Our School - Welcome from the Principal

Welcome to St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Armidale. My name is Belinda Burton and I’m proud to be the Principal of our school. Thank you for taking the time to visit us. I hope this message and our website help you to get to know our school community better.

St Mary’s has a long history dating back to 1848. Our story and traditions have been shaped by the Ursuline sisters, the Patrician brothers and the De La Salle brothers. Generations of families have been educated at St Mary’s.

We are located in the Cathedral precinct of Armidale adjacent to the CBD. Our classrooms are housed in three main buildings surrounded by spacious and park like grounds planted out to make the most of the four distinct seasons we experience.

We provide an authentic Catholic education where children are nurtured and loved as they grow and learn. Where individuals, relationships and community are valued and respected. St Mary’s is a happy school that celebrates a love of life. We work in partnership with parents and families to help each child discover and develop their unique gifts and talents. We also work closely with the parish, especially with helping children prepare for and celebrate their sacramental milestones.

St Mary’s is a friendly and welcoming school community where students, parents and staff all help new families to quickly feel that important sense of belonging.

Our teachers are also learners who work hard to provide the best quality education for the children in their care. They promote a love of learning in their classrooms and encourage, support and challenge each student on their learning journey.

Students at St Mary’s also have many extra cultural and sporting opportunities. All are involved in our annual student art show, school choirs, cultural performances and excursions. Many also take on individual music tuition, join the school orchestra or compete in the very successful school chess club.

Representative sporting opportunities are available to all students from the age of 8. These include swimming, cross country, athletics, orienteering, winter and summer sports especially rugby, netball and touch football. 

St Mary’s is a proud participant and supporter of many Armidale community events including the ANZAC Day March, the New England Festival Parade and the Armidale Eisteddfod.

We have a proud history but also an exciting future. Recent building works and refurbishments have ensured upgrading of all school facilities. Regular upgrading of our information and communication technologies embraces exciting new developments such as Smartboards, Chromebooks and Ipads which both excite and engage our students.

As a Kids Matter and a Dare to Lead school we are looking forward to new opportunities, benefits and directions for our students and community in the years ahead. 

Families of all faiths who support our values and teaching are welcome to enrol their children at St Mary’s. Please contact us to find out more or come for a visit. I’d love to show you around.