History

From Tent to Technology (1854–Today)

St Mary’s School has a proud history that reflects the growth of many schools established during Victoria’s gold rush era. From humble beginnings to a modern learning environment, our story is one of faith, community, and commitment to children’s education in Castlemaine.

Early Beginnings

St Mary’s School was established in 1854, during the height of the gold rush. Like many schools of the time, it began as a simple timber and canvas structure, created quickly to support the children of miners and families settling in the area. These early classrooms were modest but filled with hope, learning, and strong community spirit.

Building for the Future

As the town grew and families began to settle more permanently, the school grew too. Temporary buildings were replaced with solid brick classrooms, reflecting the community’s commitment to providing a stable and nurturing place for children to learn. By the early 1900s, the school had expanded to include two brick buildings with three classrooms—laying strong foundations for future generations.

The Role of the Sisters of Mercy

A significant chapter in our history began in 1905, when four Sisters of Mercy arrived from Kyneton to lead the school. For nearly 80 years, the Sisters played a vital role in shaping the faith, learning, and values of St Mary’s students.

During this time:

The school continued to grow and develop
Strong traditions of care, service, and excellence were established
St Gabriel’s Secondary School was opened in 1906 (later closing in 1974)

Their dedication and vision continue to influence our school today.

Transition to Lay Leadership

In 1984, leadership of the school transitioned from religious to lay principals—a change experienced by many Catholic schools across Australia. This transition ensured the school continued to evolve while remaining true to its Catholic identity and community values.

A succession of dedicated principals has guided the school through this period, including our current acting Principal, Shannon Betham, who commenced in 2026. Principal Anushka Vaz returns from maternity leave shortly.

St Mary’s Today

Today, St Mary’s is a modern Parish Primary School offering:

Contemporary learning spaces
Up-to-date technology
A strong focus on wellbeing, faith, and community

While much has changed since our first classroom in 1854, our core values remain the same. The care, commitment, and strong foundations established by those before us continue to guide our work with children and families today.