Dear Parents and Friends,

What a fantastic Term 1!

We would like to thank all students, staff and families for a wonderful Term 1. It is amazing how much we manage to fit into ten weeks, and we could not do it without the hard work of the entire TPPS community. We wish you all a very happy and safe Easter break. Take care, stay safe and we will see you back at school on Wednesday 26th April.

Vale Graydon Dobson

I am saddened to inform you that our close friend and school maintenance man, Graydon Dobson, passed away this week. Graydon had been unwell for a period of time.

Graydon was a part of the TPPS community for over 9 years. He was the kindest and most gentle man that you could ever meet. He was always there to listen, offer support and would continually go out of his way to help you with absolutely anything. We know that many of you have had friendly interactions with Graydon over the years and he was such a ray of sunshine at our school.

Graydon was an exceptionally talented person who could build anything. He was the architect and builder of award-winning Outdoor Eco Education Centre. Everything we have built as a school over the last 9 years has either been fully or partly constructed by Graydon.

Our condolences go out to Graydon’s family and friends. We will miss Graydon, and we are forever grateful for his friendship and the contribution he made to the TPPS community.

Farewell to Carly Paul

On Friday 28th April, Ms Carly Paul will complete her time at Templestowe Park PS and move onto new adventures. Carly has been a much-loved member of the TPPS teaching staff for 7 years. She is an exceptional teacher and contributed so much to the TPPS community. On behalf of the entire TPPS community we thank Carly for her work and wish the very best for her future endeavours.

Term 1 Progress Reports - Published today!

Our new Term 1 Progress Reports are now published to all parents on Compass. Term 1 Progress Reports are simple, easy to read reports that will provide feedback to parents regarding their child’s behaviour, punctuality and effort shown in Literacy and Numeracy during Term 1. They will clearly give the reader an understanding of how students have settled in and the effort they have shown.

The introduction of Progress Reports will not only give families access to information a lot earlier but will also help students / teachers / parents set goals regarding behaviour and effort earlier in the school year.

Student Free Days

This is a reminder that Monday 24th of April (Day before ANZAC Day) is a student free day. Our teachers will be planning the Term 2 curriculum as part of their Professional Practice Day (PPD). Please see additional student free days below.

Semester 1 Professional Practice Day: Monday 24th April (first day of Term 2) – Planning Day
Curriculum Day 2: Monday 22nd May – Professional Learning on improving vocabulary in writing
Semester 2 Professional Practice Day: Monday 6th November (Cup Eve) – Report writing day

Please note – in 2023, all Victorian Schools are provided 4 student free days and two Professional Practice Days for professional learning, planning, report writing and administration.

ANZAC Day Commemoration Assembly – Friday 28th April at 2:40pm

We warmly welcome the TPPS community to our ANZAC Day Commemoration Assembly on the first Friday back in Term 2. Our Grade 6 students will lead the assembly and Mrs Anne Somerville (Grade 6 teacher) will play the Last Post. We do hope that you can all make it and commemorate the sacrifices that brave Australians made for the freedoms we enjoy today.

Opening of First Steps Early Learning Journey (ELJ)

On Tuesday our school captains, Zoe and Isaac, and Mark Roberts had the pleasure of attending the opening of the new First Steps ELJ. Our student leaders were in attendance with the Federal Member for Menzies - Mr Keith Wolahan MP, State Member for Bulleen Mr Matthew Guy and the Cr Michelle Kleinert from the Manningham Council. It was fantastic for our student leaders to represent our school with the leaders from the three levels of government.

We look forward to building a strong relationship with First Steps ELJ as we do with all the local childcare and kinders within our area.

Arrival at school – Students can arrive from 8:30am

This is a reminder to all parents that students cannot arrive to school before 8:30am. Yard duty teachers commence supervision at 8:30am. If your child arrives earlier than this, they are not supervised, and the school can take no responsibility for their safety or wellbeing.

Parents are welcome to supervise their child before 8:30am at school. Students can also attend basketball training before this time if it has been organised and there is parental supervision. Thank you for your support with this important child safety issue.

School Council 2023 Annual General Meeting

The School Council AGM was held last week; we are pleased to announce the following office bearers.

President – Ben White
Vice President – Shalina Navaratnam
Treasurer – Amy Gunzburg

After the AGM we had the first meeting of the 2023 Council. We looked at the year ahead noting that there is plenty in store for the Templestowe Park community in 2023. We will keep you updated through the year in the Newsletter, on Compass and with Coffee & Chats.

"Tricky Talks Interrelate Relationships Family Evening - keep the date free!

For many years, TPPS have used the organisation ‘Interrelate’, a not-for-profit provider of relationship services that specialise in supporting parents and children, to help us deliver relationship and sexuality programs. The programs empower families to build and navigate strong, resilient and healthy relationships, from primary school through to adulthood. TPPS hosts an ‘in class’ Interrelate program biannually for our Grade 5 and 6 students which will occur later in the month (a separate Compass event will be posted). In addition to our ‘in class’ learning, this year, we are also hosting the ‘Tricky Talks’ programs for TPPS families online on the evening of Tuesday 2nd May (Tm 2 Wk 2).

‘Tricky Talks’ offers two sessions for families to participate in together in the comfort and privacy of their own home. It is intended for children and parents to sit together at home and continue the conversation at the conclusion of the session (students in Grades 3-6). Sessions are intended to promote an open and supportive environment for you to discuss relationships with your child. The family evening complements, but does not replace, what is delivered in the Grade 5&6 'at school' program. Each session runs for 60 minutes, with a 15-minute break in between. The programs on offer are as follows:

Session 1 - Where did I come from?

Audience: Grade 3&4 students and their parents/carers

Program objectives and focus:

To help children aged 8-10 years gain an understanding of the structure and functions of the reproductive system in males and females.
To provide information on conception (describing sexual intercourse, associated with love in the context of a caring relationship), foetal development, twin explanation and birth of a baby.
Personal safety and protective behaviours.
To provide opportunities for parents and children to discuss various aspects of reproduction in an informal way.
To reinforce the role of parents as a source of information on matters pertaining to sexuality and reproduction.

Note: Older students are encouraged to attend if they have not previously seen this program.

Session 2 – Preparing for Puberty

Audience: Grade 5&6 students and their parents/carers

Program objectives and focus:

To provide information on puberty for 10-13 year olds, in relation to the physical changes and emotional changes (in particular, helping them feel comfortable about their bodies and its functions; preparing them for the changes during puberty and dispelling the myths; and providing accurate, understandable information).
To help young people feel okay about being different and that the physical changes can be at a different rate for everyone.
To develop students’ understanding of periods and sperm production, as well as the physical, emotional, social and intellectual changes associated with puberty for both boys and girls.
Enhance awareness of children’s personal safety and protective behaviours.
To confirm their individuality and promote self-esteem.
To facilitate communication between parents and their children and encourage young people to take their questions, problems and concerns to their parents.

Note: Younger students are welcome to attend at the discretion of their parents/carers.

Families may choose to participate in one or both of the 'Tricky Talks'programs for a cost of $37.95 per family (set price, regardless of whether you choose one or both programs). All bookings will be made directly with Interrelate and a link to log in will be distributed upon booking. A member of the Principal class team will be present online during both sessions. We hope that these programs give our families the opportunity to create an open line of communication between parents and their children, led by highly skilled educators. If you would like further information about Interrelate including their history, please visit their website: https://www.interrelate.org.au/

In the meantime, keep your eyes open for the booking link that will be posted to you when we receive it from Interrelate.

Prep 2024 Parent Information Evening

Wednesday, 26th April 7:00 – 8:00pm

We invite all parents of Prep 2024 students to attend our parent information evening on the 26th April. At this session we will discuss the important skills that children need to be ready to begin school successfully and why Templestowe Park is such a great school in which to learn.

To express your interest in attending the session please contact Katie or Brenda in the school office.

2024 Prep Enrolments

As outlined in our last newsletter, The Department of Education has introduced a new Prep enrolment timeline for 2024. Within this process, Victorian government primary schools are unable to receive enrolment applications for Prep 2024 until Term 2.

The state-wide timeline for Prep 2024 is as follows:

Enrolment applications open for Prep 2024 government primary schools on Monday 24 April 2023 (First day of Term 2).
Submit an enrolment application for Prep by Friday 28 July 2023.
You will be notified of the outcome of your application by Friday 11 August 2023. If you receive an offer of placement, you should accept the offer by Friday 25 August 2023.

We are currently accepting expressions of interest from prospective parents from within or outside of our zone for Prep 2024. This will inform the school of any interest of attending Templestowe Park, allow us to keep families updated with important information, provide notice of our pre-Prep activities at the school and allow us to send an enrolment form when applications open in Term 2.

Please click on the link below to complete the EOI for Prep at Templestowe Park PS in 2024.

https://forms.gle/R8VDUzuthcmtAa458

Principals' Award - Congratulations to Archer B!

At today’s assembly we handed out our Principals’ Award to Archer B in 4D. Archer has made an excellent start to the school year. Consistently showing the school values in the classroom and playground.

Archer starts the day with a smile on his face and warmly greets his classmates and teachers. He always listens attentively during discussions and carefully follows instructions given. He participates willingly by asking thoughtful questions and sharing his ideas with the class, his partner or small group. Archer is happy working with all students and ensures that everyone is included by giving them all a chance to share their thoughts and have their turn. In the classroom, he consistently works to the best of his ability and responds positively to feedback by trying to challenge his own learning and improve all the time.

Archer continually works with others in a respectful manner and supports his peers with his kind and friendly manner. He shows integrity and responsibility, as he is always striving to meet the teachers’ expectations and gently supports his peers to do the same. This behaviour shows great leadership skills as he kindly helps and supports others in the classroom and playground.

Well done, Archer! We are so proud of you.

Take care and have a Happy Easter!

Mark Roberts Brian Cleary Robyn Twyford

PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

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