ST PATRICK'S College students started their last day of school in Mass this morning.

Hundreds of fellow students, friends and family were at the service to recognise the hard work of the students in the past year of study.

Year 12 students from across the Mackay region will be saying their farewell to secondary school, some with a traditional trip to Harbour Beach for a quick dip. 

Organised schoolies celebrations start in Airlie Beach this weekend.

Police said there will a greater presence of police in the Whitsunday during the graduation celebration.  

A greater police presence will be easily noticeable, particularly in the licensed venue and Schoolies Central precinct.

Much work will also be performed by police on the roads in the area in an effort to keep every one as safe as possible.

The contact number for the Whitsunday Police station is 4948  8888.