About Us
The MEPS Story
For over 150 years, Mt Eliza Primary School has been committed to providing a contemporary and progressive education for students. We are a dynamic educational organisation with distinctive identities and offerings. We draw on our strong traditions as we continue to educate future generations for the ever-changing landscape they face.
Mt Eliza Primary School is a Victorian state primary school educating students from Prep to Year 6. We have a current enrolment of about 500 students. This is small enough to know each and every child, and big enough to be able to provide a wide variety of engaging programs. The overarching values of our early educators is embedded in the school’s fabric: Together we grow.
Our story started in a one-room school house in the late 1800s. It moved from Parkdale to it’s present site in 1929, and is proudly considered the first continuous primary school in the area. Known as our ‘Old School House’ it was saved from potential demolition in 2004 by the community and is a reminder of the
school’s ongoing commitment to exceptional education. Mt Eliza Primary School is synonymous with a strong sense of community spirit. In partnership with our community, we have developed a culture that reflects our five values: Respect, Responsibility, Resilience, Connectedness and Challenge. These are the cornerstone of what we do; they support our approach to learning and are key to the way in which we
develop respectful relationships across the school.
Ex-students often speak of how they developed deep friendships that have continued throughout and after school. We believe that school doesn’t finish when you leave Mt Eliza Primary School – you are a MEPS student for life. Our staff are noted for their warmth, kindness and ability to inspire. Jan Tyers taught at Mt Eliza Primary School for many years and loved to challenge students’ thinking and encouraged opinions. After her passing in 2003 we established the ‘Jan Tyers Thinking Outside the Box Award’ in her memory and present this each year to a Year 6 student.
Meet Our Principal
Kim brings over twenty-five years’ experience in the education sector in international, independent and government schools. Kim has had many professional opportunities that have taken her all over the world. In 2020, Kim returned to Mt Eliza having led the Junior School and Long Day ELC as Head of Campus at Firbank Grammar in Brighton.
Kim is no stranger to Mt Eliza, having previously held leadership positions at Mt Eliza North Primary School and Toorak College. With her family residing on the Peninsula, Kim is thrilled to be leading Mt Eliza Primary School, such a community spirited school, and one which aligns to her values of high expectations and exceptional learning.
As a graduate of the Victorian College of the Arts (University of Melbourne), Kim enjoyed a dual career
working both as a teacher and as a professional singer for many years. In 1995, she was fortunate to have been awarded a place to study classical singing in Rome. Whilst in Italy, Kim continued her career as a professional singer as well as the position of Chair of Mathematics at the American Overseas School
of Rome (AOSR). Study tours to Reggio Emilia left an impression and inspired the child-centred lens through which she approaches education.
Kim returned to Australia in 2012 with a focus on community, a love of languages and exceptional food, and an authentic understanding of what it means to be a global citizen. Kim holds a Master in School Leadership and has completed The Advanced Leadership Program through Women and Leadership Australia, spurred on by her passion to promote leadership for young people. As Principal, Kim warmly welcomes you and your family to the Mt Eliza Primary School community.
Meet Our Assistant Principal
As a passionate educator, Jessica seeks to inspire a love of learning in students and staff. Opportunities working across a range of school settings, in a number of different roles have shaped her view on quality education.
As a lifelong learner, Jessica undertook her Bachelor of Education as a scholarship recipient at RMIT University. She later completed her Master of Education (Education Management) at The University of Melbourne to further develop her knowledge and skills in educational leadership. Jessica taught at both primary and P-12 schools in Melbourne and then joined Woodlands Primary School as a learning specialist and later Rowellyn Park Primary School as Assistant Principal.
She loves life on the peninsula and on the weekend will often be volunteering and running at Rosebud Parkrun and spending time at the beach. Jessica strives to lead self, lead others and lead learning and is committed to school improvement through critical reflection and strategic action.
Jessica has high expectations for effort and achievement and places great value on building a positive relationship with all members of the school community. She looks forward to working together with you to support your child to be their best at Mt Eliza Primary School.
Why MEPS?
Our MEPS philosophy is that we believe all children have the capacity to be competent, capable and sophisticated thinkers with endless ways and opportunities to express themselves.
We understand the significance of choosing a primary school for your child. By bringing your child to Mt Eliza Primary School, you join a community with shared high expectations and one that promotes the potential of all students. Our learning environment reflects the care and dedication of the highly qualified educators to make school a special place for your child.
We believe in a holistic education that equips students with the attributes they need to lead purposeful and fulfilling lives, where social and emotional skills are as important as academic and professional skills. In addition to a strong focus on the building blocks of learning, literacy and numeracy, our students learn ‘how to learn’ and they are guided from their first days of school in the development of communication skills. Our programs deliberately promote and engage students in:
- How to communicate with each other
- Being kind to ourselves and one another
- How to be part of a team
- Understanding that we are all different
- How to support one another in the collective learning journey
Our Vision
A community connected in kindness through relationships, learning and values.
Our Mission
Improving the quality of student outcomes and teaching practice by:
- Promoting and maintaining healthy and productive relationships
- Balancing explicit teaching and guided inquiry to build the capacity of learners
- Creating a culture of collective responsibility
Philosophy
We believe all children have the capacity to be competent, capable and sophisticated thinkers with endless ways and opportunities to express themselves.
Our Values
Our five values underpin the way in which we approach learning, relationships and collaboration. These definitions are a culmination of comments from students, staff and community members during the Review Focus Group discussions.
- Respect – We use kind words and actions.
- Resilience – We bounce forward when things don’t go to plan.
- Responsibility – We make good choices and are accountable for our actions.
- Connectedness – We belong, and feel safe and valued in our community.
- Challenge – We use energy, effort and determination to give everything a go
Our Focus
Over the next four years, Mt Eliza Primary School will develop an overarching Instructional Model as a
framework through which we can continue to refine the teaching and learning of literacy and numeracy. We will work to ensure a balance between explicit/direct instruction and guided inquiry. Explicit instruction will be consistent across teaching areas and all teachers will be equipped with a strong understanding of effective pedagogies. We are working on developing consistency of practice and understanding and using data effectively to inform teaching, learning and student wellbeing.
Before and After School Care
Camp Australia – Guiding Children’s Growth
We are proud to partner with Camp Australia to provide our Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) program.
Camp Australia programs are centred on child enrichment, while ensuring a reliable, engaging and hassle-free OSHC service at our school. Their engaged educators foster a safe, inclusive environment where children can relax, have fun and grow.
Camp Australia recognises that children need a different experience in term time to the experience they have on their holidays. Families can choose Your OSHC for before and after school experiences during term, or Rocketeers during the holidays.
Your OSHC – OSHC that inspires
At Your OSHC by Camp Australia, every before school, after school and pupil free day program is tailored to the likes and interests of each child in service. Camp Australia’s educators design enriching experiences to inspire your children’s confidence, independence and imagination. In any one week, they could be participating in science experiments, active play, creative expression and more - they believe in learning through experience so that each child can grow.
Rocketeers – Extraordinary Holiday Adventures
Rocketeers by Camp Australia is a space for children to escape the ordinary and experience the extraordinary during their school holidays. Every school holiday break is a new mission for children to embark upon. With carefully designed programs, directed by the children and informed by family feedback, no two days are the same with Rocketeers. Experiences planned could include games, arts & crafts, sport, excursions, cooking, coding and more.
Canteen
The School Canteen is operated by Stir Crazy Kids and offers a wide variety of nutritious food, which can be bought daily. Updated menus and price lists are distributed regularly. Lunch orders should be placed in the canteen bag on entering the classroom at 8.45am or may be ordered online. Our current Canteen menu is below:
DET Reports, Policies and Protocols
2024 MEPS Annual Implementation Plan
2023 Annual Report to the community
2023 Mt Eliza Primary School (1368) Annual Implementation Plan
2022 MEPS Annual Report To The Community
2022-2026 Mt Eliza Primary School School Strategic Plan
2022 Annual Implementation Plan Mt Eliza Primary School
2021 MEPS Annual Report To The Community 1368
Four Critical Actions – Child Abuse
Aboriginal Learning, Wellbeing And Safety Action Plan 2022
Administration Of Medication Policy 2022
Anaphylaxis Policy 2023 – 2024
Bullying Prevention Policy 2023-2025
Camps And Excursions Policy 2021
CCTV Policy, Department of Education
Child Safety Responding And Reporting Obligations Policy and Procedures 2024-2026
Child Safety Code Of Conduct 2024-2026
Child Safety And Wellbeing Policy 2024-2026
Policy regarding Communication Policy 2021
Parent Concerns and Complaints Flowchart
Curriculum Framework Policy 2022
Digital Learning Policy 2024 2026
Digital Learning Acceptable Usage Agreement
Inclusion And Diversity Policy 2021
Mandatory Reporting Policy 2020
Mobile Phones Student Use Policy 2023 – 2027
Onsite Supervision Policy 2020
Photographing Filming Recording Students Policy 2021
Privacy Collection Notice 2023
Privacy Policy (DET) Info For Parents 2020
Respect For School Staff Policy 2020
Seeing Eye Dogs In School Policy 2020
Statement Of Values & School Philiosophy Policy 2022
Student Dress Code Policy 2024-2028
Student Wellbeing And Engagement Policy 2022
Sun Protection Policy 2024-2028
Volunteer And Confidentiality Policy 2021
Department of Education and Training Policies
Employment Checks Policy: The Department of Education and Training (the Department) and school councils have a responsibility to ensure the safety of all children and employees, and to maintain the security of assets by requiring and maintaining high standards of professional conduct from employees and volunteers. In meeting these responsibilities, the Department and school councils must be satisfied that only those employees and volunteers who meet the highest standards of probity and suitability are employed. Such assessments may include reference or referee checks, medical assessments, qualification verification, a criminal record check and/or a Working With Children Check.
https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/suitability-employment-checks/overview
Enrolment Policy: Our school zone is available on which hosts the most up-to-date information about Victorian school zones. Students residing in our school zone are guaranteed a place at our school, which is determined on the basis of your permanent residential address. The Department provides guidance through the Enrolment: Placement Policy to ensure that students have access to their designated neighbourhood school and the freedom to choose other schools, subject to facility limitations.
You can find more information and answers to frequently asked questions on the Department’s website under School .
For more information – If you have a question about school zones call the VSBA Hotline on 1800 896 950 or email: vsba@education.vic.gov.au
Equal Opportunity Policy: As an equal opportunity employer, the Department is committed to providing safe, inclusive and respectful workplaces which are free from discrimination and harassment. Equal opportunity means that every person can participate freely and equally in areas of public life such as in the workplace, in education or in accessing goods and services. Discrimination is treating, or proposing to treat, someone unfavourably or bullying them because of a personal characteristic protected by law.
The policy is available at this address: https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/equal-opportunity/overview
Head Lice Policy: This policy sets out the requirements for schools to prevent and control the transmission of head lice.
https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/head-lice/policy
Hire Of Facilities Policy: Under the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 (Vic) (the Act), school councils have the power to enter into agreements with third parties for the use of school facilities when they are not required for ordinary school purposes. The proposed use must be for the purpose of educational, recreational, sporting or cultural activities for students, the local community or young persons. Any other purpose requires the Minister’s approval.
https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/community-use-schools-hiring-licensing-and-community-joint-use-agreements/policy
Local Mobile Policy: The mobile phone policy for all government schools specifies phones brought to school must be switched off and stored securely during the school day. The link for the policy is: www.vic.gov.au/mobile-phones-schools
Privacy Policy: The Department of Education and Training (which includes all Victorian government schools, central and regional offices) values the privacy of every person and is committed to protecting information that schools collect. All staff including contractors, service providers and volunteers of the Department, and this Victorian government school (our school), must comply with Victorian privacy law and this policy.
In Victorian government schools the management of ‘personal information’ and ‘health information’ is governed by the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 (Vic) and Health Records Act 2001 (Vic) (collectively, Victorian privacy law).
This policy explains how our school collects and manages personal and health information, consistent with Victorian privacy law.
The link for the policy is: https://www.education.vic.gov.au/Pages/schoolsprivacypolicy.aspx
Respectful Behaviours Within The School Community Policy: This policy outlines the shared roles of parents, carers and school staff in creating a positive environment for learning. There are also other policies that set out clear standards of behaviours that are specific to school staff and students. When parents/carers and school staff work together as one team, our students do better. Victorian Government schools want to work with parents and carers to achieve this. The expected standards of behaviours apply to different school settings. This includes at school events, camps, excursions, outdoor activities, online learning and other places online related to schools.
Respectful Behaviours within the School Community Policy (education.vic.gov.au)
Restraint And Seclusion Policy: This policy outlines when physical restraint and seclusion are permitted to be used in Victorian government schools and lists practices that are not permitted to be used in Victorian government schools. This policy details reporting and notification requirements and the responsibilities school and Department staff have in relation to incidents of physical restraint and seclusion.
https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/restraint-seclusion/policy
Parents and Teachers Association
The Parent Teachers’ Association (PTA) of Mt Eliza Primary School is made up of a mix of dedicated volunteer parents and teachers. Our goal is to promote the unique community spirit that thrives at our school and sets it apart from others. The PTA is responsible for organising events and fundraisers that enhance the students’ enjoyment and learning experiences, whilst raising much needed funds for many projects and equipment at the school.
Mt Eliza Primary School enjoys a reputation of having a friendly and welcoming environment for children and their families. Developing a sense of belonging in the school community is widely promoted and families of our school are encouraged to be as active as possible in many school activities, both educational and social.
The rewards of belonging to PTA are many – to see the joy on children’s faces at a school disco, the excitement of a raffle draw or enjoying a delicious treat on a special food day as part of the many special events that are organised throughout the year. Parents are included with many events too, with regular morning teas, Mother’s Day Lunch, Father’s Day Breakfast and the now ‘infamous’ Annual Trivia Night that is such a highlight on the school calendar.
Our school spirit is strong and the thanks must be directed to the school staff, our parents for supporting the many fundraising events and of course the greater business community. We are lucky to be part of a unique community in Mt Eliza that embraces and supports its local schools and PTA would not be able to raise the funds that it does without this partnership.
Joining PTA is a great way to get to know other like-minded parents at our school, many lifelong friendships are made and it is a great way to get to know more about our school, the needs of the students and have an opportunity to be involved in your own child’s education. New parents to our school often find that joining PTA is an easy way of meeting others, which can sometimes be daunting when moving to a new school or suburb.
PTA meetings are held each month, alternating between day and night meetings, parents who have younger children are very welcome to attend during the day time. Whilst a Committee is formed at the start of each year, new members are welcome at any stage and we encourage all parents to become as involved as possible.
The bonus of being a PTA member for both you and your children becomes apparent, by a real sense of belonging and pride in our school, teamed with the knowledge that you have helped create and shape its heart.
We encourage and welcome all parents to become involved in PTA, please contact the office for any additional information or details of meeting dates and times.
Student Leaders
Each year, many students from Year 6 are selected as Student Leaders. Interested students write letters and participate in interviews to demonstrate their abilities. Student Leaders assist and oversee the many areas of school activities and events throughout the year or to perform other school leadership duties. You may have had one assist you on a school tour! Our students in Year 6 have the potential to become our;
- Communication Leaders
- Library Leaders
- Sports House Leaders
- SRC Leaders (Student Representative Council)
- ICT Leaders (Information and Communication Technologies)
- MEET Leaders (Mt Eliza Environment Team)
We are so proud of our new Year 6 Leaders as they received their badges at assembly this week. The Communication Leaders did an impressive job leading the assembly in such a professional manner. They warmly welcomed the Preps who were attending for the first time.
Uniform
For your information, the Uniform Shop is operated by Fashion Clubwear and is normally open Mondays 8.30am – 11.00am and Wednesdays 2.00pm – 4.30 pm. Outside of these hours, an order form may be sent to the office with payment of cash or credit card. Orders are also able to be placed online through the link on our website. The orders will be completed when the shop is open and then delivered to the classroom. Unfortunately cheques cannot be accepted.