Principal’s Message

Welcome to St Gertrude’s Catholic Primary School, Smithfield’s website and thank you for deciding to find out more about our superb school. Our vision is to empower all students to embrace learning and achieve excellence. 

We work closely in partnership with parents and the Parish as we are committed to developing and sustaining an authentic Catholic community. 

St Gertrude’s is a welcoming, inclusive community that is open to all. One of our greatest strengths is our cultural diversity. Our staff are committed to ensuring that we care for every student and they work tirelessly to enhance the well-being of each individual and to ensure every student is working at their potential. We provide quality contemporary education that promotes academic excellence. We prepare our students for the future to take their place in an ever changing world. Students of St Gertrude’s graduate with respect, confidence and curiosity about the world around them. 

As principal, I believe that every student deserves the best possible education and that as educators it is our responsibility to ensure this happens. We can offer a fee reduction for your child’s education (subject to eligibility criteria). As such, I invite you to visit our wonderful school, take a tour with our outstanding students and learn more about the wonderful opportunities we have on offer at St Gertrudes. To learn more or to book a school tour, please contact our office. I look forward to seeing you soon. 

God Bless, 

Mrs Linda Katsibras
School Principal 

History
our historySt Gertrude’s was opened in January 1952 by the Josephite Sisters and continues to foster the values and traditions of St Mary of the Cross Mackillop to this day. We are reminded each day of these values and act upon them through our words and actions. 

For many years, St Gertrude’s Primary School Smithfield was led by the Sisters of St Joseph who built strong foundations and are a rich history of our school. The Josephite values continue to be instilled in the day to day life of our St Gertrude’s school community.

St Gertrude the Great, herself, was a Benedictine nun who is affiliated with our Parish. Our local church, St Benedict’s, was led by the Benedictine order. Currently, it is led by Pauline Fathers, contributing to our school’s Catholic identity.  

Our school motto ‘Desire God and Learning’ affirms our commitment to learning, to nurture our faith and grow in hope as a community. 

Mission
our historyAs partners in Catholic education, we commit ourselves to our students by:

  • actively living and encouraging Gospel values
  • providing a stimulating and challenging teaching and learning environment
  • assisting children in understanding their roles and responsibilities as global citizens underpinned by Catholic values
  • fostering in all a hope for the future
  • nurturing respectful relationships with students, teacher, parents, parish and the wider community.

Vision
At St Gertrude’s we commit ourselves to developing and sustaining an authentic Catholic school which is:

  • founded on the person of Jesus Christ, enlivened by the Gospels and inspired by the work of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop
  • centred within a community enriched by Gospel values
  • dedicated to providing a balanced and challenging curriculum which addresses the diverse needs of our students
  • respectful of the faith and cultural identity of each student
  • committed to developing and celebrating the whole person.

our history

Our Parish Priest, Fr. Jarek Zan and Assistant Parish Priests are present figures within St Gertrude’s and act as the spiritual leaders to the students, staff and community. The Parish and school work together in an active partnership to assist the spiritual development of the students.

St. Gertrude’s Parish in Smithfield serves the local community of Smithfield through Mass, community activities and opportunities for evangelisation. The parish church is located opposite the school and is the location of many spiritual celebrations in both the school and wider community.

Address: Corner of Justin and Neville Street Smithfield NSW 2164
Mailing: 6 Justin Street Smithfield NSW 2164
Telephone: (02) 9604 1199
Website: www.stgertrude.org.au

Administration

  • Parish Priest: Fr. Jarek Zan OSPPE
  • Assistant Parish Priests: Fr. Wojtek  Sliwa OSPPE & Fr. Peter James Strohmayer OSPPE

Mass Times

  • Sunday: 8am Italian, 10.30am, 6pm
  • Weekdays: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at 9.15am
  • Wednesday: 6pm
  • Saturday: 6pm Vigil
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.