Community

School Day

A School Day Designed for Learning, Wellbeing and Belonging

At Tootgarook Primary School, we follow a calm, consistent daily routine that supports student wellbeing, focus and connection. Our school day is structured to balance high-quality learning with opportunities for movement, play and social engagement. This predictable rhythm helps students feel secure, ready to learn and connected to their peers and teachers.

Daily Schedule

8:45 am – Morning Circle (BSEM)
Our day begins with a calm and welcoming classroom routine. Using the Berry Street Education Model (BSEM), students check in, connect with their teacher and peers, and prepare for the day ahead.

9:00 am – Learning Begins
The first learning session of the day focuses on explicit, high-impact instruction in key areas such as Literacy and Numeracy.

10:45 am – Recess (30 minutes)
Students enjoy a break to eat, play, and connect with friends in our open play spaces and structured “Play the RICH Way” activities.

11:15 am – Learning Resumes
Students return to class for more focused learning, including specialist subjects such as PE, Art, Music or STEM.

1:15 pm – Lunch Eating Time
Students eat in a calm, supervised setting before heading outside for active play, socialising, or joining one of our lunchtime activities.

1:25 – Lunch Play – (50 minutes)
Students as supervised in the yard by staff

1:45 – Lunchtime Clubs begin
Students have the option to join a range of engaging lunchtime clubs, including STEM Club, Art Club, Sports Club, Hoop Time, Bike Riding and Band. These clubs promote creativity, teamwork, and belonging.

2:15 pm – Final Learning Session
The final part of the day includes consolidation of key concepts, project work, or wellbeing activities to close the day calmly.

3:15 pm – Dismissal
Students pack up and prepare for a smooth and safe transition home or to Out of School Hours Care (OSHC).

Balance and Belonging

Our daily timetable reflects our belief in the importance of both structured learning and meaningful social and emotional development. By beginning each day with connection and ending it with calm, we ensure that every student feels seen, supported and successful.

Uniform

Our uniforms are supplied by State School Relief and can be ordered online using the link below.

Assembly

Celebrating Community at Assembly

Our fortnightly school assemblies are a much-loved tradition at Tootgarook Primary School, bringing together students, staff, and families to celebrate learning, leadership, and community.

Held each fortnight on Fridays at 2:30pm, our assembly are proudly led by our School Captains and provides a platform for students to showcase classroom learning, perform with the school band, and share what’s happening across our school.

We also celebrate student achievements through our Student of the Week awards and the exciting RICH Ticket Draw—part of our school-wide positive behaviour program, recognising students who consistently demonstrate our core values.

Assemblies are a joyful, student-centred event, and we warmly welcome all parents and carers to attend and be part of our vibrant school community.

OSHC

TheirCare (OSHC)

TheirCare provides our school community with exceptional Outside School Hours Care!

TheirCare provides an engaging and safe environment for all children. Children develop life skills, friendships, confidence and creativity through play-based programs.

The program is available for all children at Tootgarook Primary School from 7:00am until 8:45am in the morning and from 3:15pm until 6:00pm each school day.

During School Holidays & Pupil Free Days, the service will operate from 7:00am until 6:00pm.

To learn more about the wonderful services provided by TheirCare and enrol, please visit the website: www.theircare.com.au

Families are eligible for a Government Rebate called the Child Care Subsidy which can reduce the cost per session by up to 90%.

For more information contact the school office or TheirCare Support Team on 1300 072 410. TheirCare – Where Kids Love To Be!

TheirCare’s Website: www.theircare.com.au FullyBooked www.theircare.fullybookedccms.com.au/family/login

School Council

At Tootgarook Primary School, our School Council plays an important role in setting the strategic direction of our school. As a legally constituted body, the Council works under guidelines from the Department of Education and Training (DET) to support the best possible educational experience for all students.

What Does the School Council Do?

Our School Council helps shape the future of Tootgarook Primary School by overseeing:

  • Budget and Resource Allocation – Making sure funds are used effectively to enhance student learning and wellbeing.
  • Policy Development – Supporting the development and review of school policies aligned with our vision and values.
  • School Facilities and Grounds – Overseeing the maintenance and improvement of our buildings, grounds, and learning spaces.
  • Student Engagement and Wellbeing – Supporting a safe, respectful and inclusive school environment for all.
  • Annual School Report and Strategic Planning – Monitoring progress and helping guide the school’s long-term goals.

Who Makes Up Our School Council?

The Tootgarook Primary School Council is made up of:

  • Parent Representatives
  • DET (Department of Education and Training) Employees, including the Principal as Executive Officer
  • Community Members (co-opted, as needed)

Elections are held each year, and all members of the school community are encouraged to get involved.

Meeting Schedule and Leadership

Our School Council meets monthly, usually during the school term.

Current School Council President: Kelly Butler

For any questions or to express interest in joining, please contact the school principal or refer to the Department of Education website.

School Council Members

Parent Representatives:

Kelly Butler
President

Kelly Hales
Vice President

Kelly Hales
Secretary

Jessie Young

Staff Representatives:

Principal
Leigh McQuillen

Jessica Bell

Billy Morrison

Melissa Peterson

Mornington Peninsula Foundation Partnership

Tootgarook Primary School is a proud partner of the Mornington Peninsula Foundation’s Learning Guarantee — Whatever it Takes. Through this partnership, we are committed to ensuring that every child learns to read, regardless of background or circumstance. With the support of the Foundation, we have strengthened our approach to evidence-based literacy instruction and embedded high-impact practices across the school. Together, we are turning the page on literacy outcomes and doing whatever it takes to ensure success for all students.

Read more about our literacy journey

The Mornington Peninsula Foundation also supports our Breakfast Club, helping to ensure that all students start the day with a healthy meal and are ready to engage in learning. This support reflects our shared belief that wellbeing and academic success go hand in hand.

Learn more about our Breakfast Club