Principal’s Message

I am delighted and honoured as the principal to welcome you to Saint Catherine of Siena Catholic Primary School Prestons.

Our students enjoy learning in a Kindergarten to Year 6 environment that is rich in creativity and challenge, where they can grow and become compassionate, confident, and highly skilled learners. The learning opportunities provided by my dedicated staff value the unique passions and gifts of every child.

At Saint Catherine of Siena we work in partnership with parents, as the first educators of their children. We welcome their engagement in this exciting chapter of their child’s journey, as together we celebrate the milestones of friendship, learning and faith.

We are a Catholic community inspired and challenged by the example of Jesus Christ and St Catherine of Siena. Our school is an integral part of the parish community of St Francis Xavier Lurnea and is strongly supported by our parish priest Father Thu Nguyen.

I encourage you to explore our website to discover the exciting opportunities offered at Saint Catherine of Siena Catholic Primary School Prestons. 

Therese Gaunt
Principal

01-st-catherine-preston-principal

History

Saint Catherine of Siena Catholic Primary School Prestons was founded in 1999 to serve the parish of St Francis Xavier’s Lurnea. From small beginnings with just 48 students, five staff members and temporary classrooms, the school has continued to grow and develop into a welcoming and inclusive learning environment with over 600 students, 50 staff members and contemporary learning spaces that cater to the unique passions and gifts of every child.

Charism

Our school is founded on the charism of Saint Catherine of Siena, a Doctor of the Church, a member of the Dominican Third Order and Patron Saint of Italy. She was a woman of great faith with a passionate love of Christ. She was an influential figure who helped to shape the destiny of the Church and whose legacy continues to inspire us to be compassionate, courageous and faith filled in our daily lives.

Through her letters and prayers, Saint Catherine of Siena reveals the goodness of the created world and the dignity and beauty of all human persons. Inspired by her words ‘Open the eye of your mind and gaze into me’ and ‘Be the person God intended you to be and you will set the world on fire’, our school is a place where students ignite, explore and grow in a love of God, a love of learning and love of others.

Motto
With Open Eyes

Vision

We are a Catholic school community:

  • founded on the person of Jesus Christ and enlivened by the Gospel
  • inspired by the life of Saint Catherine of Siena
  • connecting faith with daily life
  • sharing in the evangelising mission of the Church.

Mission

At Saint Catherine of Siena Catholic Primary School Prestons, we are committed to:

  • building in each person an authentic relationship with God
  • developing each child spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, physically and socially
  • engaging each child in quality teaching and learning experiences maximising success
  • preparing each child to be successful lifelong learners who make a positive contribution to society.

Saint Catherine of Siena Catholic Primary School Prestons is an integral part of the parish community of St Francis Xavier Lurnea and is strongly supported by our parish priest Fr Thu Nguyen. Students regularly participate in liturgical celebrations led by Fr Thu in our school chapel and also have the opportunity to visit the Church throughout the year.

The parish community offers our students and families a welcoming and enriching Sacramental Program that supports their journey in faith. Students are encouraged to participate in the wide variety of opportunities offered by the parish, including the dynamic youth group.

Parish Priest Fr Thu Nguyen

Saint Francis Xavier Lurnea Mass Times

  • Saturday Vigil: 5pm
  • Sunday: 8am, 9:30am, 6pm

Click here for link to parish website

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Proudly Part of the Community of Sydney Catholic Schools

Our school is part of a system of 147 low-fee Catholic schools in the Sydney Archdiocese.

Sydney Catholic Schools are thriving Catholic communities that ignite a love of Christ through excellent teaching and learning to empower students to reach their full potential.