After much uncertainty it has been announced that Wellington's St Mary's Catholic School will continue to offer education from Kindergarten to Year 10.
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A letter was distributed to parents this week announcing consultation by the Diocesan Catholic Education Council and Catholic Education Diocese of Bathurst with the community and stakeholders had resulted in a decision to maintain the current structure.
Earlier this year the fate of St Mary's older year group was left in limbo after the Bathurst Diocese announced intentions to review the school's secondary year group in response to declining student numbers.
Representatives of the diocese arranged two community consultation meetings for March and April after members of the Parents and Friends association expressed anger at the possibility that St Mary's might not continue their secondary education program.
An online petition started by a Parents and Friends member protesting the possible closure.
Mayor of Dubbo Regional Council Ben Shields welcomed the news that St Mary's Catholic School would continue to offer education from Kindergarten to Year 10.
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Cr Shields said the Wellington community had come together to secure a fantastic outcome.
"This is excellent news for the students and parents of St Mary's and a great result for the town," Cr Shields said.
"I congratulate everyone involved in the campaign to retain St Mary's as a Kindergarten to Year 10 education provider.
Cr Shields said St Mary's Parents and Friends Association deserve special credit for the work they invested into securing this positive outcome.
"The Catholic Education Diocese of Bathurst said the commitment by the community to implementing a strategic plan was a significant factor in their decision so it shows the effort made by everyone involved paid off," he said.
Cr Shields said having a range of education options was important for Wellington's future growth.
"This Council wants to see Wellington grow and education is critical to attracting people to Wellington and keeping them," he said.
"We want to have both public and private schools as an option for parents and children, and that was why it was so important that St Mary's continue to offer primary and secondary school classes."
