Laa Yulta Primary School

Laa Yulta Primary School was chosen as this new school’s name following a two-week community consultation. Laa Yulta (pronounced la yule-ta) are Wadawurrung words meaning many stones.

We used Black Forest East Primary School as an interim name while the school was being planned and designed.

Mark Zahra has been appointed as principal of the new school.

Mark has been an educator for 20 years teaching across Melbourne, Geelong and in London. He has taken on several leadership roles throughout this time, most recently as principal of Moriac Primary School. Mark can't wait to be foundation principal of Laa Yulta Primary School. He is looking forward to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for the community.

When the school opens in Term 1, 2024, it will include:

• an administration and library building
• 3 learning neighbourhoods
• a community hub with indoor multi-use court, canteen and arts/music spaces
• hard courts
• a sports field
• a carpark
• a kindergarten.

Students will have great modern learning areas with air conditioning and heating. Outside, they will have shade sails for sun protection. We have designed the school to be environmentally sustainable and easy to manage.

Across late 2021 and during early–mid 2022, we consulted with local Traditional Owners, represented by the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation to endorse the design of this new school.

We sought feedback and advice on:

• local Indigenous plantings
• cultural stories and histories
• translations of Indigenous words
• design elements that could enhance cultural education and understanding

We're building Laa Yulta Primary School Kindergarten at the school. Having the kindergarten and school together may help local children make a smooth transition into primary school and can also make drop-off time simpler for some families.