When do I need to enrol my child?

We request that enrolments are submitted by the end of August in the year before your child starts school. We strongly recommend that parents submit their child's enrolment form as early as possible. This will also ensure you are aware of the Transition program dates throughout Terms 2 - 4 and will ensure any friendship or educational requests for your child are able to be taken into consideration.


How do I enrol?

Enrolment information and forms are available here.


What are the break times throughout the day?

Bell Times Activity

8:50am – 9:00am First Bell to prepare for class

9:00am – 11:00am Class time

11:00 am – 11:30am Recess

11:30am – 1:15pm Class time

1:15pm – 1:30pm Supervised lunch eating time

1:30pm – 2:30pm Lunch break

2:30pm to 3:30pm Class time

3:30pm Students dismissed


Is there an Orientation Program? What events will I be invited to attend at Templestowe Primary School once we enrol?

At TVPS we hold a number of very important events leading up the start of school. They include:

  • Flying Start Program - June

  • Parent Information Evening - Thursday 21st October 2021

  • Student and Parent Interview with Principal Alison Rees

  • Four (4) Prep Orientation Sessions – three (3) afternoon and one (1) morning

  • “Welcome to TVPS BBQ”

For some children commencing school can be an exciting, yet daunting experience. Throughout Term 4 we offer four (4) Prep Orientation sessions which allow children time to settle into their new environment, learn the routines and give staff and their peers time to get to know each other. It is recognised that each child has individual needs and it is important that families and teachers consult during this settling in time.

Obviously in this current climate of 2021, things might be a little bit different. Our Prep 2022 Orientation program will be run either on-site or virtually depending on the Department of Education guidelines. At the moment we are planning for both, and will keep parents informed as we get closer to November. Regardless of the method, we will endeavour to give your child the best possible start to their schooling. For this reason, it is important that the school has your most up to date contact information so we can be in touch about any change of plans.


What is taught at TVPS?

Learning at Templestowe Valley Primary School is based on the Victorian Curriculum. The Victorian Curriculum sets the learning expectations for students in Prep (Foundation) to Year 10 and incorporates the Australian Curriculum whilst reflecting Victorian priorities and standards. All Victorian Government schools are mandated to provide the learning outlined in the eight (8) Learning Areas of the Victorian Curriculum with students expected to achieve year level standards. For more information about learning in Prep (Foundation), please visit the Victorian Curriculum website for details on the structure and content.

https://victoriancurriculum.vcaa.vic.edu.au/foundationlevel

At Templestowe Valley PS we recognise that all students have special skills, abilities and aptitudes and all have an entitlement to access a broad, challenging and appropriate curriculum. Every student is also entitled to experience a variety of learning and teaching styles and the appropriate level of individual support which will enable them to achieve their full potential. TVPS aims, through successful learning and teaching, to develop the whole person and to enable our students to become lifelong learners. To support this, we provide weekly specialist lessons in the following subjects: Physical Education, Performing Arts, Visual Arts and Languages - Mandarin.


Will my child be using computers and technology to learn?

Absolutely. We have a strong emphasis on using technology to enhance your child’s learning. In our Prep classrooms, and across our year levels, our children use computers, i-Pads and digital technologies such as; cameras, robotics and digital art programs, all designed to engage them in current learning contexts.


What are the school's policies?

As a Victorian Government school, Templestowe Valley Primary School conforms to all Department of Education governance and operational policies. A number of the TVPS operational policy; particularly those relating to child safety, can be found on at school website https://www.tempvalprimary.vic.edu.au/policies-documents/.


How do you support students’ wellbeing? What is The Resilience Project (TRP)?

Your child’s mental health is as important as their physical health. At TVPS we strive to be a safe, supportive and inclusive community. We provide programs and opportunities to improve a student’s sense of belonging and their skills in understanding themselves and others, managing relationships and problem solving.

The Resilience Project is one of the key wellbeing programs at TVPS. The research is clear; the more positive emotion you experience, the more resilient you will be. For that reason we focus on three key pillars that have been proven to cultivate positive emotion; Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness (GEM). The TRP also has a strong focus on Connection, Purpose, Kindness, Emotional Literacy and Physical Health. All students from Prep thru Year 6 will participate in resilience activities on a weekly basis.


How can I help my child? Can I help in my child’s class?

Learning at Templestowe Valley is a partnership between a student, their family and our school. It can only be successful when all three parties work closely together for the benefit of the child. Please be actively involved in all aspects of your child’s education. E.g. Participate in school activities, join committees, read newsletters and notes, etc., but most importantly talk to your child’s teacher. A quick conversation or email is sometimes all that’s needed to explain what might be happening at home or at school and could be having an impact on your child’s learning; be it a celebration or an issue. This also sends a strong message of support to your child and demonstrates our shared belief in him/her.

We welcome parent involvement in their child’s learning journey. Some participation may be listening to children reading, assisting teachers with classroom activities, volunteering at our canteen, or participating in Parent Group. All volunteers at school are required to obtain a Working with Children Check. As a volunteer this can be applied for at no cost. We are happy to advise and assist you through the process if you wish to volunteer.


How can I find out how my child is progressing?

Parents and students receive reports of progress in a variety of ways. Formal written student reports against the Victorian Curriculum with ratings of progress are issued in June and December. A chart showing the range of assessments for the student will accompany the reports, so that parents can judge the achievements of their child compared to the expected (indicative) level for that reporting period, as well as showing the student’s progress over the last twelve month period.

In Terms 1 and 3, parents are offered the opportunity to attend a parent teacher conference to discuss your child’s progress. We also encourage frequent informal discussions with your child’s teacher to keep up to date with their progress and their social behaviour. We are constantly monitoring and recording your child’s academic progress and can provide you with up-to-date feedback. Our close partnerships and constant communication improves students’ engagement in learning and their success as learners.

News and Communication - How do I find out what is happening at school?

Every fortnight, a “whole school” electronic newsletter is published which contains all the information and news you will need to know. This newsletter can be accessed online through our portal COMPASS. Parents are also sent ‘push message’ reminders via COMPASS, these reminders are sent straight to your phone for easy access.

On top of this there is a weekly Prep Newsletter from our Prep Coordinator which outlines all special events such as classroom excursions, what is being taught each week and special Prep events such as Grandparents Day.

How can I help my child’s transition to primary school?

There are many ways to make these transitions as smooth as possible for you and your child:

· Talk with your children’s teachers to find out how they can help make the move easier.

· Talk about the new routines, rules and expectations with your child.

· Be enthusiastic and excited! Your attitude influences how your child feel and cope.

· Encourage your child to eat well, get plenty of sleep and balance study with sport and enjoyable family and social activities.

What shall I do if I have further questions?

If you have any further questions, we are only too willing to discuss these with you. Please feel free to contact the school office on 8850 5777.