Prospective Parents Survey

Saint Theo's Prospective Parent Survey

Let's get to know each other

Hello, and thanks for helping us out by doing this survey, it is really most appreciated. Before getting started, so you can get to know us a little bit, you may want to check out our About page.

This survey asks you some very specific questions. We are looking for your honest responses to what we are proposing and we recognise that often the details are important. We would especially appreciate any further comments that you have to make, and, once again, thanks for taking the time to fill out this survey.

1. How did you hear about the Saint Theodore of Canterbury project? *

Internet Search Advertisement Friend / Word of Mouth Other

If Other please specify: *

2. How would you best describe yourself? *

A parent or guardian with children below compulsory school age A parent or guardian with children at compulsory school age (Pre-Primary and up) An educator interested in teaching at a classical Catholic school An interested member of the community

3. In which postcode do you currently reside? *

4. How many children under the age of six do you have, and/or are expecting? *

6. Are you familiar with classical or liberal arts education? *

A more Classical Education?

The Western Australian Curriculum will be tailored at Saint Theodore of Canterbury to emphasise the Classics with its own set of subject-specific textbooks. The school divided into three parts, Grammar (Pre-P to Year 4), Logic (Year 5 to Year 8) and Rhetoric (Year 9 to Year 12). Among other things, we will teach:

The Classical languages of Latin and Ancient Greek
The Modern languages of French and Italian
Ancient, Medieval, Renaissance, and Modern History
Classic English Literature, and translations of other great world literature
Classical Music (from Gregorian Chant to Contemporary)
Classical forms of Dance (Ancient, Medieval and Renaissance Dance, Ballet & Folk Dance)
Classical Drama (The Comedia dell'Arte & Shakespeare)
Classical Technologies, and Arts & Crafts techniques

7. Do you feel that your child(ren) would benefit from having such a classical education? *

Yes, they most certainly would benefit They would benefit to a certain extent I am unsure if it would be of benefit I don't see it making much difference No, it would be a waste of time

8. How desirable do you feel it is to have your child taught classical languages (Latin & Ancient Greek) and other classical subjects? *

Why study the Great Classic Works of Literature?

A classical education builds its foundations on the best that Western civilisation has to offer. It uses the great works of literature primarily to help pupils build and deepen their imaginations and the content of their mental experience within the broader framework of questions and issues with which previous ages have had to wrestle and to solve. Unfortunately, the time being precious, a classical education has to prioritise reading such great and worthy works over less tried and tested contemporary literature, and so they may be somewhat less exposed to the latest writing, although we would also encourage independent reading.

9. Would you be happy to see your child(ren) spending the time studying the great classic works of literature, or would you prefer a more contemporary-literature focussed offering? *

I would prefer they the study mostly the great classics of literature. I would prefer they prioritise the study the great classics of literature, with some study of the best of contemporary literature. I would prefer that they study some of the great classics of literature, but prioritise contemporary literature. I would prefer them only study everyday contemporary literature, I have no interest in them studying the classics.

What about the Classical Performing Arts?

We believe that it is important to train pupils in the performing and visual arts so that they can be wonderful creators of culture in the future. Do you think it desirable for your child to pursue the great traditions and training in the more classical Performing Arts (Classical Music, Classical Dance, and Classical Drama) in their formative years to foster and develop their abilities to express themselves and to develop their creativity?

10. Would you support the training of your child(ren) in the classical aspects of the Performing Arts? *

Extremely desirable and would highly support Very desirable and would support Somewhat desirable and would mostly support Not so desirable and would be unlikely to support Not at all desirable and would not support

Any other comments you would like to make: *

During music classes, great emphasis will be placed on singing. We would like to implement an orchestral music programme over time. This would focus on strings, winds, brass, and orchestral percussion instruments primarily.

11. Would you support your child undertake instrumental music lessons during school hours? *

Definitely would Probably would Probably would not Definitely would not

Sports & Activities

The sporting emphasis will be on classical sports such as: Athletics, Swimming, Wrestling, Gymnastics, Callisthenics, with the addition in the Upper years (7-12) of Rowing, Archery, and Fencing. Physical training will be based on ancient Greek principles of proportion in physical activities. Racquet, bat, and ball sports will also be practiced. We will harken back to the olympic foundations of modern sport and to the ideal and discipline of mastering the body both for expression and in competition, emphasising both finesse and sportsmanship.

In the years of Logic (5-8) and throughout Rhetoric (9-12) We will also establish an ADF Cadet Corps to build patriotism and discipline, and a Duke of Edinburgh outdoor ed programme to build resilience and responsiveness. We hope in cooperation with charities such as the Prince's Trust, to integrate a VET programme in various Trades and Agricultural Sciences and in the Performing Arts to respond to demands for learning vocational education.

All classes and activities will aim at helping our students become articulate, well-rounded and expressive individuals, whose souls are nourished, and who will be ready to find creative solutions and approaches as they participate in the ever-changing contemporary world.

12. How important to you is the provision of co-curricular activities and sports within your child's education? *

The extra time required for Mattins, Mass, and Evensong, as well as that needed for all the extra activities, would mean that the day would begin at 7:30am and finish at 5:30pm. You would be welcome to attend the services with your children or drop your children off for them on the way to your work. The extra time would also mean that regular programming of sports and other activities could be greatly increased. You as a parent would be welcome also to participate in a voluntary capacity in the activities run for your children.

13. Would you be willing, therefore, to support these extended hours of school time, so that prayers and activities could be offered to your children? *

I would support the extended hours (7:30am to 5:30pm) and be happy to participate, if I am available, in activities and/or attend services I would support the extended hours (7:30am to 5:30pm) and be happy to drop of my children on the way to work, though I am unlikely to be able to attend Services or volunteer for activities. I am unsure about having any extended school hours I would not support any extended school hours, but would want to limit the day between 9:00 and 3:00pm.

As part of the enhanced curriculum, we would intend to offer Saturday morning school. This would begin with Mattins, followed by activities, include Morning Tea, more activities and would conclude with Mass. Saturday morning school would allow for extra activities, sports and fellowship opportunities, particularly with the participation of parents. Would you see this as desirable for your children?

14. Would you see Saturday morning activities as desirable for your children? *

Extremely desirable, I would be happy to support Saturday morning school activities Very desirable, I would support Saturday morning school activities Somewhat desirable, I might be inclined support Saturday morning school activities Not so desirable, I would not be happy to support Saturday morning school activities Not at all desirable, I would refuse to support Saturday morning school activities

A Catholic Education?

15. How important for you is such an authentic Catholic education for your children? *

The Catholic Church teaches that Parents are the primary educators of their children.

16. How much do you want to be directly involved in the educational process with your children at Saint Theo's? *

I would like to be involved a great deal at Saint Theo's I would like to be involved for a considerable amount though I have limited time I would like to be involved a moderate amount of the time I would like to be involved little I do not wish to be involved at Saint Theo's at all as a parent

As we believe that parents are the primary educators and that our role is to help them in their task. We seek to ensure that Form Tutors from our school are in regular communication with parents and guardians, at least every fortnight, to talk about both the positive progress and areas for improvement of the pupils at Saint Theo's.

17. How likely would you be to welcome this kind of regular fortnightly contact from your child's Form Tutor the school? *

If you wish, you may leave us your name and details, so that we can add you to our mailing list:

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When you are finished the survey, please click on the Submit button below: