General Information

Communication - Newsletter & Compass

Stay informed about the latest happenings at school. It is crucial to stay updated by reading the newsletter, every second week.  

It is essential that all families subscribe to the COMPASS portal.  A reminder after downloading the Compass App, please search Armidale, then choose St Mary's School. 

This site regularly provides information to families. Each family is provided with a login. If you have misplaced your login details or are experiencing difficulties logging in, please contact the School Office staff for assistance. 

Family Information in Compass

Parents please go into Compass and check your details - address, phone and email details are correct. If any information is incorrect please email smaadmin@arm.catholic.edu.au with the correct details.

School Hours & Supervision

Playground supervision commences at 8:20 am.

School starts: 8:50 am

1st Break: 10:50 am – 11:30am

2nd Break: 1:30pm – 2:10pm 

School finishes: 3.10 pm (All students must be collected before 3:30pm)

Students are dismissed from class at 3.10pm and assemble in the playground for pick up,  buses or After School Care. (Pick up 3:10 Rusden Street, Top Gate Dangar Street 3:10)

SCHOOL OFFICE HOURS

The school office hours are 8:20am to 4.00pm

Attendance 

Parents must notify the school when your child is absent from school. This can be done by entering an Attendance Note into Compass or by emailing (smaadmin@arm.catholic.edu.au) or phoning the school office (6772 4441).   If a student's absence is not recorded by 10 am, a SMS reminder will be sent out. 

Please Note:  When entering an Attendance Note in Compass, a valid reason must be given.  Explanations of "my child will be away" or "my child is not at school today" is not a valid reason for absence.  

Punctuality is highly valued. At the beginning of each day, teachers establish the day's routine and provide important reminders. We kindly request that families prioritise arriving on time. If students arrive after the bell, they must be signed in at the Front Office to ensure accurate attendance records.

Students Arriving Late or Leaving School Early

PLEASE NOTE that all students arriving late, or being collected early for an appointment, must be signed in or out by a parent /guardian at the Front Office.

Contacting Your Child's Teacher

Teachers welcome contact from parents, if you need to talk with staff please either contact the class teacher by phoning the school – 67772 4441 or email the school at smaadmin@arm.catholic.edu.au.

Edwards Coaches

Edwards has advised us of adjustments to several morning school bus services effective Monday 16th March 2026.  If your children catch S314 - Kellys Plains, S316 - Longford, S318 - Marble Hill, S322 Warrane or S324 Yarrowyk buses to school please see the attachment below for details.

School travel passes

Students who require a school travel pass but have not yet applied need to apply for a new pass or update their existing pass as soon as possible.  Students living in rural and regional areas will receive their travel pass from their nominated transport operator. It may be issued via their school or be sent directly to them at home. Note: some rural and regional operators do not issue travel passes. Students/parents should confirm with their nominated operator if they do not receive a pass.

Terms of use

Students must show their school travel pass when travelling within the approved times between 6.30am and 7.00pm from Monday to Friday on school days only. Cards are personal and cannot be shared.  All students are required to comply with the Student code of conduct. The code of conduct aims to ensure the safety and well-being of school children and other passengers. It is important that parents ensure their child is aware of this, as failure to comply with the code of conduct can result in a suspension from travel.

Active Kids Vouchers

Please click HERE to access more information on the Active and Creative Kids voucher eligibility.