A welcoming learning community where every child is known, supported and challenged to thrive.
At St John the Baptist Catholic Primary School, we are a welcoming and inclusive community where every child is known, valued and supported to grow.
From Kindergarten to Year 6, our students experience a safe and nurturing environment, where strong relationships sit at the heart of learning. We combine this deep care with high expectations for every child, encouraging them to think deeply, take risks and strive for excellence.
Our approach to education is both progressive and purposeful fostering curiosity, creativity and a genuine love of learning. Through rich and engaging experiences, students are inspired to explore, discover and develop the skills they need for the future.
Grounded in our Catholic tradition and guided by our motto, “Prepare the Way”, we live out our values of Compassion, Courage and Humility each day. These values shape the way we learn, lead and care for one another.
We are proud to be a small school with a big heart, where a strong sense of community allows staff to build meaningful relationships with every child and family. Parents are valued as the first and most important educators of their children, and we work in close partnership to support each child’s learning and wellbeing.
There is a genuine sense of belonging at St John the Baptist. Families connect through our active P&F, school events and everyday interactions often forming friendships that extend well beyond their years at the school.
History
“From its earliest days, St John the Baptist has been built on strong relationships and a deep sense of care for every child.”
St John the Baptist has been part of the Freshwater community for over 100 years, with a rich and enduring story of faith, learning and belonging.
Established in 1921 and officially opened in 1922, our school began in very humble surroundings. The Good Samaritan Sisters our first educators taught lessons inside the Church during the week, before transforming the space back into a place of worship for the parish each weekend.
This spirit of dedication, adaptability and care laid the foundation for the strong community that continues today.
The Good Samaritan Sisters led the school until 1975, nurturing generations of students and shaping a tradition of compassion, service and commitment to education that remains at the heart of St John the Baptist.
Today, as part of the Manly Freshwater Parish, we continue to honour this rich heritage while embracing the needs of contemporary learners and families. Our connection with the parish remains strong, supporting a shared mission of faith, community and service.
While much has grown and evolved over time, the essence of St John the Baptist has remained unchanged a place where faith is lived, relationships are valued, and every child is supported to grow and thrive.
Come and See Our School in Action
We warmly invite you to experience St John the Baptist for yourself.
To learn more or book a private tour:
📞 +61 2 9939 6699
📧 sjbf@dbb.catholic.edu.au
You can also follow our journey on Facebook and Instagram, where we share the learning, achievements and everyday moments that make our school so special.