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Forrest Primary School

Australia, Canberra

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees Fees not listed
Ages 3 - 12 years
Pupil numbers 500
Type Co-educational
Opened 1958
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), Australian Curriculum
Strengths Performing Arts, Languages, Academic Enrichment
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Preschool, Primary School
Introduction

Forrest Primary School is an International Baccalaureate World School located in Forrest, ACT, Australia, welcoming children from ages 3 to 12. It offers the IB Primary Years Programme alongside the Australian Curriculum, teaching through an inquiry-based model that encourages questioning, research, and demonstration of understanding through varied forms. A Pre-6 Programme of Inquiry connects big ideas with Australian Curriculum outcomes, helping students make connections and take thoughtful action. The school provides an individualized program that supports English as an Additional Language or Dialect learners, offers extension for Gifted and Talented students, and uses Restorative Practice to support welfare and staff cohesion. Facilities include a redeveloped library that acts as a vibrant, collaborative learning space with indoor and outdoor learning areas, and an Instrumental Music Program with Year 5–6 band opportunities. Indigenous Culture Club and lunch-time clubs enrich student life, while After School Care and a canteen support active community connection.

Forrest Primary School, 9 Hobart Avenue, Forrest, ACT 2603, Australia

The Essentials

Forrest Primary School has 500 pupils, instruction in English.

Location
Forrest Primary School is located on Hobart Avenue in Forrest, ACT 2603. It is well-situated in the National Parliamentary Triangle and sits in the heart of the Canberra diplomatic community. The contact phone is (02) 6142 1470.

Stages
Preschool to Year 6.

Type
The school is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World school.

Pupil Nationality Mix
45% of enrolments come from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds.

Additional learning support
The school provides English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EALD) support, a Response to Intervention (RTI) program, and an extension curriculum for Gifted and Talented students.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
The school has a uniform.

Food Options
The school has a canteen. It is open Tuesday to Friday during the school term and lunches can be ordered online.

House System
The school uses a house system. Cook House participates in house events and won the Cross Country in 2023.

Governance and Ownership
The school is government-owned and operates within the ACT Public School system. Forrest Primary School is in the Woden Weston district, supervised by a Schools Director.
Fees
Application fees
- No application fee is charged for local enrolment; enrolment is completed through the ACT Government online enrolment process.

Tuition fees by year group (Preschool – Year 6)
- Australian citizens and Australian permanent residents do not pay tuition to attend Forrest Primary School (Preschool to Year 6). The school requests voluntary financial contributions but does not levy compulsory tuition charges for local students.
- International or other fee‑paying temporary residents are subject to the ACT Education Directorate's international/temporary‑resident tuition arrangements; those tuition charges, invoicing schedules and any eligibility for waivers are managed through the Directorate's international/temporary residents procedures (tuition is charged for fee‑paying categories).

Voluntary contributions (school‑requested contributions and trust funds)
- Voluntary School Contribution: AUD 120 per child.
- Library Trust Fund (tax‑deductible): AUD 120 per child.
- Building Trust Fund (tax‑deductible): AUD 120 per child.
- The school offers families the option to pay these amounts per child or per family; families may pay any combination of these contributions.

Excursions, activities, camps, specialist programs and consumables (by year level / per event)
- Excursion, activity and event charges are invoiced per activity; examples include typical excursion charges such as AUD 23.00 for a primary excursion and AUD 12.00 for a carnival/short excursion. Each permission note states the exact cost and the payment due date for that activity. These costs are requested as contributions toward the specific activity and are generally voluntary unless participation is optional and the activity is outside the normal curriculum.
- Instrumental music / band participation and related charges: Year 5–6 band students pay levies to cover instrument hire, music books and band‑related excursions. The band program invoices participants for instrument hire and materials as required.
- Canteen purchases are pay‑as‑you‑go; the school operates a canteen with external ordering and pricing set by the canteen provider.
- After‑school and vacation care (FOOSHC) is operated separately by the community P&C/FOOSHC service; fees for before/after school care and vacation care apply and are set by that provider. Contact details for FOOSHC are published by the school.
- Uniform items (hats, shirts, jumpers, etc.) are sold through the school/P&C uniform shop; uniform purchases are an additional out‑of‑pocket cost. Ordering and pricing are handled by the Forrest P&C uniform service.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Voluntary contributions: families are requested to pay the voluntary contributions by the date stated in school communications (for example, the school has requested contributions by the end of Term 3 in school notices). Contribution timing is determined by the school board and may be requested once or by semester/term depending on the year's arrangements.
- Activity/excursion payments: each activity permission note specifies a payment due date (normally before the excursion). Receipts and fee codes are issued for online payments and must be kept as proof of payment.
- International / fee‑paying students: invoicing is managed by the Directorate/school according to the enrolment agreement and Directorate arrangements; termly or semester billing is used for tuition charges to international/temporary residents. Payment deadlines, invoicing frequency and consequences for late or non‑payment follow the Directorate's international student fee procedures.

Payment methods and options
- QuickWeb (Westpac QuickWeb secure online payments) is the school's preferred online payment method for voluntary contributions, excursions and other school charges.
- Direct deposit / bank transfer details have been published for school payments (example bank details used for school contributions: Westpac BSB 032‑777, Account Number 001287 — used as a payment destination in school communications). Electronic bank transfers should include the student key and the fee code.
- Payments can also be made in person at the school office by EFTPOS or cash for specific events where the permission note allows on‑site payment. Some activity notes list office EFTPOS/cash as alternatives to QuickWeb.
- For international/overseas payments for fee‑paying students, the Directorate accepts international telegraphic transfers and credit card payments as described in the Directorate/school fee materials.

Boarding fees
- Forrest Primary School is a day primary school (Preschool–Year 6) and does not operate boarding facilities. No boarding fees apply.

Refund information
- Voluntary contributions are donations requested by the school; individual refund treatment for voluntary contributions is managed by the school's finance procedures and the nature of each payment (donation vs. activity fee) will determine whether a refund is issued. Activity or excursion refunds are handled on a per‑activity basis (receipts should be retained; approved refunds are normally processed by the school finance office). Activity permission notes and event communications explain payment deadlines and any equity arrangements for families unable to pay.
- International/temporary‑resident tuition refunds: refunds for tuition paid by international or other fee‑paying students are governed by the ACT Education Directorate's refund rules for fee‑paying students; specified conditions apply (for example, written notice timing, visa‑related cancellations, and provider default are treated under Directorate procedures).

Other notes on common costs
- School contributions, activity levies, instrument hire, excursion charges, uniform purchases, canteen purchases and outside provider charges (for example FOOSHC) are the common out‑of‑pocket items families should expect. Exact amounts for excursions, camps, band levies and other activity charges are published on individual permission/payment notes and are billed per event.
Academics

Forrest Primary School teaches IB (PYP), Australian Curriculum for students aged 3 to 12.

Curriculum
Forrest Primary School is an International Baccalaureate World School and uses the IB Primary Years Programme for students from preschool to year 6. The preschool to year 6 programme uses an inquiry model in which students question, research, think and reach their own conclusions, showing understanding in a variety of ways. The programme uses Australian Curriculum outcomes to explore big concepts, driving deep thinking and making connections. A Pre-6 Programme of Inquiry balances short-term knowledge needs with longer-term understanding and helps students make considered choices and take positive actions. The school provides an individualized programme tailored to the needs of every child, including extension and remediation as appropriate, and supports learners of English as necessary (EALD). Gifted and Talented students have access to an extension curriculum, and Restorative Practice supports student welfare and staff cohesion.

Gifted and Talented
The school offers extension curriculum for Gifted and Talented students.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The Australian Curriculum Personal and Social Capability provides the basis of Forrest Primary School's Social Emotional Learning program. The program helps students understand themselves and others and navigate relationships, lives, work and learning. The Personal and Social Capability learning continuum supports students to regulate their thoughts, emotions and behaviours. Restorative Practice is used to repair relationships and address bullying. A school psychologist works part-time to assist children and families and to administer diagnostic tests when required. The Education Directorate provides Wellbeing resources for families and students.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Children and young people with diverse learning and support needs, including students with disability, are welcomed at Forrest Primary School. Adjustments are made to help students learn and take part in school activities to meet every student at their point of need. Adjustments may include providing extra visual cues, breaking down tasks, checking for understanding, smaller group learning opportunities, access to learning support assistants, physical changes to the environment, access to calming spaces for regulation, and helping students communicate. Forrest Primary School is committed to meeting the needs of students with disabilities. In partnership with the student, parents, carers and other professionals, we make reasonable adjustments for students with disability at the time of their enrolment and during the course of their education, supporting them to access and participate in the school curriculum, programs and activities on the same basis as their peers. Disability Education Coordinator Georgina Sofatzis serves as Deputy Principal to oversee inclusion and supports.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EALD) is part of Forrest Primary School's student support. A dedicated EALD teacher is Lucy Nicol. RTI (Response to Intervention) is used across the school alongside EALD to support students.

Mental Wellbeing
The school has a school psychologist who works part-time to assist children and families with any issues and to administer diagnostic tests when required. Restorative Practice supports student welfare and staff cohesion by repairing relationships and guiding restorative action. The Personal and Social Capability supports mental wellbeing by helping students regulate their thoughts, emotions and behaviours. Wellbeing resources for families and students are available through the Education Directorate. The school's approach aims to develop students who are confident, emotionally literate and resilient.

Safeguarding
The school has adopted the 10 ACT Child Safe Standards and works with the ACT Human Rights Commission to strengthen practices in keeping students safe and well. The Child Safety page outlines safeguarding measures including keeping students safe online. The ACT Education Directorate runs online safety webinars and provides resources. Personal electronic device, photo and video restrictions apply on preschool grounds, with only school-issued devices used for photos or videos, and strict privacy and storage guidelines. These safeguards help protect children's privacy and create safe spaces for learning.
Parent Experience

History
The school was officially opened on 4 April 1958. On 18 February 1957, the first headmaster, H. Williams, convened a meeting to discuss the formation of a Forrest School Parents and Citizens branch to represent Forrest School interests. Early meetings discussed school colours, which were decided to be red and gold. Provisioning for the school began in mid-April 1957, with equipment purchases and library resources. The school is named after Sir John Forrest (1847-1918), and governance is provided by a School Board comprising three parent representatives, two teachers, the Principal and an officer appointed by the ACT Education Directorate.

Community
The school has an international feel with 45% of enrolments from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds, and sits in the heart of the Canberra diplomatic community. Forrest responds to the community by providing an international style of education that develops global citizens who will make a difference in the world. The preschool to year 6 programme uses an inquiry model aligned with the Australian Curriculum outcomes, including a pre-6 Programme of Inquiry that balances short-term and long-term knowledge needs. The school offers English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EALD) support, an Indigenous Culture Club, a range of lunchtime clubs, and a Restorative Practice approach to student welfare and staff cohesion.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The P&C is an active and effective parent body within the school organisation. It meets once a term and supports the school financially and socially through a variety of functions throughout the year. The P&C President is Glen Tindall. The P&C is the parent body for groups in the school including the Canteen Committee, Uniform Committee, Events Committee, FOOSHC (Before and After School Care and Vacation Care), and the After School Activities Program. The group provides updates and minutes from meetings and offers information about FOOSHC enrolment and uniform matters.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Forrest Primary School has a redeveloped library that is a vibrant, collaborative learning space with indoor and outdoor teaching and learning areas. The library supports reading for information and pleasure and research for the units of inquiry within the Primary Years Programme. It hosts lunchtime clubs, community meetings, Indigenous Culture Club and other extracurricular activities. The school runs an Instrumental Music Program (IMP) with Year 5–6 band opportunities, including brass and percussion, with lessons and rehearsals led by IMP staff. There is a canteen operating for lunchtime service through the school community.

Academic Facilities
The school offers the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) with a Programme of Inquiry that integrates transdisciplinary units across subjects. The library supports the units of inquiry and provides indoor and outdoor teaching and learning spaces to enable inquiry-based learning. The IB framework and Programme of Inquiry are central to the school's academic program.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Lunchtime clubs and Indigenous Culture Club are available, along with other extracurricular activities hosted through the library and school programs. The Instrumental Music Program (IMP) offers Year 5–6 band opportunities with instruction twice weekly. Band performances include Bandstravaganza coordinated with partner schools. Extracurricular activities are supported by the school's Band program and library facilities.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school offers extension curriculum for Gifted and Talented students. It provides a Response to Intervention (RTI) program to support students across the school, including extension and remediation as appropriate. English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EALD) support is provided. An Indigenous Culture Club exists, and there is a range of lunch-time interest clubs.

Arts & Creative
The Band program is offered. Band students participate in the program. There are lunch-time interest clubs available for students.

Cultural & Language
An Indigenous Culture Club operates at the school. English as a Additional Language or Dialect (EALD) support is provided. Forrest Primary is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School. The school has enrolments from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds.

Social & Hobbies
The school runs a range of lunch-time interest clubs. Band is offered as an extracurricular activity. These activities provide social and hobby opportunities for students.

Community & Service
The School Board and P&C are part of the school community. Volunteers support the school. After School Care (FOOHSC) is available. Parent Representatives participate in Our Community.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Restorative Practice supports student welfare and staff cohesion. It fosters healthy, thriving relationships that underpin effective learning. Students are developed to be confident, emotionally literate and resilient. After School Care (FOOHSC) is available.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the school's language of instruction. All students from kinder to year 6 learn a language other than English (LOTE) once a week with a specialist languages teacher, currently Mandarin. EAL/D (English as an Additional Language or Dialect) support is provided for learners requiring English language development; the school fosters multilingualism, mother tongue awareness and translanguaging to support language learning.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Forrest Primary School welcomes enrolments from students living in the Priority Enrolment Area. 2. The enrolment process is managed by the ACT Education Directorate. 3. The Education Directorate provides an online enrolment application form and outlines key dates. 4. Parents should check the Education Directorate website for the enrolment calendar and relevant requirements. 2. Preschool and Kinder enrolments are conducted via the Education Directorate online system; Preschool 2027 Information Session was held on 13 May 2026, and Kinder 2027 Information Session was held on 12 May 2026. 3. Preschool enrolments can be made on the Education Directorate website. 4. Kinder enrolments can be made on the Education Directorate website. 3. All enrolment enquiries can be directed to forrestps.enrolments@ed.act.edu.au; front office staff can assist by forwarding inquiries to the relevant executive or teacher if required. 4. Forrest Primary School aims to provide timely responses to enrolment inquiries.
School Events
The school has not added events
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