Our School Focus: Nurturing Growth, Excellence, and Wellbeing

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.