FAQs

Is a uniform compulsory? 

Our uniform is optional at North Melbourne Primary School. Families who wish to purchase uniform items can do so 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 the front office for purchase. 

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. Biz-e-Kidz provides care for students before school, after school, on Curriculum Days and during school holidays. It operates on the North Melbourne Primary School sites.

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. Also, no all-day care is available on Wednesdays throughout February when Prep interviews are taking place.

During the first term of school, Prep students attending the program will be collected from their classrooms by the program staff. The staff will have a list of those students booked into the program for each day.

Biz-e-Kidz is a not-for-profit, community-run organisation governed by the School Council and its Biz-e-Kidz Sub-Committee. It is operated independently of the school itself. For more information, see: https://www.northmelbourneps.vic.edu.au/index.php/after-school-program/ 

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 & Friends Committee in Term One of next year.

Can you give us examples of what the Prep school interview looks-sounds like?

The Prep interviews are an opportunity for the teachers to gain an understanding of our students' current literacy and numeracy skills, so that teachers can plan the term accordingly. The interview is also an opportunity to begin building our student-teacher connection so that our students are more comfortable about starting school, having already met their teacher one-on-one and spent time in their 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.