St Patrick's Primary School is a small Catholic school in Lilydale, an urban area approximately 38 km from Melbourne. The school was established in 1864 as a small community, only to be closed from 1873-96 due to the Free Education Bill. From its re-opening in 1896 until 1984 the education of children was maintained by both Sisters of Mercy and teaching staff. Our students originate from a wide variety of family backgrounds and areas including Lilydale, Chirnside Park, Morroolbark, and Yarra Valley. The school offers a wide range of programs with an emphasis on literacy and numeracy. A Literacy and Numeracy Co-ordinator ensures that suitable programs are available for students with varied abilities. Extension and remedial programs cater for both ends of the learning continuum. Pastoral needs are served by a Student Welfare Co-ordinator, a school counsellor and a parish pastoral worker. Specialist areas include art and physical education, of which swimming and gymnastics are integral components. St Patrick's School aims to provide a well-rounded primary education in which students are encouraged to engage in lifelong learning.