St Mary’s Catholic Primary School is proud to be part of Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS), where we are committed to providing an outstanding Catholic education that nurtures the whole child academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. As a Catholic school, we welcome all families, regardless of background, who seek a high-quality, inclusive, and values-based education. At St Mary’s, every child is valued, every family belongs, and everyone is welcome.
We believe that strong partnerships between families and the school are essential for student success. Parents are a child’s first educators, and we work closely with families to create a collaborative and supportive learning environment. Through open communication, shared decision-making, and active involvement in school life, we build a sense of belonging and community, ensuring that every child flourishes.
Our school embraces the Flourishing Learners framework, placing students at the heart of all we do. We strive to ensure that every child engages, achieves, and thrives, offering a rigorous, evidence-based curriculum designed to meet the needs of every learner. With a strong focus on literacy and numeracy, STEM, the humanities, and the arts, we use the Science of Reading approach to ensure strong literacy foundations from the earliest years.
Recognizing that each child is unique, we have a dedicated Wellbeing and Learning Diversity team that works closely with teachers, families, and support specialists to cater to the individual needs of all students. Through tailored learning support, enrichment programs, and social-emotional development initiatives, we create a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment where all students can succeed.
At St Mary’s, learning is about more than just academics, it’s about developing critical thinking, creativity, resilience, and a love of lifelong learning. Through inquiry-based learning and real-world problem-solving, students are encouraged to explore big ideas, ask questions, and develop skills that prepare them for the future.
Wellbeing is central to our approach. As a Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) school, we actively promote respect, responsibility, and resilience, ensuring that all students feel safe, supported, and empowered to grow. Our small class sizes allow us to personalize learning and build strong relationships, ensuring that every child feels seen, heard, and valued.
As a Catholic school, we embrace a contemporary approach to faith formation that connects deeply with the lived experiences of our families. Rooted in the Gospel and in dialogue with our community, we explore faith in ways that are meaningful, relevant, and inclusive. Through reflection, prayer, liturgy, and acts of service, we invite students to engage with Catholic identity in ways that inspire compassion, justice, and kindness empowering them to make a positive impact in their school, family, and the wider world.
Whether you are an existing family or considering St Mary’s for your child, I warmly invite you to explore what makes our school special. Please visit our website, contact our office, or come in for a tour. I would love to meet you and share how we can support your child’s learning and development.
At St Mary’s, we learn, grow, and flourish together.
Kind Regards,
Anushka Vaz
Principal
© St Mary's School Castlemaine