Lalor East Primary School opened in 1972 in an established residential area of Thomastown (Approx 30 km north from Melbourne CBD) and serves a multicultural community. The current enrolment is 256 students.
By the end of their primary school education, our aim is for every child to be Literate, Numerate, Happy and Healthy and to reflect our values through their individual actions and active participation in our local and global community. We believe that every child can learn and we are committed to ensuring that students develop to their full capacity. Our school values are Respect, Honesty, Cooperation, Caring and Personal Best. These values underpin our decision making and interactions with each other and our broader school community.
Our Annual Implementation Plan focuses on improving student outcomes in Literacy and Numeracy. Key actions that will contribute to this improvement are the introduction of a school wide instructional model and the use of peer observation and feedback. A consistent writing model is used across the school and has contributed to improvement in student outcomes in this area. Teaching teams meet weekly in PLTs to plan lessons and to assess, monitor and review student progress. Programs operate across the school to extend students and to identify and address any learning concerns.
Specialist programs include Physical Education, Visual Arts and Music. Spanish is during Music lessons through a Content Language Integrated Learning approach. We also operate a play based Oral Language Program for students in Prep to Year 2. Classroom teachers deliver lessons in Digital Technologies and Library.
Student voice and agency is valued at our school through our Junior School Council and Cyber Action Team. Students sit as representatives on various sub committees and frequently work together with staff on school improvement initiatives.
Our school is currently implementing the School Wide Positive Behaviours Program and is a lead school for the Respectful Relationships program.
Our school has worked hard to build strong connections with families and community organisations as we believe these relationships and opportunities help to improve educational expectations and support student engagement and achievement. Our strong partnerships with The Smith Family, Berry Street, Whittlesea Council, Eat Up and Semper Dental are integral to our work. Playgroups operate at our school on Monday (Berry Street) and Wednesday (Whittlesea Council) mornings. We operate a daily breakfast club and a weekly learning club. Camp Australia operate Before And After School Care.
In 2019, the Victorian Government allocated $8.9 million through the state budget to Lalor East Primary School as part of the Permanent Modular School Buildings Program. This project was completed at the beginning of 2021 and saw the modernisation of the teaching and administration wings at the school. Teachers utilise a co-teaching model that sees two or more teachers work together to plan, teach, assess and monitor student wellbeing needs. Breakout rooms provide space for intervention, extension and small group work. Dedicated spaces are also available to support STEAM.
The school has a strong commitment to the innovative use of Digital Technologies. Classrooms are fitted with digital displays and pods of laptops, iPads, surfaces and desktop computers available to support teaching and learning programs. The Multipurpose Centre provides excellent additional, flexible learning spaces for Physical Education, Music and class/whole school activities.