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About Us

St. Mary Catholic School, in the small hamlet of Read, is a school steeped in tradition. The school was originally built as a one room schoolhouse at the turn of the 20th Century. In 1954 the current four-room school was erected and then expanded in 1963. Through the years our strong ties to our parish, St Charles Borromeo, have been an important part of our development.

Many of the families have been in the area for generations and many make the decision to return to the area as a result of our little school. For a small school we have a very committed and active Catholic School Council. They are very busy running weekly Healthy Snack and Hot Lunch programs as well as special events like Christmas Shopping, fundraisers and preparing special hot feasts at Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter.

With our motto of Small School, Big Success we have had many wonderful academic achievements to celebrate over the lifetime of our school. Our students have consistently performed over the provincial average in provincial testing and many alumni have been recipients of academic and athletic awards at the secondary level and beyond. Our athletic teams, known as Read Ravens are strong competitors in all sporting events and have had many successes, especially at cross country due to the commitment and dedication of all of our student athletes.

Our community is also very committed to social justice issues and raising awareness to make our world a better place.  We are a Gold status Eco school and constantly implementing new initiatives to make our world greener.  We also have a strong history of commitment to the Terry Fox Foundation as demonstrated through our Terry Fox walk/run/ride participation and fundraising which places us among the top per capita fundraising schools in the country.

St. Mary families, staff and students are committed to caring for each other and fostering a friendly and welcoming community that accepts and celebrates each of our differences. Being a part of a cross-grade Spirit team that is led by older students promotes relationships of respect and a recognition that by working together we can accomplish any goal.

St. Mary, Read: Small School, Big Success!

St. Charles Borromeo
Located at 484 Eright Road in Read, ON.
https://www.holynameofmary3.com/contact-us
St Mary Catholic School is located northeast of Belleville, nestled in the picturesque countryside of Read Ontario. Read is a community located in the Township of Tyendinaga, located in Hastings County. Although primarily agricultural in nature, with its many rivers and streams and abundance of forest lands, it is a most attractive location for those who enjoy spending their time outdoors.

St. Mary Catholic School is located 2 kilometers from our parish church St. Charles Borromeo.  An integral part of our journey and school community is our parish priest Father Francis Zambon. Under his guidance, staff, students and parents have many opportunities to grow and learn in Faith.  St. Mary Catholic School teaches faith in God, values, morals and servitude toward others. We model good citizenship and forgiveness through the foundation of a connected school community.
​The ALCDSB is dedicated to creating and promoting positive school climate and well-being in all of our schools. Respecting the dignity of all persons by fostering trusting relationships through policies and practices that promote equity, inclusion and diversity are at the core of our Catholic values, the Board's spiritual theme of Faith in Action and our provincial Catholic Graduate Expectations. A positive school climate is directly linked to student success and well-being ensuring students are motivated to do well and will realize their full potential. We are committed to sustaining healthy and nurturing communities of belonging that are safe, caring and respectful and built on the principles of restorative practice and progressive discipline.

The ALCDSB and its school communities engage in a whole school approach in putting prevention and intervention strategies in place to facilitate a positive relationship between students, staff, parents and community partners.