Our History

Our Story

Lara Lake Primary School first opened its doors in 1865 and has a long and proud history of providing quality education and care for every student. For more than 160 years, our school has grown alongside the Lara community while remaining committed to ensuring every child is known, valued and supported to achieve their personal best.

Today, Lara Lake Primary School is a vibrant and inclusive learning community of more than 900 students, reflecting the continued growth of the township of Lara. While our school has evolved significantly over the years, our commitment to excellence in teaching, learning and wellbeing remains at the heart of everything we do.

Our Vision

Our vision is for every child to become a confident, capable and compassionate learner who is literate, numerate, curious and caring. We foster a culture built on our core values of Respect, Responsibility and Excellence, where students are encouraged to challenge themselves, embrace diversity, and contribute positively to their community.

We believe that strong relationships between students, families and staff create the foundation for successful learning. By placing student wellbeing at the centre of our work, we strive to ensure every child feels safe, connected and inspired to learn.

A Proud History

The original school building was constructed in 1864 to accommodate 40 students. When the school officially opened in 1865, 51 students were enrolled under the guidance of the school’s first teacher, Mrs Watson.

The school’s name was inspired by the nearby lakes, although historical records note that the lakes were often dry. In response, a water tank was installed in 1869 to provide clean drinking water for students and staff. As enrolments continued to grow, a larger school building and teacher’s residence were completed in 1873.

Throughout the following century, Lara Lake Primary School continued to expand, reaching an enrolment of 237 students during its centenary year in 1965.

The Welsh Dragon – A Symbol of Compassion

One of the defining moments in our school’s history occurred following the tragic Aberfan Disaster in Wales on 21 October 1966.

After hearing of the devastating landslide that destroyed Pantglas Junior School and claimed the lives of 144 people, including 116 children, the students of Lara Lake Primary School responded with extraordinary compassion. They raised funds, wrote letters of support and offered heartfelt encouragement to the grieving community.

In appreciation, the people of Aberfan sent letters of thanks along with images of the Welsh Dragon, the national symbol of Wales. Lara Lake Primary School proudly adopted the Welsh Dragon as its school emblem, where it continues to represent compassion, resilience, friendship and the enduring connection between our two communities.

Just a few years later, tragedy struck Lara when a devastating grass fire in 1969 destroyed the original school building along with much of the township. During the rebuilding process, students attended classes in the local hall and nearby Methodist Sunday School building. In a remarkable act of kindness, the community of Aberfan donated funds to Lara Lake Primary School to assist with recovery, strengthening the lifelong bond between the two communities.

Growing with Our Community

A new brick school building officially opened in 1970, providing modern learning spaces for approximately 190 students. Since then, Lara Lake Primary School has continued to grow alongside the expanding township.

Significant milestones include:

• 1983 – Students supported another Victorian school affected by the Ash Wednesday bushfires.
• 2004 – Major upgrades to the school’s main buildings.
• 2009–2011 – Construction of new sporting facilities, including the gymnasium, music room and canteen.
• 2015 – Celebration of the school’s 150th anniversary, marking a century and a half of educational excellence.
• 2017 – A $1.8 million Victorian Government investment delivered new classrooms, a modern library and a staff centre.
• 2019 – Additional classrooms were installed to support increasing enrolments.
• Today – Lara Lake Primary School proudly educates more than 900 students, with ongoing improvements to facilities, learning environments and student wellbeing programs to meet the needs of our growing community.

Our Community

Lara Lake Primary School serves the thriving township of Lara, located approximately 16 kilometres north of Geelong and 60 kilometres south-west of Melbourne.

As one of Victoria’s fastest-growing communities, Lara combines the welcoming character of a rural town with the opportunities of a connected commuter community. Our school reflects this diversity, providing students with high-quality educational opportunities while maintaining strong partnerships with families and the wider community.

As we continue to grow, we remain proud of our rich heritage while looking confidently towards the future—continuing our tradition of providing an inclusive, supportive and inspiring education for every child.