Templestowe Park Primary School Newsletter

Principals' Message 

Hello parents and friends,

 

It is great to be back at TPPS after my term away. My family and I had an absolutely amazing time travelling through Central Australia and down the East Coast.  It was the very first time that we had visited the Northern Territory and we were totally blown away by the culture, history and beauty of this part of Australia.  It was a privilege to visit places that the Aboriginal people have occupied for at least 65,000 years.  We all felt so grateful for this experience.  I have to admit, it has been a little difficult returning to work and school for my children.  However, this experience will live with us forever and we are busily making plans for the next Roberts family adventure.  I have provided some happy snaps from our trip below. 

 

 

TPPS has been a hive of excitement in the first two weeks of Term 4.  Our Grade 4 students participated in the Bike Ed program and have been learning how to ride their bikes safely and follow the road rules.  This education is invaluable for our students and I am so proud that we offer this important program.  Make sure you see the Learning @ TPPS section for more news.  Our Grade 1 students attended their Movie Night yesterday and had wonderful time.  Our talented basketballers have participated in Hoop Time and Regional tournaments and have been extremely successful.  Next week, our Grade 3 and 4 students will go on their respective camps. We wish them the very best and we know they will have a wonderful time.  A huge thank you to all the staff and parents who are attending these events.  We are so grateful for your commitment and generosity. 

 

2023 Victorian Education Excellence Awards – Templestowe Park PS named as a Finalist! 

We are extremely excited to announce that TPPS have been named as a finalist in the 2023 Victorian Education Excellence Awards in the category of Outstanding Provision for High-Ability Students – Primary. The Outstanding Provision for High-Ability Students award recognises exceptional teams within Victorian government schools that have demonstrated excellence in provision for high-ability students, supporting their learning and wellbeing and helping them thrive now and into the future. 

 

This means we have been judged one of the top 4 schools in Victoria in this category!  This is a fantastic endorsement of whole school learning programs, and the provisions we make for our high-ability students. 

 

A huge congratulations and thank you to all staff, students and the community.  This could not be achieved without the outstanding work of everyone at TPPS. Please see the link below for further information about the Awards and our nomination. 

 

https://www.vic.gov.au/victorian-education-excellence-awards-finalists

 

We are so pleased with this achievement.  After winning the inaugural Financial Literacy in Practice Challenge (FLIP) Most Outstanding School and Class in Victoria in 2022, achieving the best results for any schools in the Maths Association of Victoria Maths Talent Quest (MTQ) over the last two years, and now this nomination, it is clearly evident we are State leaders in developing challenging and engaging learning opportunities for our students. 

 

We will be heading to the Awards Ceremony on Friday 27th of October.  We will inform you all of the results immediately after this time. 

 

Great work TPPS!

 

Middle East Conflict  

Many in our school community are affected by the devastating events in the Middle East.  All of us are upset and disturbed by the awful events depicted in media footage and images.

 

This time is particularly distressing for staff, students, families and carers who have family and friends in Israel and Gaza. 

 

We are also aware that students of diverse backgrounds, including Jewish and Muslim students, may be significantly affected by public events, mainstream media coverage and social media at this time.

 

Please be assured that all staff are aware of the extreme emotional toll on many in our community at this time. But please also feel free to get in contact with any of the staff at our school if you would like to ensure we are aware of what your child is going through at this time.

  

We also want to assure you that the department is monitoring the situation from a school security perspective, and have advised there is no further action we need to take at this stage.

 

You may find some aspects of this resource helpful: 

 Support is also available through external services including:

 Our doors are always open and I am sure we will all look to support one another in this very difficult time.

 

New Grade 1/2 Playground - Opening soon 

Our brand new Grade 1/2 playground is fully installed and we are now just awaiting the laying of the rubber surface.  This was meant to happen over the school holidays but unfortunately was not able to be completed. We are hoping that the surface will be completed over the next couple of weeks so our students can enjoy the brand new playground for the majority of this term.  

 

We apologise for the delay and we have expressed our disappointment with the playground company. 

 

Three Prep Classes in 2024

In 2024 we will have three Prep classes instead of our usual four. This is a trend that we may see over the coming years as the demographics of our zone and the surrounding areas change.  It is interesting to know that Templestowe Park PS is the largest it has ever been. We currently have 600 students and we are at our school capacity. We have been at or close to capacity for the last three years. 

 

Out of our current 600 students, approximately 65% reside outside our school zone.  There are a couple of reasons for this.  Firstly, our school catchment zone is very small; with Westerfolds Park and large acre properties being major features.  Secondly, it indicates that we are a highly sought after school and families are willing to travel to attend Templestowe Park.  This is a fantastic endorsement for our school programs, facilities and community. Due to this popularity, the Department of Education has placed the school on an Enrolment Management Plan (EMP) and limits the total enrolments we can accept. 

 

Over the coming years we may see smaller cohorts come into Prep as the number of Prep students entering school within our zone reduces due to changing demography, and families from further afield decide to attend their zoned primary school. As a school, we are aware of this and we are very comfortable with maintaining our current size or slightly reducing our student numbers away from our capacity. 

 

Transition and Grade Prep Teachers for 2024

Our 2024 Prep Orientation sessions are set to commence on Thursday, 26th October and we are all very excited to welcome our newest students.  The future Preps will participate in four different transition sessions with the teachers.  These sessions will allow the children and their parents to familiarise themselves with our school and to begin forming some friendships before next year. 

The Orientation sessions are as follows: 

  • Thursday, 26 October: 2.00 – 3.00pm
  • Thursday, 2 November: 2.00 – 3.00pm
  • Thursday, 9 November: 2.00 – 3.00pm
  • Thursday, 23 November: 9.15 – 10.30am (final Prep orientation session)

We are excited to announce our 2024 Prep teaching team:

  • Mrs Julie Foudoulis and Mrs Marnee Tobin (Grade share) 
  • Mrs Emma White
  • Ms Alice Kirby

With all three Prep teachers continuing in this level in 2024, we could not be happier with the consistency that this will bring.

 

Principals' Award

At today's assembly Melody V in 6K was presented with the Principals' Award. Melody LOVES reading and has read most of the books in our school library.  Knowing the books so well, she can listen to what other students like and help them select books that will be of interest to them.

 

Melody always greets students, teachers and visitors with a big smile and asks people how they are. In Grade 4 and 5 she even conducted her own parent teacher interviews! Her writing has been featured in multiple Writers' Festivals and she always gives meaningful feedback to her peers.

 

When it comes to sport, she is as competitive as Mrs Twyford and will never give up!

 

Melody has been a pleasure to teach throughout primary school and is a brilliant role model.  Congratulations, Melody! We are so proud of you. 

 

Stay ahead of COVID-19 

Over the last couple of weeks, we have been notified of some cases of COVID-19 in the school and community.  It is important that we continue to stay ahead of COVID-19 to protect ourselves and others in the community.  We encourage you to click here to access the Victorian Government website to learn more.  Importantly, If you test positive for COVID-19, you should isolate for at least 5 days or until you don't have any symptoms.

 

SCHOOL HATS IN TERM 4

All students are required to wear school hats from the commencement of Term 4. If you need to buy a new one, please visit the uniform shop. We are a SunSmart school and we have a ‘no hat no play’ policy.

 

Are you Leaving Templestowe Park in 2024?

We ask that you let us know if you are moving or have enrolled at another school in 2024.  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 2024, please notify the school office in writing as soon as possible. 

 

 

Mark Roberts                       Brian Cleary                                        Robyn Twyford 

PRINCIPAL                           ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL                  ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL