Leadership

Last week we confirmed that we have received enough enrolments to offer the Steiner stream for prep in 2026. We are pleased to welcome these families to the school community next year.

However, 2026 will be the last year we offer prep enrolment for the Steiner program. Operating the two streams within the school has posed a number of challenges and we have made the difficult decision to phase the program out from 2027. These challenges were supported by findings from an independent review of our school recently completed as part of the Department of Education Intensive School Support (ISS) initiative.

Please be assured that this change does not affect any of our existing enrolments in the Steiner stream. All current students, and those enrolled in the prep program in 2026, will be able to continue their Steiner program at the school until the end of their primary school years, based on current student numbers at each year level. 

Our focus will now shift to strengthening a cohesive curriculum that benefits all students. By using our resources more effectively, we can better support teaching and learning across the school. This includes focusing on the delivery of a high-quality reading program and staying closely aligned with the updated Victorian Teaching and Learning Model. Thornbury Primary School will meet the requirements of Victoria’s approach to teaching reading for all classes.  This includes providing a minimum of 25 minutes of daily explicit teaching of phonics and phonemic awareness and a quality, evidence-based reading program as part of a structured literacy approach.

We understand this may be difficult news, especially for families currently in the Steiner stream. Please know we are here to support you through this transition, and we’re committed to working with you to explore options — including the possibility of joining our mainstream program — to ensure the best outcome for your child.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me via the school’s front office if you have any questions or concerns.