Acting Principal's Message

Dear Parents and Carers, 

I’m very pleased to share that through the incredible efforts of our school community, nearly $10,000 has been raised from recent events, including the Mother’s Day luncheon and stall, the Election Day BBQ, and fundraising initiatives led by our Grade 6 Graduation team. This is a fantastic achievement, and we are so grateful for the generous contributions of time, energy, and donations from our dedicated parents, carers, staff, and students. These events not only raised valuable funds but also brought our community together in a truly meaningful way.

One exciting project that will be supported by these funds is an initiative led by our Junior School Council. Through our commitment to student voice, the JSC has identified a need for a Friendship Bench—a special space in the school yard where students can go during recess or lunch if they’re feeling lonely or unsure who to play with. It’s a simple but powerful idea to help promote kindness, connection, and inclusion across our school. We look forward to working with the JSC and our community to bring this project to life.

Reconciliation Week

This week, we are proud to recognise National Reconciliation Week—a very important time across Australia when we reflect on our shared history and commit to building stronger relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians.

Reconciliation Week is not just about the past—it's also about how we move forward together with respect, understanding, and kindness. It reminds us that we all have a role to play in creating a future that is fair, inclusive, and united.

Here at our school, we can show our commitment to reconciliation in many ways. We can learn about and honour the rich cultures, languages, and histories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We can listen with open minds, speak up against unfairness, and treat everyone with respect, both inside and outside the classroom.

Creating a fair and inclusive TPS starts with small actions: including others, learning from each other, being proud of diversity, and showing kindness every day. When we work together and support one another, we help build a school community where everyone feels safe, valued, and respected. Let’s use this week to reflect on what reconciliation means and how we can all contribute—because every one of us can make a difference.

Parent Payment

We sincerely thank the families who have already made their parent payment contributions for 2025—your support is greatly appreciated.  It is through parent payments that the school can provide the high-quality facilities, outstanding teaching and learning programs, first aid personnel, wellbeing initiatives, and state-of-the-art equipment for our students and staff.  If you haven’t yet had the chance, we encourage you to do so via Compass or by contacting our Administration Office. Contributions can be made in full or through instalments, offering flexibility to suit your needs. A friendly reminder that donations to the Building and Library Funds made before 30 June are tax-deductible.

A big welcome to Taya

We welcome Taya to our school who joins our wonderful administration team, whilst Toni, our business manager, is on leave.  Taya brings with her a warm, friendly approach that has already made a positive impression on staff, students, and families alike. Her commitment to supporting students, staff, and our school community aligns beautifully with our school values, and we are confident that they will be a wonderful addition to our front office.

Please join us in giving Taya a very warm welcome to Toorak Primary School! Be sure to say hello next time you're in the office.

Student Reports

Our staff have begun the comprehensive process of preparing Semester One student progress reports. This involves conducting a range of important assessments and collaborating with colleagues to moderate student work across key learning areas. These reports will provide families with a clear picture of student progress and achievement. Reports will be released via Compass in the final week of this term, with parent-teacher interviews scheduled for early Term 3 to discuss each child’s learning journey in more detail.

Increasing levels of sickness in the school community

The school is seeing increased levels of illness with many students being absent over the last few weeks along with our staff. Currently, there are several students being sent home who have attended school while unwell, these continue to impact student and staff attendance.

We ask parents to consider carefully before sending students to school in the morning, if they are unwell. 

The school continues to encourage staff and students to:

• wash and sanitise their hands regularly.

• wear a mask, if needed.

• avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

• cover their nose and mouth when they cough or sneeze.

• use air purifiers.

• maximise external ventilation.

• stay home if unwell and consult their GP. 

We thank-you in advance with supporting the school with this.

Kind regards,

Sharon Wildermuth - Acting Principal

Principal-selection update from the School Council President

As Ms. Sharon Wildermuth has mentioned in a previous newsletter, our Senior Education Improvement Leader (SEIL) from the Department of Education has now begun the formal recruitment process for our new principal with us.

Advertising has opened, and interviews will follow after applications close. Once the Department confirms the appointment, we will introduce the successful candidate to the school community. For anyone interested in the technical details, the Department’s full guidelines are available at education.vic.gov.au/pal/principal-selection/

Thank you for supporting a process that is rigorous, fair, and confidential, and most importantly, in the best interest of our amazing school.

Regards

David Clark 

School Council President