Sebastopol – St James’ Primary School

At St James’ Parish School Sebastopol, our North Star is clear: “Transforming Lives through Learning.” Established in 1956 and shaped by the Mercy Sisters’ legacy of welcome and service, we are a Catholic Primary School that places Christ at the centre of all we do.

Guided by our values of Excellence, Service, and Relationships, and inspired by the mantra Better Me, Better You, Better Us, we foster a culture of belonging where every child is supported to grow as a responsible, contributing citizen. Our focus is not on being the best in the world, but the best for the world.

We are a professional learning community that values contemporary, research-informed practice. Partnerships with Melbourne and Deakin Universities, along with active involvement in research and mentoring, mean staff at St James’ are continually learning, sharing expertise, and shaping 21st-century education.

Our learning spaces reflect our belief in balance and creativity. Beyond classrooms and digital tools, our children thrive in extensive green spaces, enjoying traditional gameplay, cubby building, outdoor stages, gardens, and the care of 'our Common Home'. In this environment, they develop the resilience, curiosity, and joy in learning that prepare them not just to succeed, but to serve, living out our Vision of “Transforming lives through learning.”