Check out these testimonials and insights from the proud parents of our school both past and present.
“We love the sense of community at St Mary’s, we felt very welcome from day one. When deciding on a school for our children, St Mary’s seemed to provide a little something extra. The school’s vision of Open Minds, Open Hands and Open Hearts is strongly felt throughout school life. There are plenty of opportunities to become involved with our children’s school journey. As with all things the more you put in, the more you get of out it. Our children have been blessed with wonderful, caring teachers and we have met many lovely parents who are on the journey with us at St Mary’s.” (Monica D.)
“As a family from a different faith the sense of belonging and the connections my family have enjoyed since joining the St Mary’s community have been wonderful. The values taught and displayed are a testament to the strong foundations of the school and the dedicated teaching staff.” (Mona P.)
“I have been a parent at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School for 13 years, this being the last year my family attends. I therefore have experienced the growth, proficiency, changes and challenges this school has been involved in. The staff have been and continue to be, extremely dedicated to their invaluable roles as Educators of our children. With the support of the outstanding current and past Principals, Assistant Principals, The Executive and The Parish, St Mary’s has nurtured, educated and supported my 3 daughters, laying a solid foundation for their future education in the Catholic Ethos. The school caters for and supports the variety of students that make up this vibrant school community. It is a holistic school, embracing technology as well as instilling Catholic values and a social conscience in our future generations. The opportunities and possibilities offered at this school are varied and extensive whether they be artistic/creative experiences, sporting activities, academic pursuits, social justice interests, faith based activities or environmental concerns to name a few. My family and I are honoured and privileged to have been a part of this outstanding Catholic Primary School and wish it all the best as it continues to educate and support the future students and their families.” (Brenda S.)
“My wife and I have been really pleased with St Mary’s from the moment we first came to enrol our oldest child. The development of the curriculum, improved use of ICT amongst students, opening up of extension opportunities, addition of more co-curricular activities, clear communication with parents, and the strong links between parish and school are things we see as vital and areas where St Mary’s has excelled. The warmth and generosity of the staff and parents add to this wonderfully inclusive community and assisted us a great deal as new people in the area. The way that SMOOSH operates, complementing and continuing the work of the school before and after school hours, is an added bonus. Our children, a third enrolled for 2018, love going to school at St Mary’s and SMOOSH.” (Matt R.)
“As kindergarten parents with our first child attending primary school we were a little nervous as with most parents when their little one takes the next step. St Mary’s Primary school Concord teachers and staff soon relinquished those fears. This school has our children’s interests, education and wellbeing at heart. It has a strong, supportive and warm community feel, but most importantly our daughter loves going to school each day, she thrives both personally and academically because of this very reason. We are so happy that she will have the same positive memories at primary school as I did 35 years ago when I attended SMC. It was great then and still is today. Thank you to all the hardworking, caring teachers and staff.” (Marie L., Nando G.)
Kindergarten
“I like St Mary’s because learning is fun.” (Micah V.)
“I like St Mary’s because I love our teacher.”(Teagan M.)
“I like St Mary’s because I have lots of friends.” (Zahra T.)
Year 1
“I enjoy St Mary’s because everyone is friendly and includes each other. The teachers help me learn and I love coming to school everyday.” (Giorgia M.)
Year 2
“I enjoy being at St Mary’s because the teachers are very kind to me and other students.” (Florence Y.)
Year 3
“I love St Mary’s because I love the teachers, my friends and Sport, Music and Health. I wish I could stay here forever. I want to be a teacher at St Mary’s.” (Lara F.)
Year 4
“The teachers at St Mary’s are kind and helpful.” (Alyssa G.)
“The sport and gala days are a great part of our school.” (Luca M.)
Year 5
I like my friends and the teachers at St Mary’s because they are always fun to have a joke with. They make education fun and I’m very thankful to be a part of such an amazing community.” (Houda B.)
Year 6
“I like St Mary’s because it is a religious and fun school. I love learning with my friends. I also like that we have handball, basketball and soccer courts.” (Antonio M.)
“You are welcomed with open arms and made to feel you belong to a very special family.” (Maura I.)
“At St Mary’s we celebrate the uniqueness of each student, and encourage a love of learning from teachers who love to teach.” (Vanessa)
“St Mary’s provides a happy environment with a sense of true belonging where teachers, students and parents unite with the common goal of facilitating and nurturing the development of the whole child through embracing their intellectual, emotional, physical, social, spiritual and moral potential.” (Hanadi Y.)
“St Mary’s is accepting of every student regardless of the challenges they face and we are always willing to assist them in every way possible, even if it is by putting a smile on their face or giving them a reassuring hug.” (Josephine C.)
“We make a difference in the lives children each day through a supportive and inclusive community that welcomes and nurtures the diverse needs of all our students.” (Shani C.)
“Having a St Mary’s education is a tradition among many families in our area. As a teacher at St Mary’s for many years, I feel it is a privilege to see old friends and families returning to our community.” (Loreta D.)
“Everybody supports each other which makes St Mary’s a great school.” (Michelle S.)