St Patrick's Catholic School is situated in West Bundaberg and accepts enrolments from the whole Bundaberg district. Bundaberg is located near the coast just under 400 km north of Brisbane. In 2011 St Patrick's has an enrolment of over 430 with 18 classes from Prep to Year 7. Due to consistent enrolment demand, three Prep classes will operate for the first time in 2011, with other year levels having two classes, apart from three classes of Year 5. The school size provides students with many opportunities, whilst maintaining an intimate, 'family-like' atmosphere through the efforts of our very active parent community in partnership with staff. St Patrick's promotes joint planning between the teachers of each year level by locating classes next to each other and scheduling non-contact time so that teachers can meet and plan collaboratively. Specialist curriculum areas of Computing, Health and Physical Education and Music are offered at St Patrick's and are provided by specialist part-time teachers. A compulsory Instrumental Music program occurs in Year 3 where the students are provided with a school violin and tuition for the year. Instrumental Music becomes optional in Year 4 when students can choose to pursue a Strings, Guitar, or Band course. St Patrick's offers a wide range of other co-curricular activities including Choir, Interschool sport, Chess and other cultural and service activities thanks to the commitment of staff, students and parents. All these programs and activities within the school aim to fulfil St Patrick's goal of providing an atmosphere where students can grow and develop academically, spiritually, physically, socially, culturally and emotionally. St Patrick's promotes a strong development of the social and emotional aspects of student's lives. The implementation of the You Can Do It program, along with Making Jesus Real and an emphasis on developing Resilience is supported by access to a school counsellor. These programs, along with specialist support staff enhance the learning of a number..