Bishop Michael McKenna marked the opening of new classrooms at St Mary’s with a blessing and Liturgy celebration with students, staff and special guests at the school today.

The new classrooms were built to accommodate growing student numbers and also enrich learning opportunities at the school. St Mary’s is a part of the Catholic Education Diocese of Bathurst system of schools where students are encouraged and supported to strive for Learning, Justice and Love. Students are well supported by dedicated teachers and support staff, Parish Priest, Fr Greg Bellamy and his assistant priests, and a welcoming and enthusiastic parent community. The school provides a contemporary curriculum that aims for excellence for all learners and this is evident in strong academic results. All students have access to an extensive range of digital resources and collaborative learning to foster creativity, thinking and innovation. Students are fully involved in co-curricular activities and committed to social justice outreach initiatives.  St Mary’s students are happy learners who have access to attractive and contemporary learning spaces and grounds.

Guests included the Hon Andrew Gee MP, Federal Member for Calare, Fr Geg Bellamy, Parish Priest, Parish of St Mary and St Joseph and School Manager Orange, Cr Jason Hamling, Mayor Orange City Council, Neil Ingram, local Aboriginal Elder Orange, Christina Trimble, Executive Director of Schools, Catholic Education Diocese of Bathurst hosted by Gayle Stratton, Principal, St Mary’s Catholic Primary School.

St Mary’s was established on its present site on the corner of Park and Byng Streets in 1998, following the closure of the existing school on Bathurst Road. The Sisters of Mercy taught at the original site and have a strong affiliation with the school and parish. The school motto is Learning, Justice, Love. The school is commonly referred to by staff, parents and students, as a family, as each person here is seen as a unique creation of God and as such, is deeply valued for the individual needs, talents and personalities that they bring to St Mary’s.

For more information about St Mary’s Catholic Primary School please visit www.stmarysorange.catholic.edu.au