Key Information
Staff
22 Teaching
15 Non Teaching
Fees
See Website (Primary)
Languages
Japanese
About our school
At St Mary’s Primary School, Dandenong, we are committed to fostering the academic and personal growth of every child in our care. We believe that all students can achieve success when provided with a supportive, engaging, and challenging learning environment. With high expectations for all learners, we encourage each child to strive for excellence, develop a love of learning, and grow into confident, capable individuals.
Our Catholic identity is central to our school culture. We instill in our students the values of faith, compassion, and service, guiding them to develop a strong moral compass and a deep sense of belonging within our community. Through prayer, reflection, and active participation in the life of the Church, our students grow spiritually while developing respect for others and a commitment to social justice.
At St Mary’s, we recognise that every child is unique, with their own learning journey and individual needs. Our tailored literacy and numeracy intervention programs provide targeted support to ensure that all students are given the opportunity to succeed. By identifying strengths and challenges early, we can offer personalised learning experiences that help every child reach their full potential.
A key strength of our approach is our dedication to small-group and individualised learning. With at least two adults in every classroom, we ensure that students receive focused attention and guidance. This allows for a highly supportive and structured learning environment where students remain engaged, challenged, and motivated to achieve their personal best.
We believe that student wellbeing is the foundation of effective learning. Our school culture promotes resilience, respect, and emotional intelligence, ensuring that each child feels safe, valued, and ready to learn. We actively foster strong connections between students, staff, and families, recognising that a sense of belonging is crucial to both academic success and personal happiness.
At St Mary’s, we are more than just a school—we are a community that inspires and empowers each child to grow academically, spiritually, and personally. By combining a commitment to excellence with a deep focus on wellbeing and faith, we prepare our students to thrive in an ever-changing world.
We take pride in the achievements of our students and look forward to continuing to nurture their growth, both inside and outside the classroom.
Principal's Message
At St Mary’s, we take great pride in being a school that feels like home—a place where every child and family is welcomed, valued, and supported. Our community is built on strong relationships, where students, staff, and families work together to create a nurturing and inclusive environment.
The wellbeing of our students is at the heart of everything we do. We believe that happy, confident learners achieve their best, and we are committed to fostering a culture of care, respect, and resilience. Through our wellbeing programs and personalised support, we ensure that every student feels safe, connected, and empowered to reach their full potential as children of God.
St Mary’s staff set high expectations for all learners because we believe in their limitless potential. We provide a dynamic and engaging curriculum that challenges students to think critically, develop a love of learning, and strive for excellence in all they do. Our dedicated staff work closely with students to nurture their strengths, build their confidence, and prepare them for a bright future.
You are welcome at any time to visit our school, meet our wonderful staff and students, and experience the St Mary’s difference. Together, we create a learning environment where every child can thrive.
We look forward to welcoming you to our community!
Terry Gardiner
Principal
Quick Facts
St Mary’s offers the following facilities:
- Fully air conditioned/heated learning areas and offices
- Modern, attractive classrooms
- Vacation Care, Before and After School Care
- Secure, spacious, well equipped and attractive school grounds
- Auditorium and Parish Hall
- 1 to 1 Chromebooks for ALL STUDENTS supplied by the school
- Classroom Display Technology in every classroom
- Oral Language
- Junior and Senior Playground and shaded playing areas
- Amphitheater & outdoor learning spaces
- Artificial Turf Oval with Athletics track, long jump pit, soccer and football goals.
- Our Library is a welcoming space where students can explore stories, learn new things, and enjoy quiet time.
- Basketball, netball and tennis courts
- A living classroom that celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures through native plants, traditional bush foods.
- Breakfast Club every Monday, Wednesday & Friday 8:30- 8:45am
