St Mary’s Catholic Primary School is Darwin’s oldest Catholic primary school and the only one located in the Darwin CBD. It was founded in 1908 and has taught generations of children in the local neighbourhood and beyond. This historic centre of Darwin offers a unique blend of history and modern energy, with the Cathedral’s spire serving as a gentle reminder of faith’s ongoing presence in everyday learning.
The school’s Early Learning Centre (ELC) welcomes children aged 3-5 into a loving environment of play-based discovery, smoothly connecting to Transition and beyond for a successful start to school life.
St Mary’s is a Christ-centered community that strives for excellence in learning and teaching. It collaborates with families to support and encourage each kid to contribute positively to the world in which they live. Educators and parents work together to develop young hearts, drawing on Jesus’ wisdom to encourage enquiry, love, and courage—creating a secure space where diversity is celebrated and every voice is heard.
At St Mary’s, the school tries to instill a love of learning in all students, preparing them to take that love, together with knowledge, skills, learning dispositions, and moral and ethical frameworks founded on Jesus’ teachings, into the world outside of school to create fulfilled futures.
From the Early Learning Centre through to Year 6, the Australian Curriculum Version 9 comes alive with the Crossways Religious Education program—blending daily prayers, chapel Masses, and sacramental journeys to nurture compassionate hearts alongside robust literacy skills (via InitialLit, MiniLit, and MacqLit) and solid mathematical foundations.
Specialist classes in Music, Indonesian (LOTE), Physical Education, and Library pique students’ interest and curiosity, while STEM extensions, swimming safety, and road education help them become confident explorers. Inclusion thrives with personalised assistance, trauma-informed care, and wellness touches like therapy dogs, which ensure that every child feels noticed and appreciated.
It’s more than just learning; it’s a journey rooted in “Love one another” (John 13:34) preparing them for a fulfilled future. Enrolment is now open. To schedule a tour, please call (08) 8981 5626 or visit www.stmarysnt.catholic.edu.au. Discover why generations have called St Mary’s home.
Principal's Message
St Mary’s is a co-educational school catering for children from Transition to Year 6 where everyone is welcomed, nurtured and encouraged to grow in the footsteps of Christ.
Founded in 1908, St Mary’s has educated generations of children from the local community and beyond. In light of our school motto: “Learning in Faith and Love” our hope for our students is that they are able to recall the St Mary’s way we hold true here in our community to help them in their life journey.
St Mary’s place in the Darwin community is well-regarded, and it is characterised by the strong sense of community which is readily evident with parent involvement across the school – Parents and Friends Association, Sustainability Committee, Class Representatives and supporting teachers in class being just a sample.
Our teachers are well qualified professionals, dedicated to the holistic learning environment which caters for each child’s academic, physical, social and emotional development within a balanced educational program based on Christian values.
St Mary’s school focuses on assisting students to reach their full academic potential, develop the Catholic faith and acquire social confidence and responsibility. In our school, families become part of the community which seeks positive Christian values for their children. It is a place where lasting friendships develop.
Lisa Boyd – Principal
Quick Facts
St Mary’s, Darwin’s Catholic primary school, offers an urban sanctuary near to the Cathedral, making it perfect for families whose parents work in the city or commute. Small classrooms ensure that every child is properly recognised and valued, starting with a welcoming ELC.
Since 1908, St Mary’s has been guiding Transition to Year 6 students in the footsteps of Christ under the motto “Learning in Faith and Love”, nurturing spiritual and moral growth through daily faith practices and community ties to St Mary’s Cathedral.
In a caring environment where every child is valued, dedicated teachers address individual needs and promote inclusion—backed by parent testimonials praising the compassionate staff that makes families feel truly at home.
St Mary’s sparks a passion for learning by equipping students with essential knowledge, skills, and Jesus-inspired ethical frameworks, preparing them for confident, fulfilling futures in a joyful, holistic setting.
