St Mary's is a welcoming, caring community with a strong Catholic identity where education in faith permeates and unifies all areas of school life. The school was opened in 1854 by the Sisters of Mercy. They conducted the school until 1985 when the first lay principal was appointed. There are approximately 135 students enrolled who come from various ethnic backgrounds - the cultural diversity they bring is welcomed by the school community. The school building and grounds are spacious, incorporating six classrooms and an administration area refurbished in the past ten years with new building completed in May 2010. This included a library resource area, canteen and toilet renovations and allowed for the development of a room for visual and creative arts. St Mary's offers a broad, comprehensive and cohesive curriculum, all commencing students receive lessons from specialist teachers in Performing and Visual Arts, Library and Information Communication Technology, and Indonesian (Years 3-6). The physical and emotional wellbeing of students is a high priority and teachers have received training in Bluearth and You Can Do It programs. Students are supported with their transition into school in prep and also their transition to secondary school in grade six. A Leadership program and Buddy program also operates to help develop the students' independence and confidence. The school has spacious learning areas and modern playground facilities which cater for a range of student needs. St Mary's students participate in a wide range of activities in the local area including chess, sport and art events and are supported by staff and parents in these events. Children are involved in camp and excursion programs and have visiting programs at the school also. Staff regularly update their skills through professional development or further university study which helps to develop the learning that occurs within the school. Teachers have been involved in the Literacy Assessment Project and Mathematics Leadership program. Parents are..