Preston North Primary School has a proud history of over 65 years. Over the journey the school has continue to grow, prosper and change. The one thing that has not changed is the dedication and hard work of over 500 teachers, part time and casual relief teachers, and the teaching support staff who have gone about their duties in responding to student and family needs.  Together with parents they have shaped the school and made significant contributions to the students and their learning.

In 1957, the school was born in an area of a new estate which at the time had a high concentration of housing commission housing.  For the families of the day it was a new beginning – a new house, new streets, new friends and a new school.

The initial move to establish the school came from N.C.Lucy, MLA, in Febraury 1953. The school was suggested because of the rapid growth of the East Preston Housing Estate.  Initially the school site was to be in the vicinity of Chaleyer and Eisenhower Sts to the north of the present site in Laurel Street.  In 1955 five acres was bought from the Housing Commission Area and plans drawn up for a thirteen classroom school.  Delays followed until deputation from 1200 parents succeeded in having the school established at the cost of 40,000 pounds or $80,000.

In its beginning the school had to have students bused to Wales Street PS while the school was completed.
The continued influx of families from Camp Pell led to further room additions in 1958, 1959 and 1960.  By the mid 1960’s the school had 31 classrooms and was the largest school in the state with over 1200 students.  More land was required and the site across the road was purchased. Classes were over 40 and many portables were scattered over the grounds.  Playtime meant students had to be walked across the road and supervised.

Over the previous 65 years the school community has changed. Preston North East Primary School is now a vibrant reflection of multicultural Melbourne. Our student  population reflections the various waves of immigration in the area – from Italy, Vietnam and more recently Somalia and Saudi Arabia.

As Preston East continues to change, through gentrification, housing development and immigration, our school’s continued vision to provide a high quality of education for our students remains at the centre of all we do.