St Mary’s Primary School, Castlemaine VIC

Gender

Co-Ed

Years

Prep-6

Enrolments

87

Established: 1854

Principal: Mrs Anushka Vaz

Address: 84 Templeton Street, Castlemaine 3450

Key Information

Staff

8 Teaching

3 Non Teaching

Fees

See Website (Primary)

Languages

N/A

About our school

 

 

We warmly welcome you to our St Mary’s community of learners in the picturesque township of Castlemaine in Victoria. We offer a primary school environment with rich and diverse learning opportunities within a nurturing setting that inspires our students to thrive.

Castlemaine is situated 128 kilometres from Melbourne and has a population of about 8,000 citizens. St Mary’s is situated near the town centre, though because of its location behind the church it has a feeling of seclusion. The school grounds cover a large area consisting of a grassed oval, cricket nets, tennis courts, an adventure playground and a quadrangle.

The school has six classrooms, as well as an art room, a library and information technology facilities. In 1998 the classrooms were refurbished and an administration area and staff amenities were added.

St Mary’s School is committed to an integrated approach to curriculum via inquiry learning. The Children’s Literacy Success Strategy (CLaSS), Reading Recovery and the Success in Numeracy Education (SINE) program are part of the overall school curriculum. The school has a comprehensive Arts program. There are computers in classrooms as well as a mini lab in the library. The establishment and implementation of a leadership and student welfare program are a high priority.

 

Principal's Message

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.

Anushka Vaz – Principal

Quick Facts

  • Small Class Sizes for Individual Attention.
    Our school prides itself on maintaining small class sizes, ensuring that each student receives personalized attention from our dedicated teachers. This intimate learning environment allows for tailored instruction and support to meet the unique needs of every child.
  • Strong Focus on Literacy and Numeracy
    We place a significant emphasis on developing strong literacy and numeracy skills in our students. Our comprehensive programs and resources are designed to foster a solid foundation in these fundamental areas, laying the groundwork for academic success across all subjects.
  • Consistent Teaching Programs Across All Grades
    At our school, you can expect consistent and high-quality teaching programs that are aligned with educational standards. Whether your child is in early years or upper grades, they will experience a cohesive and progressive curriculum that promotes continuous learning and growth.
  • Sense of Belonging and Community
    Our school cultivates a warm and inclusive environment where every student feels a sense of belonging.
  • Diverse Learning Opportunities
    From sports to music, culture, and beyond, our school offers a wide range of learning opportunities to cater to diverse interests and talents. Students have the chance to explore various activities and develop new skills, fostering a holistic approach to education.
  • Engagement with the Castlemaine Community
    We believe in the importance of community engagement and provide our students with endless opportunities to interact with the broader Castlemaine community. Through partnerships, projects, and events, students gain valuable real-world experiences and contribute positively to their local area.
  • Strong Senior Leadership Program
    Our school offers a robust senior leadership program designed to empower students with leadership skills, responsibility, and opportunities for personal growth. Whether through student councils, mentoring programs, or leadership roles, we nurture the next generation of confident and capable leaders.
  • Choose our school for a holistic and enriching educational experience that prioritizes individual attention, academic excellence, community connection, and leadership development.

Location

Main Campus

84 Templeton Street, Castlemaine, 3450

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