FAQs

Is a uniform compulsory? 

No, a uniform is not compulsory at North Melbourne Primary School, however, some junior school students like to wear it.  School uniforms can be ordered through the following link: https://theschoollocker.com.au/schools/north-melbourne-primary-school

They are also available for purchase at:

The School Locker – ACU Fitzroy

Shop 18/115 Victoria Parade

Fitzroy, Vic., 3065.

Hats are compulsory for during Term 1 and Term 4 for outside play; these can be ordered on-line and are also available at front office for purchase. 

When will my child start school?

The first day of school for our Prep Students is Thursday 30th January 2025.  

During the first weeks of school, students will be taking part in the Early Years Interviews (English and Mathematics), which takes approximately an hour to complete. Parents will be asked via Compass to allocate a time and date when they are available to come in to the school for the interview with their child on one of the following dates:

• Wednesday 29th January  

• Wednesday 5th Feburary 

• Wednesday 12th Feburary 

• Wednesday 19th Feburary 

• Wednesday 26th Feburary
  

Please note that parents do not need to sit in on the interview with their child, however, there will be time at the end for parents to meet with the teacher. Prep students do not attend school on the above dates unless their interview is scheduled for that particular day/time. Unfortunately, our out of hours school care is not available for Prep students on these days.

Full-time school attendance for Prep students begins on Monday 3rd March 2025.

What do they need to bring to school?

Every child needs to bring enough food for two breaks.  A good breakfast will assist them in making a more effective transition into the school day. Students are supervised at the two eating times; usually for ten minutes only.  (We do make allowances for our newest students to eat as much as they need).

All students must wear a Sun-smart hat in Term 1 and 4.  The hats must be clearly named.  Students should bring ‘emergency clothing’ as accidents do occasionally happen; this should include socks, underwear and pants in a sealed plastic bag that can remain in their locker.  Students should bring a school bag big enough to take books and other supplies home.  Please ensure all items are clearly named.

How do we find out what is happening at the school?

You will receive a letter with instructions on how to log in to Compass, our school’s on-line communication tool. This will also be explained further at the Parent Information Session. Compass is our school’s primary communication tool and information on how to use Compass is attached.  Please familiarise yourself with Compass; it will ensure that you remain informed about what is happening at your child’s school.

Please note, Compass is used to pay school fees and, importantly, give permission and make payments for extra school curricular activities.  It is also to be used to report student absences and to keep informed of constantly up-dated class information, key dates and the school newsletter.  Compass is also the portal where you are able to send e-mails to teachers and to view school reports.

Link to Compass information for parents.

Is there before and after school care available for my children?

Yes, before and after school care is available. North Melbourne Primary School is very proud of its out of hours school program, Biz–e-Kidz.  Unlike many other schools, this program is operated by the school so there is a seamless changeover from the classroom to out of hours care. 

Please note that Biz-e-Kidz is only able to accept children once they have commenced school.  Please contact your current care provider if you require care before this time. Please note: no all day care available on Wednesdays throughout February when Prep interviews are taking place.

Is it possible to arrange to see the Prep families informally before we start school? 

Unfortunately, we cannot distribute the details of our enrolled families. This may be facilitated through our Parents and Friends Committee in Term 1 of next year.

Can you give us examples of what the Prep school interview looks-sounds like? What is assessed in the English and Mathematics online interviews? What does the school do with it, how do they use it?

The Prep interviews are an opportunity for the teachers to gain an understanding of where our students understandings lay when they start school, so that they can plan the term accordingly. More information about the Maths and English Interviews (MOI and EOI) can be found on the Department website. It is also an opportunity to begin building our student-teacher connection so that our students are more comfortable; having already met their teacher and spent time in the classroom.

Can the school provide lunch for my child?

We do not have canteen facilities at NMPS so please pack a lunchbox for your child with adequate food for the day.

Teachers can be contacted to talk about a child's progress at a mutual convenient time. Will this always be Mon-Fri 9-3:30pm or can it be after hours?

Should you wish to talk to your child’s teacher, send them an email or contact them via compass and they can arrange a time with you. It is likely to be between 8:15 – 8:45 before school or 3:30 – 4:15 after school. But this is dependent on whole staff meetings and personal circumstances. We also offer opportunities for more formal Parent Teacher Interviews twice per year, scheduled at a whole school level. Details will be communicated via Compass.