About the school
Southern Cross Public School is dedicated to creating successful futures for its students in East Ballina. The school provides a comprehensive education for Kindergarten to Year 6, with a strong commitment to academic excellence and nurturing the whole child. The school values Respect, Responsibility, and Excellence, which guide its operations and daily activities.
Learning Environment
The school is known for its inclusive learning environment, where teaching staff are dedicated to understanding and addressing each student's unique learning styles and wellbeing needs. Southern Cross Public School promotes a supportive atmosphere, allowing students to thrive both academically and emotionally. The curriculum offers a wide range of subjects and extracurricular activities, catering to various interests, including sports, music, technology, and leadership programs.
Community and Support
With a strong community focus, the school fosters positive connections between home and school. This partnership helps ensure that students feel safe, respected, and included from their first day. The school actively works with families to tailor learning plans that best suit each child's individual needs, aiming to prepare them to be confident, well-rounded global citizens.
Facilities and Development
Southern Cross Public School benefits from modern facilities and a commitment to sustainability through initiatives like the Smart Energy Pilot Project, which aims to harness renewable energy within the school environment. The school also regularly participates in maintenance and infrastructure programs to provide a safe and conducive learning environment for all students.
Mission
Creating successful futures. We are committed to preparing your child for a lifetime of learning, built on strong, positive connections between school and home.
Location & Catchment Area
- Southern Cross Public School
Nearby or Connected Schools
- A Southern Cross School of Distance Education 146 m
- B Ballina Coast High School 2.6 km
- C Ballina Public School 3.0 km
- D Lennox Head Public School 6.3 km
Profile (2025)
- Total enrolments
- 388 (164 girls, 224 boys)
- Enrolments (FTE) What does this mean?
- 388
- ICSEA What does this mean?
- 1053 (percentile 70)
- SEA quarters What does this mean?
- 16% / 30% / 29% / 25%
- FOEI What does this mean?
- 67
- Indigenous students
- 6%
- LBOTE What does this mean?
- 12%
- Teaching staff (FTE) What does this mean?
- 26.9
- Non-teaching staff (FTE) What does this mean?
- 7
Enrolments by grade (2025)
| Grade | Headcount |
|---|---|
| Kindergarten | 47 |
| Year 1 | 60 |
| Year 2 | 55 |
| Year 3 | 59 |
| Year 4 | 51 |
| Year 5 | 52 |
| Year 6 | 64 |
| Total | 388 |
Year by year
Attendance data for 2020 is unavailable — NSW schools were disrupted by COVID-19 and the Department of Education did not publish figures for that year.
| Year | Enrolments | Girls | Boys | Attendance % | ICSEA | Teaching staff (FTE) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 388 | 164 | 224 | - | 1053 | 26.9 |
| 2024 | 362 | 148 | 214 | 90.2 | 1042 | 27 |
| 2023 | 367 | 150 | 217 | 88.9 | 1039 | 27 |
| 2022 | 372 | 154 | 218 | 84.2 | 1019 | 25.9 |
| 2021 | 376 | 158 | 218 | 90.3 | 1017 | 25.4 |
| 2020 | 396 | 166 | 230 | - | 1012 | 26.4 |
| 2019 | 384 | 171 | 213 | 92.4 | 1005 | 25.4 |
| 2018 | 377 | 158 | 219 | 92.4 | 988 | 25.9 |
| 2017 | 994 | 456 | 538 | 92.8 | 926 | 203.4 |
| 2016 | 1,550 | 744 | 806 | 91.1 | 955 | 206.4 |
| 2015 | 1,534 | 726 | 808 | 90.8 | 951 | 209.3 |
| 2014 | 1,407 | 691 | 716 | 90.7 | 959 | 193.9 |
| 2013 | 1,354 | 666 | 688 | 90.9 | 966 | 180.1 |
| 2012 | 1,251 | 597 | 654 | 90.6 | 989 | 166.5 |
| 2011 | 1,256 | 603 | 653 | 90.6 | 991 | 154.3 |
| 2010 | 1,170 | 583 | 587 | - | 998 | 144.1 |
| 2009 | 1,120 | 558 | 562 | - | 1023 | 133.6 |
| 2008 | 1,073 | 519 | 554 | - | 1023 | 133.3 |
Attendance data for 2020 is unavailable — NSW schools were disrupted by COVID-19 and the Department of Education did not publish figures for that year.