Thorpdale Primary is situated on Gunaikurnai land.

Our School

Our core values of respect, learning, honesty, fairness & community underpin our interaction at school.

Welcome to Thorpdale Primary School

Thorpdale Primary School was established in 1889 and is situated in a tranquil rural location amongst the rolling hills of the Strzelecki Ranges, between Mirboo North and Trafalgar. In recent years, enrolments have remained stable at between 40-50 students.

An atmosphere of warmth and friendliness characterises the school in which all students are known personally and encouraged, challenged and supported by our caring and dedicated staff. The size of the school is ideal for catering for the individual learning needs of students whilst maintaining a successful learning environment. All students are given opportunities to challenge themselves and experience success.

The school offers a broad curriculum with a high emphasis on literacy and numeracy.  These core classes are combined with Science and Technology, Physical Education, Art, Library and more, which are all delivered by high-quality teaching staff who specialise in their fields.  Our staff are continually upskilling their teaching practice and curriculum creation through Personal Development to ensure the very best education is delivered to our students.

Thorpdale Primary School staff place a high importance on students having a voice and feeling safe and cared for in our classrooms.  We want our students to become positive, active contributors to our community and to society in general.  We therefore support each student in having leadership opportunities in our classrooms and in the broader community.  We also focus on building the social skills that will support their growth as people.  

Students enjoy the added learning experiences of annual school concerts, a swimming program, athletics carnival, camps for grades 3-6 and excursions to regional and metropolitan areas.

The school staff comprises of a principal and three classes with educational support staff to provide extra guidance to students. There is a strong partnership between parents, staff and the wider Thorpdale community, with a high level of parent participation of School Council, as classroom and excursion helpers and in fundraising and social activities. 

As part of our ethos, the school promotes the values of Respect, Learning, Honesty, Fairness & Community. These values underpin Thorpdale Primary School’s teaching and is reflected in many aspects of the school daily happenings. 

On behalf of the Thorpdale Primary School staff, we would like to thank you for taking time to explore our website and to learn more about our great school.  We would love if you came for a visit in person to see our school in action, so please call our friendly staff to arrange a time. 

Warm Regards

David Shields

Why choose Thorpdale Primary School?

Thorpdale Primary School combines the traditional warmth of a country school with a modern focus on academic growth.  Students are supported to achieve their personal best, to connect with each other and to embrace the community atmosphere the Thorpdale town and school.   It is a place students feel a sense of belonging and support that is helped by smaller school numbers and a high teacher to student ratio.

We offer a diverse curriculum that caters for different learning styles and abilities and modern facilities and technology to provide learning experiences that engage students, educating for the future. Students are encouraged to develop academic and social skills to be successful, independent individuals.

Our School Values

Our core values are:

These five values underpin everyday interactions at our school.

Facilities

Technology

School Community

Community use of Facilities

Community use of the Multi-Purpose Hall is shared between the school, Cubs and the Badminton Association, with casual hire by the Netball Association and members of the public. Details of hall hire can be obtained from our Business Manager, Angela Blackshaw. 

School councils play a key role in Victorian government schools, and being a member of the school council is a rewarding and challenging experience. Acting as a team, council supports the Principal to provide the best possible educational outcomes for students. School council meets monthly and is comprised of parents, the Principal and a teacher representative. Any interested parents are welcome to attend these meetings.

Parents have an important part to play in the education of their children. In small schools like Thorpdale Primary there is a great chance for this.  We encourage parents to participate in school functions and activities such as swimming, athletics, fun days.  We welcome families to support daily classroom programs like reading and other extra curricula activities such as excursions and camps. There is also the opportunity for parents to assist with the breakfast club, special lunches and even some help around the yard.