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Information

Mainstream

At Thornbury Primary School we work towards a common goal of a differentiated learning approach as we recognise that all learners are individuals.

While Literacy and Numeracy are core aspects in the Victorian Curriculum, we also believe that learners should express creativity, through various means, towards life long learning experiences.

We are passionate about preparing students for life in the 21st century. To prepare our students for the unknowns of tomorrow, the most important thing is we teach, inspire and allow them to become great learners. The ability to learn is the most fundamental skill we must develop in our students. In our classes students have ownership of their work, set their own personal learning goals, receive feedback on their effort as well as their achievements, and they are challenged every day.

The Victorian Curriculum can be found at victoriancurriculum.vcaa.vic.edu.au

Steiner Stream

In the Steiner inspired classes, there is an emphasis on a comprehensive approach to learning, dedicated to engaging the whole child, with a special focus on the arts, and a rich, narrative-based Main Lesson curriculum.

In our classrooms, students dive into learning that balances academic rigour with creativity, ensuring that every child’s educational experience is vibrant and fulfilling. The arts are not just a subject, but a way of understanding, connecting with, and expressing the world, which is woven throughout their daily activities.

For our youngest students, imaginative play is the cornerstone of learning, fostering a sense of wonder and laying the groundwork for a lifelong love of education. As students progress, they encounter a Main Lesson curriculum that is steeped in storytelling and rich narratives, providing context and depth to traditional subjects.

At Thornbury Primary School, we are committed to nurturing not only the intellectual growth of our students but also their creative spirits and social development, crafting well-rounded individuals equipped for the challenges of the future.

Steiner Stream Fees

There are compulsory fees associated with each year level within the Steiner program

Fees go towards:

Steiner specific, individual student stationery & materials including drawing & watercolour papers, main lesson books, block & stick Stockmar crayons, Lyra pencils, specialised blackboard chalk, wet on wet painting paper, Stockmar paints, wool, paintbrushes, beeswax, fountain pens, ink, Mercurius watercolour pencils, recorders, Steiner classroom items such as materials for crayon rolls, pencil rolls, chair bags, nature table items, toys and furniture

Steiner students, begin individual lessons on a fretless, orchestral string instrument and commence Orchestra class in year 3. Instrumental music fees are separate, and are in line with the Victorian Music Teacher's Association, to be paid per term, directly to the instrumental music teacher. (Approx $430 per term) Students are expected to source their own instrument and the teachers are available to offer advice if needed. Orchestra class continues up to and including year 6.

Fees change each year, however the list below indicates the 2025 Steiner Fee Structure (excluding instrumental music fees):

• Foundation $385
• Year 1 $470 
• Year 2 $385 
• Year 3 $500 
• Years 4 – 5 $630
• Garden Class $100

Indigenous studies

Students at Thornbury Primary School have a wonderful opportunity to study one of the oldest living cultures in the world through the Koorie Language and Culture classes, taught by Terri Lee-Fitzpatrick.

Throughout the year, Terri teaches an Indigenous Studies program that links in with each class’ inquiry unit/main lesson, and provides an Indigenous perspective to what students are learning. The program also focuses on key Indigenous events throughout the year, such as Sorry Day, Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC, as well as significant local and national Indigenous individuals or groups. Also covered in the program, and appropriate to curriculum requirements for each grade level, are any relevant historical and contemporary issues that are connected to these events and people.

Through acceptance of different cultures students grow more tolerant of each other. This program is unique to our school and is being monitored by other schools interested in Indigenous issues.

Terri also assists students to practice and consolidate aspects of the Woiwurrung language (spoken by the Wurundjeri people) that have been introduced at our school. It is hoped that she will be able to introduce new language in the near future, with the support of the Wurundjeri Council.

Compass

We use Compass for all our school communications, it is essential that you have access to this platform. You will have received the login procedure for COMPASS via Email 

Compass Parent Guide

Uniform Options 

We support local and sustainable/ethical suppliers and cost effective choices for families. We have a variety of options for children with our uniform policy including department store blue t-shirts and back trousers. 

All student clothing at TPS must meet our Sunsmart and Student Wellbeing policies including closed toe shoes and covered shoulders. All students require a Sunsmart hat to play on high UV days.  We have a "No Hat, Shade Play" strategy which does restrict some areas of play without a hat. 

TOP 5 TIPS FOR UNIFORMS 

  1. Label all clothing items especially hats with Name and Class (John Smith, 3/4B)
  2. Shoe recommendations: Comfortable and suitable for play and running outside and easy to get on and off (velcro for younger students)
  3. Spare clothes in the bag - accidents and mess (spare underpants, socks, trousers and a top)
  4. Lost Property is managed by the "uniform crew" volunteers and comes back once a week if clearly labelled
  5. Consider weather options for Melbourne's 5 seasons in one day!

We use PSW Online to supply our TPS logo uniform. You can collect from the store in Kew or have them delivered to the school (or your home during the holidays for a small delivery fee).

Deadly Threads

We also provide school based uniform options including our Deadly Hoodie and NAIDOC T-shirt. These are available from our Uniform shop (at school).

Food (Healthy / Nude Food/Lunch orders)

Families are encouraged to send their child to school with healthy food that contains minimal wrappings or preferably nude food:

Students are given time to eat in classrooms before play time begins. See "Session times" below.

Drop off and Pick Up Zone

TPS has a Drop off and Pick up Zone on Hutton Street at the front of the school.  Be aware of the two minute parking restrictions that apply; drivers are not to leave their vehicles. 

Ride to School

TPS has a locked bike shed where students' bikes and scooters can stay in for the day.

What to bring to school

Session Times