Acting Principal's Message

The school weeks are flying past, and staff are organising end of term celebrations, 3 camps, a big day out many sporting events, an afternoon Soiree, Wellbeing Open afternoon, the annual Toorak’s Got Talent, a student disco, graduation and many more events. Term 4 will be a fun filled term with the strong emphasis on educational outcomes along with the celebrations of the term.

New Staff

We recently welcomed Mary Lacson Mosaquera (Gr 1B teacher for 2 days), Rosie Robinson returning from maternity leave and undertaking the Tutor Learning program lead, and Loui and Jacquie to the team of Education Support staff members due to successful applications for students under the Disability Inclusion process. You will see Louie and Jacquie across the school supporting students and staff or even attending camps.

Student Leadership 2023 

Our Year 5 team are currently working on the selection process for our 2024 Student Leadership positions. We are encouraging all Year 5 students to apply for these positions of responsibility. In 2024 we are looking for students who 

• display a wish to represent our school as a leader,
• follow the Toorak’s School Code of Behaviour,
• are an excellent role model for all students,
• show respect to all members of the school community,
• who wear the school uniform correctly to school and school functions,
• exhibit a range of leadership characteristics, and 
• live and uphold our school values. 

We wish the Year 5 students all the best with their applications, and I look forward to interviewing our future school leaders. 

Camping Program Term 4 

Over the coming months we have several exciting camps planned and we know for many this will be their first camping experience. Some students will be so excited they can’t wait, and others will be quite anxious about going away for two nights. Many, many students express that camps are one of the best experiences of the school year, so we hope all children will participate. 

All our camps are reasonably local with Camp Rumbug being the furthest away (2 hour drive). If your child is anxious, here are the dates to prepare them: 

• Year 5 – Lord Somers 24th October 
• Year 4 Camp Rumbug – Wednesday 6th to Friday 8th December 
• Year 3 – Ace Hi Ranch – Monday 4th to Wed the 6th December 

Anxiety, particularly about camp, is a common and natural part of life. Everyone feels anxious sometimes. Learning to manage anxiety is an important life skill, which you can help your child learn. Click here for some ideas from the Raising Children Network 

Transition 2023

As we have begun work on class structures, for next year, it is imperative that we know of any changes to our student enrolments. If you know of someone in our community considering enrolling for 2024, encourage them to let us know or to make an appointment as soon as possible. 

Thank-you to the families that have notified us that they will not be attending TPS in 2024.  If you have a child in Foundation to Year 5 who will not be attending TPS in 2024, could you please let the school office or class teacher know ASAP, as this will assist with planning for next year.

Allocation of 2024 Classes

When developing individual classes each year, teachers consider several factors including academic ability, social competencies, gender, students who work well together, those who may not work well together and friendship groupings. Whist the students are consulted about appropriate learning partners, these are only some of the criteria considered because building new relationships is also part of our education process and an important skill for students to develop. 

The placement of students is a complex process where teachers put great thought into their planning. They discuss, reflect, and review their decisions over a period of times. Please note that students will be introduced to their 2024 teacher at the whole school transition day on Tuesday 12th December.

World Teachers’ Day 

Join with us to celebrate the amazing jobs teachers do every day. Australia will celebrate the teaching profession on World Teachers’ Day on Friday 27 October 2023. Let’s celebrate Australia’s teachers for their skilled work in educating, inspiring and supporting our students. It would also be a very nice gesture if the students gave the teachers a note or message to celebrate this day.

Please review our dates further in the newsletter so that you can see our future key events. 

Kind regards,

Sharon Wildermuth

Acting Principal