History:
Ss Peter and Paul's School, Doncaster East, commenced in 1959 and in the following 20 years grew to an enrolment of over 1000 students. It was the second largest Catholic school in Victoria at the time. Fr Spillane was the first parish priest and Sr Mary Healy, the first principal. St Gregory's school in Doncaster and Our Lady of the Pines School in Donvale started on the premises until their campuses were built. With the opening of Our Lady of the Pines, and St Charles Borromeo School in Templestowe, many students transferred to those schools.
The current junior school building was initially used as the church until the new church was built in 1970. The latest library facility was established in 1988, new 'state of the art' classrooms were added to the main building in 1991 and new toilet/walkway facilities completed in 1996. In 2003, four of the original Junior School classrooms were completely refurbished. The remainder of the upgrade, including a new administration area, is expected to be completed in 2007–08.
Description:
The current school enrolment is just under 200 students. About half of these are students from families for whom English is a second language, and whose families come from 15 different countries. In 2007, there are eight classes from Prep to Year 6, including a transition group (STEP) for very young school-entry age students. Support programs offered are: library, performing arts, Italian and Mandarin languages, student wellbeing, meditation, gifted education, and literacy and numeracy support, as well as full sport and art programs.
Features:
• Comfortable, well-appointed classrooms, with three or more computers in each classroom
• A computerised library and resource centre
• Small class sizes
• Pastoral care program and cooperative learning
• Experienced, professional and dedicated staff
• Integrated curriculum
• Three spacious and well-supervised play and work areas
• Supportive parents
• Before and after–school care program,
• Term 1 swimming program, PMP Smart Start, inter-school sport and athletics
• Cross-age tutoring and Buddies
• Musical keyboard lessons and after-school Italian programs are available.