A Message from our Principal

Welcome to the St Mary’s Catholic Primary School Warracknabeal website. 

This is a vibrant school community, where we foster a nurturing and faith-filled environment, empowering students to become confident, courageous, compassionate and engaged learners. Children that will be strong leaders today and in the future.

I would like to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians who have walked upon and cared for this land for thousands of years. I acknowledge the continued deep spiritual attachment and relationship of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to this country and commit ourselves to the ongoing journey of Reconciliation.

It is my great privilege to be appointed to the role of principal at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School Warracknabeal. I am inspired by the strong sense of community and commitment to excellence in learning that exists in our school.

As a Catholic school, our focus is on the faith development of our children and ensuring religion and the Gospel values are integrated into the curriculum and teaching of all learning areas. Pope Francis has declared 2025 a Jubilee Year, a sacred time of renewal, forgiveness, and hope, observed every 25 years. Under the theme "Pilgrims of Hope," we are called to deepen our faith and trust in God. This year, our Diocese of Ballarat has chosen the powerful theme of "May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace" (Romans 15:13). May our school strive to foster a community where faith and learning flourish, where joy is celebrated, and where peace is cultivated. 

By developing a deep understanding of the culture and practices of our school, I will work collaboratively to build upon our existing strengths and plan for a future where St Mary’s is the primary school of choice for families in Warracknabeal. Our best assets are our students and our success is defined by the confident way in which they can articulate their learning and a love for their school.

We recognise that parents are the child’s first teacher and it is our aim to work in partnership with parents in the continuing education of our children. Together we can make a huge difference!

The dedicated staff at St Mary’s are passionate about knowing each learner and sharing their expertise to inspire your child to develop their full potential spiritually, academically, socially, emotionally, creatively and physically. We recognise that children learn at different rates and in different ways. Therefore we take a student-centred approach to learning, providing differentiated, relevant and meaningful opportunities for students to thrive across all curriculum areas. May your child experience joy, discovery, challenge and a love of lifelong learning when they attend our school.

​I invite you to take a tour of the school website to inform yourself of the learning opportunities the school offers and encourage you to consider St Mary's Primary School when enrolling your child.

Please feel welcome to contact the school and arrange a visit or have any queries answered.

Julie Leonard

Principal

principal@smwarracknabeal.catholic.edu.au