Laburnum Primary School was established in 1964 and is set in an attractive bushland setting which flows naturally into the parkland of Blacks Walk, part of Blackburn Creek. The grounds are approximately 2.8 hectares in area. Our vision is Learn - Thrive - Contribute and the school's values are Respect, Integrity, Resilience and Curiosity.
Laburnum P.S. is a child safe school and all staff are expected to play an important role in ensuring a child safe environment. The school's child safety practices, including the child safety code of conduct, can be found on the school website under Our School/Planning and Policies, or by contacting our office. The selection process will involve a rigorous background check and staff are required to have current registration/s, which may include VIT, WWCC and/or Police Check. Applicants are advised to include relevant registration numbers in their applications.
The current enrolment is 700, organised into 30 classes, with 42 teaching staff, 4 principal class and 12 education support staff. The staff profile is well-balanced, with a mix of experienced and newer-to-the-profession teachers in each team. Due to ongoing enrolment pressure, enrolment restrictions are in place. The proportion of students with a language background other than English (LBOTE) is 74%. Currently, over 50% of students have English as an Additional Language (EAL) and speak another language at home, and this percentage is increasing. The backgrounds of students reflect the cultural and social diversity of the local community.
Our students enjoy outstanding facilities, including air-conditioned classrooms with wireless technology. The school is well-maintained and core buildings have been extended and modernised. Some relocatable classrooms assist us to manage enrolments, and these are well-blended into the existing provision. An $8.755 million capital works project will see classrooms upgraded in 2023 - 2024.
School facilities include a stadium sized hall, a modern community centre, a contemporary resource centre, a heritage listed performing arts centre, Visual Arts room, Out of School Hours Care Centre, a school-funded STEM Centre and extensive play areas. Playgrounds include a synthetic grass oval, shaded areas and marked court areas. Many of the school improvements are due to the ongoing support of the community, through active fundraising.
Laburnum P.S. has worked to develop rigorous expectations and support structures to provide consistent high quality teaching and learning practices. The 2022 - 2026 school strategic plan is the foundation of the staff professional learning plan. Laburnum became a Victorian Professional Learning Communities (PLC) school in 2018, and teachers plan and work collaboratively to assess, monitor and track student achievement. Teachers participate in Peer Observation, mentoring and induction programs. The school is currently implementing the School-wide positive behaviour support (SWPBS) framework, to further develop positive, safe, supportive learning cultures.
The school has an established leadership team/School Improvement Team, focusing on the strategic priorities. Teams of teachers work together to support and emphasise school-wide consistent approaches to wellbeing and academic learning. Our Assistant Principals have key roles in leading and supporting teachers and middle leaders.
The school's curriculum framework incorporates the Victorian Curriculum, with a strong emphasis on Literacy and Numeracy. Specialist programs include Literacy Intervention, Music, Visual Arts, Physical Education, Library and Languages (Spanish). The eLearning program is designed to equip students with the essential competencies for learning in the 21st century using a range of devices. These include iPads, netbooks, 3D printers and large screen technologies.
A broad enrichment program includes a range of extra-curricular offerings, including an extensive Music tuition program and Science-based activities. Year 4, 5 and 6 students have the opportunity to participate in school camps or adventure activities. The student leadership program includes Junior School Council and captaincy positions for Year 6 students. A formal student leadership program is taught in Years 5 and 6. Across the school, we operate a Buddies program.
A broad enrichment program includes a range of extra-curricular offerings, including an extensive Music tuition program and Science-based activities. Year 4, 5 and 6 students have the opportunity to participate in school camps or adventure activities. The student leadership program includes Junior School Council and captaincy positions for Year 6 students. A formal student leadership program is taught in Years 5 and 6. Across the school, we operate a Buddies program.