Principals' Message 

Hello Parents and Friends,

Taking a moment to reflect on what we have achieved

We often get so busy with what we do that we don’t take the time to celebrate and reflect on what we have achieved.  We often do this at Templestowe Park PS as we are always looking ahead and constantly try to improve our programs for our students.  This week we received the 2025 School Performance Report and TPPS was placed in the highest performance group possible.  This is no mean feat and has come with a great deal of hard work by our students, staff and community.  We should be so proud of this achievement. 

Our focus on academic achievement in 2025 has been unprecedented.  The school has completely changed the way we teach based on the new Victorian Teaching and Learning Model 2.0 and the Science of Learning. To make this change happen, the school has released our two Learning Specialists, Mr Oli Konakoff and Mrs Irene Lucas, from classroom teaching duties four days a week to design cutting-edge research-based lessons for our teachers and students.  This was an investment of  hundreds of thousands of dollars. We did this so our students have access to world class teaching and learning methods.  Literally thousands of hours of research and curriculum design go into the daily lessons that our students undertake every day.  Mr Konakoff and Mrs Lucas aim to complete the design of two Literacy lessons per day. No other school in Victoria or even Australia is investing this time, money and expertise into curriculum design. Our entire staff are working tirelessly to improve student learning and create academic rigour so all of our students can achieve their best. 

It has now become a yearly routine for Templestowe Park to be named as a state champion in a multitude of events. A high number of schools have not achieved a state championship in anything during their existence. To name just a few, in 2025 we have achieved 3 state winners in the MTQ, in 2024 we were state champions in senior basketball, in 2022 and 2023 Templestowe Park were named Financial Literacy in Practice (FLIP) state champions.  To consistently be the best in Victoria across many fields is a truly exceptional achievement.  To learn more about our achievements please click here.

For those who attended our school production of Finding Nemo Jnr last term, you witnessed a wonderful celebration of our Arts program.  We have lost count of the number of people that have spoken to us about how blown away they were with the whole production.  Our students rose to the occasion and absolutely loved the opportunity to perform. 

We have a fantastic school, staff, student body and community.  This is something we should all celebrate and be proud of.  Templestowe Park PS is an exceptional school. 

Student Free Day – Monday 3 November Cup Eve 

Monday 3 November will be a student free day as all staff will be undertaking assessment and reporting duties. As part of the 2022 Victorian Government Schools Agreement, teachers must be provided with a student free day for student reporting purposes.  

TeamKids will provide a full day service for any family needing supervision. To contact and make bookings for TeamKids please click on the link below. 

 https://www.templestoweparkps.vic.edu.au/page/33/Out-of-School-Hours-Care

World Teachers Day – Thank you!

Today we celebrated World Teachers Day.  We have all had a teacher in our lives that has had a profound impact on us.  It is such an important profession and integral in making a harmonious and productive society. We are all grateful for the teachers we have had, and the teachers that make  Templestowe Park such a special place. 

As the Principal Class Team, we take off our hats to all our staff. We are indeed very fortunate to work with such caring, dedicated and knowledgeable teachers, who are only too happy to go that ‘extra mile’ to support our students. We see this each day in the way our teachers make a difference for every individual, supporting them to be their best and do their best.

If you have an opportunity today, please take the time to thank our teachers and our amazing staff.

Changes To Digital Device Use 

From 2027, the Victorian Government is introducing changes to the use of digital devices for students from Prep to Grade 6. 

Under the new guidelines, schools:

• will no longer invite families to purchase or bring their own digital devices to use at school for Prep to Grade 6

• will follow new recommended digital device times, including minimal device time for Prep to Grade 2; and a maximum of 90 minutes per day for Grades 3 to 6.

This means at Templestowe Park PS, we will be ceasing our BYOD program for Grade 4 from 2027 on. 

Our current Grade 4 and 5 students will continue with our BYOD program until the completion of their Grade 6. 

The school is yet to plan how we supply digital devices to all students when they are required.  This includes during NAPLAN assessments for Grade 3 and 5. We will endeavour to pursue revenue sources and investigate infrastructure requirements to support this change.  We will keep families updated on our plans through the newsletter and other communication streams. 

 You can read more about the changes on the department’s website: Digital Learning: Policy.

Social Media Safety and Social Media Age Restrictions from December 10 

Recently we have had some issues with student use of social media in the upper primary area.  As you would all be aware, from the 10 December, children under the age of 16 will be unable to create or keep a social media account.  To learn more about the new social media age restriction please click here.

Parents and carers play an important role in supporting their children to be safe online and on social media. You can help your children safely navigate their digital world and educate them to avoid harmful online experiences. You can explore websites, games, apps and social media together and set some rules and boundaries. 

Your support and guidance can give your children the knowledge to make sound decisions online and confidence to ask for help when they need it. It is also important to stay informed about online safety.  

The Department of Education recognises this important issue and has developed fact sheets about supports to help keep students safe online and what to do if they are involved in an online incident. 

The fact sheets contain links to evidence-based information on supporting positive and safe online experiences, signs a child or young person might need support, what to do if something unsafe happens online, and where to reach out for more support.  

To access the Safe Socials – For parents and carers website please click here.

PFA Colour Fun Run - Friday 21 November

Our PFA Colour Explosion Fun Run will take place on Friday 21st of November.  The Fun Run will commence at 2:00pm and will take place on the back oval. 

The PFA have once again decided not to make this event a fundraiser.  The cost for each student will be $8 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. A couple of important clothing requirements are outlined below. 

• All students are required to bring a pair of sunglasses from home to wear during the event. 
• As the students will be sprayed with water, some students may wish to wear a singlet or crop top underneath their T-shirt. 

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 on Monday 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. 

Are you Leaving Templestowe Park in 2026?

We ask that you let us know if you are considering moving or have enrolled at another school in 2026.  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 2026, please notify the school office by emailing to:- templestowe.park.ps@education.vic.gov.au

2026 Grade Prep Transition 

Our 2026 Prep Orientation sessions commenced yesterday and the new students had a wonderful session. I am pleased to announce that Mrs Marnee Tobin, Mrs Julie Foudoulis, Ms Alex Michael and Mrs Sarah Groth will be the Prep teachers for 2026.  Sarah will once again work in Prep T and Prep F one day a week. 

The remaining Orientation sessions are as follows: 

Thursday, 6 November: 2.00 – 3.00pm

Thursday, 13 November: 2.00 – 3.00pm

Thursday, 27 November: 9.15 – 10.30am (final Prep orientation session)

Hats in Term 4 

I remind all families that school hats are compulsory in Term 4.  The Grade 1-6 school slouch and legionnaire hats can be purchased  from PSW online or in-store. 

Our Grade Prep and Grade 1-6 legionnaires hats can be purchased from the onsite uniform shop.

Please see all uniform information at the link below. 

https://www.templestoweparkps.vic.edu.au/page/34/School-Uniform

Principals' Award 

We were so pleased to present The Principals’ Award to Charlie W today at our assembly. Charlie consistently demonstrates all of our school values every single day.  He always challenges himself and can always be found doing the right thing. Charlie is a kind and caring friend who is quick to help others when he sees them struggling.  He knows when to ask for help and is always striving to improve and be his best. While he may be quiet in the classroom, his hard work, dedication and positive attitude never go unnoticed. All of Charlie’s specialist teachers have also commented on the fantastic job he does in their classes. 

We are so proud of you, Charlie!

Have a fantastic long weekend!  See you next Wednesday. 

Mark Roberts                       Brian Cleary                                       Robyn Twyford                                    

PRINCIPAL                           ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL                  ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL