History:
Mary Immaculate School, a parish primary school, was officially opened by Archbishop Mannix on 26 March 1922, with the first enrolment of 32 children increasing to 53 students by the end of the first year.
The school has grown both in physical terms and in personnel since its early beginnings. Numerous building and refurbishment programs have ensured that the physical surroundings have kept abreast of the growing needs of education within the area. From the initial two classrooms built in 1922, a hall was added in 1928, a new toilet block in 1956, two more classrooms in 1969, a staffroom in 1975, a further two classrooms in 1984, and recently a new school hall, senior learning area, library, interview room, sick bay, canteen, uniform shop and administration and reception area. Personnel has also changed.
From the two Sisters of Mercy who were the original staff, the school now has 21 staff members. There are approximately 120 students currently enrolled in the school, from 90 families.
Description:
Mary Immaculate School prides itself on its community spirit and family atmosphere. The school exists for the purpose of the Catholic education of the children in the area.
Add to this a broad-based curriculum including Italian, Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Music, Choral and Instrumental Groups, Inter-school Sport and Physical Education, as well as all the key learning areas; the children and the school community are well served. Religious Education is the cornerstone of the school’s ethos, which is further enhanced by the strong relationship between the parish and the school.
Features:
Mary Immaculate School strives for excellence and provides a curriculum that prepares young people for the future. Each individual is given the most opportunities to be the best person he or she can be. The school participates in many inter-school and community festivals and competitions. The school presents a biennial school concert and art show, and participates in extracurricular activities including Life Education, and an involvement with the Darebin Parklands. All of the above are achieved due to the cooperation and partnership between children, staff, parents, parish and the wider community.