Principals' Message 

Hello parents and friends,

The tragedy that took place at Auburn South Primary School this week has touched us all.  A beautiful young life cut short by such a tragic incident.  The trauma and heart ache for the family, friends, students and school community is beyond comprehension.  I have contacted the Principal of Auburn south PS and offered the condolences from the Templestowe Park community.  I have also offered any support that is required. 

At this time, it is important to reflect on how we can hopefully prevent any tragedies like this to happen again.  Protecting our children is the most important responsibility for us all.  As discussed on many occasions, ensuring that we follow all road rules and parking restrictions around school is the most important thing we can do to protect our children. 

Our heartfelt sympathy remains with everyone at Auburn South PS and with Jack’s family and friends at this very sad time.

Take care and stay safe over the extended long weekend.  School will recommence for all students on Wednesday 6th of November. 

PFA Colour Fun Run! 

As published on Compass today, the PFA Colour Explosion Fun Run will take place on Friday 15th of November.  The Fun Run will commence at 2:00pm and will take place on the back oval. 

The PFA have decided not to make the 2025 event a fundraiser.  The cost for each student will be $6 And this money will be used to purchase the colour powder and other equipment required for the day. 

Students will need to wear old clothing for the day (not their school uniform).  For full effect of colour students should wear an old white T-shirt or purchase a cheap white T-shirt for the event.  Plain white T-shirts can be purchased at Kmart for $4.00.  All students are required to bring a pair of sunglasses from home to wear during the event. 

Holi Colour Powder will be used for the run.  These powders are non-toxic, non-flammable, environmentally friendly and skin safe and are made of 98% corn starch and 2% permitted colours.

Please see Compass to provide consent and payment for your child to participate in our colour explosion Fun Run and for further information.  We can’t wait for the event! Our students are going to have an amazing time. 

2025 Prep Teachers and Transition 

We have made the decision to have four Prep classes in 2025 after some late enrolments coming in over the past few weeks. 

I am happy to announce the following 2025 Prep teachers:

• Mrs Marnee Tobin
• Mrs Julie Foudoulis
• Ms Alice Kirby
• Ms Alex Michael 
• Mrs Sarah Groth

Mrs Tobin and Mrs Foudoulis will work four days a week and Mrs Groth will replace each teacher on the day they are not present at school.  Ms Michael will commence her teaching career at TPPS and completing her teaching rounds this year in Prep W, and Ms Kirby will continue in Prep after being a Prep teacher for the last two years. 

Our first 2025 Prep Orientation session took place today and we had a fantastic time with our newest students. The 2025 Preps spent the session with the 2025 Prep teachers and new classmates.  Our Prep parents also had their first transition program where we discussed the transition program.

Future Orientation sessions are as follows: 

• Thursday, 7 November: 2.00 – 3.00pm
• Thursday, 14 November: 2.00 – 3.00pm
• Thursday, 28 November: 9.15 – 10.30am (final Prep orientation session)

2024 ICAS Results 

In Term 3, several students from years 4 to 6 were involved in the University of NSW ICAS tests.  These students completed online assessments in English, Writing and Mathematics.

Each student who completes a multiple-choice test, receives feedback on their performance including an award level.  These are High Distinction (top 1% of all participants involved), Distinction (the next 10% of participants), Credit (the next 25% of participants), Merit (the next 10% of participants) and Participation (for all remaining participants).

Sincere congratulations to all students who were involved.  One of the signs of a successful learner is to take risks.  Volunteering to be in an exam situation at such a young age is a fine example of ‘having a go’ and taking a risk.  Well done to all.

Overall, TPPS performed very well. Special congratulations to the students below who were awarded either a High Distinction (top 1%) or a Distinction (top 10%) out of the thousands of participants all over the country.

English

High Distinction: Grade 4: Elsa B.

Distinction: Grade 4: Lucas T.  Grade 5: Zain P.  Grade 6: Leena B 

Credit: Grade 4: Charles C, Noah G, Leona L.  Grade 5: Chloe A, Anmol B, Xavier O.   Grade 6: Maksim A, Hailie L, Campbell W.

Merit: Grade 4. Sarina M. Grade 6. Lulu A

Mathematics

Distinction: Grade 4: Asher D, Lucas T.  Grade 5: Zain P.  

Credit: Grade 4: Elsa B, Charles C, Dominic F, Dilhan Y, Elric S, Logan W.  Grade 5: Isabella H, Bryan X, Chloe A, Xavier O, Anmol B, Mahit D, Rayan E.   Grade 6: Austin D, Maxim A, Leena B.

Merit: Grade 4: Eliza P, Joseph C, Leona L. Grade 6: Jenson C, Cyrus L.

Writing 

Distinction: Grade 4: Leona L, Elsa B, Lucas T.  Grade 5: Anmol B.  Grade 6: Lulu A, Leena B, Campbell W.

Credit: Grade 4: Sarina M.  Grade 5: Chloe A, Mahit D.  Grade 6: Cyrus L. 

Merit: Grade 4: Charles C, Noah G, Eliza P.  Grade 6: Marcus W.

Class Placement Forms for 2025 

As we move towards the end of the 2024 school year, over the next few weeks, staff will commence the process of creating grades for the 2025 school year.  Whilst this sounds like a straightforward task, creating grades is a complex process.  

What factors are considered when making grades?

The objective of making classes is to ensure they are as balanced as possible.  Factors teachers and principal staff consider are learning needs, behaviour, gender, learning and social networks, social and emotional maturity, class placements in previous years, opportunity for students to broaden their friendship groups and family situations (eg. twins, cousins, siblings).

Why has my child not been placed with one of their five nominated friends?

All children are placed with one of their five nominated friends.  While this question is often asked, when the handwritten forms of the students are checked it proves that a mistake was not made.  Quite often students forget who they selected or inform their parents they have not been placed with at least one friend when in fact they have.  

Can I request a particular teacher for my child either in writing or through discussion with my child’s present teacher? 

No, this is not part of the class placement process. 

Can I provide information to support the informed placement of my child? 

Yes, parents will be able to provide information that is not known by the school in an online form. 

Why haven’t my requests been approved? 

All family requests are seriously considered and recorded. At times, family requests can be conflicting (to another family’s request, to the student’s requests, or from the professional opinion of the teacher). 

Do teachers request certain student placements into their classes? 

No, teachers are not assigned to a class until after the classes have been approved. Teachers focus on class balance to ensure a successful year for all students. 

When I get my child’s class placement, can I request that it be changed? 

The class placements are considered final. Changes are not made due to the fact they cause a chain reaction and impact on the class balance. We consider the learning and wellbeing of each individual during the placement process and families must realise their child is part of a complex equation in school placements. If the school has made an obvious error, a change may be made.

How can I help my child during this process? 

Families can help by supporting the informed decisions of the staff and ensuring all conversations with their children are positive and encouraging.  Hold a conversation with your child and discuss who would be suitable to list as 5 possible classmates in 2025.

Where it is considered that special circumstances may have a significant impact on a student’s educational, social or personal development, parents may wish to make a request regarding their student’s placement. To do this, the electronic 2025 Class Placement Form can now be accessed at the following address.  The personal information provided is treated confidentially and will only be viewed by the principal team.

https://forms.gle/FsRUsxiHyfppkUVa8   

This form is not to be used to request a particular teacher or for friendship groups.  Students will have an opportunity to nominate five friends and are guaranteed to be placed with at least one of them. 

Please complete the form (by clicking on the link above) by Friday, 18th November. Late responses cannot be accepted as the classroom placement process begins immediately after this date. 

The selection of classes is a long and considered process with many factors considered when making a decision. The submission of this form does not guarantee the request, however, the information contained will be considered.

Principals’ Award

At our assembly today, we were so pleased to present the Principals’ Award to Emerson E-S from 3B.  Emerson is a joyful and enthusiastic student who always engages in class discussions. She embraces challenges with a positive attitude and has thoroughly enjoyed participating in Hoop Time this year, helping her team advance to the State Championships. Emerson is a leader in our year level. This was particularly evident on Grade 3 camp, where she led by example and encouraged others to get involved and try new things. Emerson excels across all subjects, but what truly sets her apart is her kindness. She fosters inclusivity, making everyone feel like a best friend with her genuine warmth and welcoming spirit. We are incredibly fortunate to have her in Grade 3. 

Are you Leaving Templestowe Park in 2025?

We ask that you let us know if you are considering moving or have enrolled at another school in 2025.  We require this information as soon as possible in order to establish grade structures for the start of the new school year.

If your child is currently in Grades Prep to 5 and will not be at Templestowe Park in 2025, please notify the school office by emailing to:-  templestowe.park.ps@education.vic.gov.au

Have a wonderful weekend!

Mark Roberts                       Brian Cleary                                        Robyn Twyford 

PRINCIPAL                           ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL                  ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL