In welcome news for our community, the Victorian Education Department has appointed Mark Zahra as principal of Windermere’s first school Laa Yulta Primary School.
The school located at 10 Elementary Road, Mambourin will open on the first day of Term 1 next year. Up to 650 students can be enrolled when completed for students from prep to Grade 6.
Mark’s teaching journey began over 20 years ago, initially teaching physical education, science and history up to VCE level in Melton, Maribyrnong, London and North Geelong.
His principal career started at Tarneit P-9 College as an assistant principal, before moving to Moriac Primary School (a small rural school outside Geelong) as principal.
According to Mark, as a young student he had two solid teacher mentors that encouraged him to enter teaching, followed by great mentor principals that supported a move into leadership.
“The privilege of opening a new school – Laa Yulta Primary School and creating a place that is a welcoming and inclusive environment is very exciting. We have the opportunity to build a culture as well as positively impact the foundation of a new suburb – Windermere.”
“Once the school is up and running in Term 1, we hope that it will become a major hub in the community. Over time, it is expected to open up more broadly for community use with the aim of welcoming all members of the community,” he added.
The facilities at Laa Yulta Primary School will be state of the art with specialist teaching areas including STEM, food technology, visual and performing arts, gymnasium and library. This will be supported by teaching and learning programs built on the Science of Learning – the latest research in how humans learn best.
Mark added, “there will be an emphasis on academic excellence and students will be supported from a wellbeing perspective to ‘Dream Big’.
“Our school values, spell DARE. It’s about determination and the ability to keep going. The A is about acceptance – being inclusive of all people and everything that we do. Respect for yourself, for others, and for the community and the environment. And lastly, E for excellence, which is about not just being the best, but the best that you can be.”
“We aim to set really high expectations for the school with clear values supported by a strong vision to educate all students to the highest levels of academic achievement. My team, students and the community will help drive this vision and values together as a group,” he concluded.
Laa Yulta Primary School will comprise an administration and library building, three learning neighbourhoods, community hub with indoor multi-use court, canteen and arts/music spaces, hard courts, sports field and carpark.
Students will have great modern learning areas with air conditioning and heating, while outside shade sails provide sun protection.
The Windermere Sales Gallery is located at the back of the school – 275 Greens Road, Mambourin. Visit today to discuss land and home and land package opportunities (11am – 5pm seven days).
