St Francis Catholic Primary School is situated in the Central Queensland town of Tannum Sands, 20 km south of the booming port and industrial hub of Gladstone. The school opened in 2005 and is located on a 10.52 hectare site which includes areas of native bushland adjacent to the Boyne River. The population is extremely transient due to employment factors. Enrolment in 2010 expected to exceed 370 students. The school has an active policy of inclusivity and many children with social and emotional needs come to St Francis because of the supportive culture. The staff is an outstanding professional team showing great compassion and extraordinary initiative. The curriculum is designed to enable students to be active and effective participants in learning and in reaching out to their local and global communities. Curriculum pedagogies are flexible, adaptable and responsive to the individual needs of each student and the emerging national directions in education. Curriculum embraces the eight national areas of learning plus our studies of Religious Education. St Francis also gives special consideration to areas of learning considered as Lighthouse Learning Areas of Excellence; environmental science, music and information communications technology. As a Reef Guardian School we are a leader in actively developing environmental initiatives which have won the school an international and national profile and awards.