Templestowe Heights Primary School

This school appears to be experiencing a decline in its reputation and overall culture. Many of the concerns raised by families have emerged since the appointment of the current Vice Principal, who many parents despise, and there are reports of increasing student anxiety and school refusal. When touring the school, prospective parents may wish to ask about the following: 1) Students are reportedly expected to remain quiet during lessons, sit in prescribed positions for extended periods and avoid moving without permission. 2)Students are expected to walk between classes in silence with their hands behind their backs, a practice referred to as “Fantastic Walking.” Families have reported that students may be corrected for speaking, smiling or laughing during this time. 3)Concerns have been raised about the way students who do not comply with expectations are disciplined. For example, some families have alleged that a teacher has torn pages from students’ books in front of them while they were distressed and thrown the book in the bin to humilliate the children. 4) There are also concerns about the cleanliness and accessibility of the toilets. Some families report that students avoid using them or delay going, sometimes resulting in accidents. Prospective parents may wish to ask how often the toilets are cleaned and how student access is managed. The school’s wellbeing provisions should also be clarified. Families may wish to ask what programs and supports are available for students experiencing anxiety, distress or school refusal. During a tour, parents may notice that classrooms are extremely quiet and that students appear highly controlled. It may be useful to ask school leadership how this environment is achieved and how the school balances discipline with student wellbeing. The school was previously regarded by some families as a good school, but its direction appears to have changed. There is a perception that leadership is placing significant emphasis on academic results, including NAPLAN performance, while concerns about student wellbeing and the school environment are not being adequately addressed. These are serious concerns, and families should make their own enquiries before deciding whether the school is suitable for their children.