners.
8. Strong values: A thriving school community is built on shared values. At BDC, our core values foster a culture of inclusivity, respect, and belonging, where we hope every student feels seen, supported, and connected. These values are not just words, they guide our daily interactions and shape a positive environment that promotes wellbeing and strong relationships.
9. Guiding Philosophy: A school’s philosophy is the foundation for everything it stands for. At BDC, our holistic approach combines academic ambition with personal growth and community engagement, this is the BDC Way. Schools need to shape students who are not only world-ready in terms of knowledge and skills, but also emotionally intelligent, socially responsible, and equipped for life beyond the classroom and a future unimagined.

Selecting the right school is one of the most important decisions a family will make. It goes beyond academics as families seek environments where their children will be known, nurtured, and inspired. When exploring school options, families should consider key elements such as a welcoming and inclusive culture, quality teaching and learning programs, engaging extracurricular opportunities, and a clear educational philosophy. These factors work together to create a setting where students can flourish academically, socially, and emotionally.

School Open Days play a vital role in this decision-making process. They give families the chance to see a school’s values and programs in action, connect with staff and students, and get a genuine sense of the school’s culture and community. Attending an Open Day can be the moment a family truly knows if a school feels like the right fit.

At Bishop Druitt College, we encourage all prospective families to attend our annual Open Day on 27 May or the Kindy Pop-In Day on 24 May, book a tour, or speak with our enrolments team. Experiencing a school firsthand is an important step in making a thoughtful and confident choice for your child’s future.

Simon Doyle
Principal

For more information, check out the following reputable sources on school choice:
https://www.bdc.nsw.edu.au/events/open-day
Independent Schools Australia - School Choice
For Parents, School Choice Comes Down to Student Wellbeing - Study

The ultimate guide to choosing a school for your child (2021) School Choice. Available at: https://www.schoolchoice.com.a...? (Accessed: 08 April 2025).