St Mary’s School, Williamstown VIC
Gender
Co-Ed
Years
Prep-6
Enrolments
265
Key Information
Staff
23 Teaching
8 Non Teaching
Fees
See website - Concessional fees are available (Primary)
Languages
Italian
About our school
Discover St Mary’s School, Williamstown: A Legacy of Learning
St Mary’s School in Williamstown holds a unique place in Victorian history as the longest continuously operating ¶¶ÒõÆƽâ school in the state. Established in May 1842, its roots run deep within the community, providing a foundation for generations of learners.
For nearly a century, from 1900 to 1999, the school was expertly guided by the Sisters of St Joseph, whose dedication laid the groundwork for the thriving educational environment we cherish today. Since then, St Mary’s has proudly been led by lay principals, continuing a tradition of excellence.
Looking ahead to 2026, St Mary’s is set to enhance its learning environment with 12 modern classrooms catering from Prep to Year 6. Our commitment to a holistic education is evident in our diverse specialist subjects, including Italian, Art, Physical Education, and Dance Drama.
We foster creativity and confidence through unique programs; Poetry is a big part of St Mary’s, with students regularly competing in lively Poetry Slams.
Physical activity and safety are also prioritised, with lots of students riding to school and all participating in comprehensive bike education.
Our middle primary students even gain valuable life skills through our exciting sailing program.
School tours run daily at St Mary’s. We just check our calendars to see if someone is available to take you on a tour.
Our enquiry process is through ou school website where you can request an information pack, book a tour and complete an enrolment application. To request an information pack go to, You can also call Gemma or Madeleine in the office to answer any questions.
Principal's Message
Welcome to St Mary’s School, a vibrant and historic part of the Williamstown community.
As Victoria’s longest continuously operating ¶¶ÒõÆƽâ school, our legacy of learning began way back in 1842, nurtured for decades by the dedicated Sisters of St Joseph.
Today, we proudly continue this tradition with a forward-thinking approach.
Our students thrive with Explicit Instruction in Literacy and Numeracy, benefiting from a strong behaviour curriculum that supports their growth.
We encourage well-rounded development through unique programs like Poetry Slams, bike education, and even sailing for our middle primary students!
Anthony Hockey – Principal
Quick Facts
- St Mary’s founding predates the official establishment of the Diocese of Melbourne. St Mary’s School was founded in May 1842, while the Diocese of Melbourne was not officially established until 1847. This highlights its very early and pioneering role in ¶¶ÒõÆƽâ education in Victoria, even before the formal ecclesiastical structure was in place.
-  Oldest continuously operating ¶¶ÒõÆƽâ school in Victoria: St Mary’s School, established in May 1842, holds this distinction.
- Â Connection to Mary MacKillop: Blessed Mary MacKillop was known to the parish and school community, and the Sisters of St Joseph (founded by MacKillop) took charge of the school from 1900 to 1998.
- Â Its early beginnings saw classes held in the original church building. Before a dedicated school building was constructed, the earliest students of St Mary’s School attended lessons within the church itself, highlighting the close historical relationship between the church and the fledgling school community in its formative years.
- Â The Specialist subjects at our school in 2026 are Italian, Art, Physical education and Dance Drama.
- Â Poetry is big at St Mary’s with our students competing in Poetry Slams.
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