St Francis of the Fields Primary School is a proudly Catholic school in Strathfieldsaye, near Bendigo. St Francis of the Fields was established in 1994 and maintains a strong commitment to leading environmental sustainable practices-we were the first 5-Star Sustainable school in Australia-a true reflection of the ethos of St Francis of Assisi. Our students participate in a wide range of activities with a strong emphasis on literacy and numeracy success. Our music and arts program are highly regarded, whilst all children are well catered to for sporting success with well-trained staff and modern facilities that include a gymnasium, football/cricket oval and basketball courts. As our motto suggests, 'we are a community united in faith and committed in action, to live, learn and grow in God's love'. This motto is enacted with a strong pastoral care system providing support for students, staff and parents. This support enables strong parent involvement. A clear Master Plan, devised by the School Board, has enabled building projects that accommodate a growing student population with new classrooms, library, multi-purpose room, chapel, performance centre, change rooms and playground.