Discover the St Patrick’s difference - two Gympie Catholic schools unite to support student success

St Patrick’s Primary School and St Patrick’s College, Gympie, are demonstrating the power of collaboration during Brisbane Catholic Education's (BCE) Open Week (27 April to 3 May).

With the Primary and College campuses only 300 metres apart, these two BCE schools have been using their proximity to maximise positive educational outcomes for their combined 900 plus students over a five-year period.

Primary to secondary transition

St Patrick’s Primary School Principal Petrea Hass said central to the partnership was a focus on the sharing of each school’s individual resources and the planned transitioning of students from the Primary to Secondary school environment. 

“Year 6 students from St Patrick’s Primary School regularly participate in College events, including Founders Day and Orientation Days, helping them build familiarity with St Patrick’s College,” she said.

“The College’s Inclusive Education team also works closely with our Year 6 teachers to ensure individual learning and pastoral care needs are understood ahead of time.”

“This means when their first day of Year 7 arrives, the necessary support systems for our students have already been put in place and students are positioned well to transition successfully.

“With so much change occurring around students during this time, it’s the small things that can have a significant impact on a student’s learning journey.”

Collaboration is key

Staff work collaboratively across campuses, pooling human resources to expand student participation opportunities, including involvement in regional events such as equestrian.

Petrea adds, “the partnership ensures students can pursue their special interests regardless of school boundaries."

St Patrick’s College Principal Mark Newton said the College regularly opened its doors to host events such as Primary School Discos and the Primary School Christmas Concert.

“Over the past two years, the College has also invited primary aged students to take part in the College Musical, giving younger students in our schools the chance to experience secondary style performing arts while building friendships across year levels,” he said.

The Primary School’s Multipurpose Court is also shared, supporting the College’s Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Netball training program – an event the College has worked hard to gain an invitation to. 

“The Primary and Secondary school partnership also provides valuable real-world learning opportunities for our students,” Mark adds.

“College Early Childhood students and work experience students regularly complete practical placements at the Primary School, providing them with hands-on experience in a supportive environment.

“Senior College students also contribute to student wellbeing initiatives at the Primary School, modelling leadership, service and care for others.”

During building works, St Patrick’s Primary School also supported the College by hosting students in available classrooms, ensuring minimal disruption to student learning.

Faith and community at its core

Each year, St Patrick’s Primary School hosts Parish One Mass Sunday, with the College’s ‘Blessed Beans’ coffee van providing hospitality for parishioners. 

Staff from both schools have also come together at the beginning of the year for a combined Staff Opening Mass, strengthening relationships across both schools and reinforcing a shared mission.

The success of the partnership has also led to strong enrolment growth for both schools.

Discover the St Patrick’s difference!

Parents/carers and future scholars are warmly invited to St Patrick’s Primary School Open Day on Thursday 30th April from 9.00 am – 11.00 am. 

St Patrick’s College also welcomes the community to explore its campus on Wednesday 29 April. Don’t miss your chance to take a sneak peek beyond the school gates, for more information about St Patrick’s Primary School, Gympie or St Patrick’s College, Gympie, click here and here.

Did you know Catholic education has been part of the Gympie community for more than 150 years? Find a Catholic school near you today, click here.

Image caption: Discover the St Patrick’s Primary School and St Patrick's College difference this BCE Open Week (27 April to 3 May). ©Brisbane Catholic Education (2026).