Tecoma Primary School
Learn · Grow · Achieve
Big first day. Bigger smiles.
Starting school is a huge milestone for your child, and for you. This page gathers everything a new Prep family needs in one place: transition sessions, key dates, uniform, daily times and plenty of first-week tips.
Your Prep journey starts here
We know starting school comes with a mix of excitement and butterflies, for children and parents alike. Our job is to make the leap feel small: by the time your child walks in for their first day, they will already know their classroom, their teacher and a friendly Grade 5 buddy.
Every Foundation student is paired with a Grade 5 buddy from day one. Buddies eat lunch together in the first weeks, play together, and check in all through the year. It is one of the traditions our families love most.
If you have any question at any point, big or small, call the office on (03) 9754 2354. We are always happy to help.
Transition sessions for our 2027 Preps
Step into Prep runs across Term 4. Children spend real time in the Prep classrooms while parents get to know the school, so day one feels familiar for everyone.
Learn about our school, meet the team, and discover our programs, facilities and the transition into Prep.
Playful, engaging activities that build confidence and support early reading and writing.
Meet some of our specialist teachers and engage in short, hands-on activities around the school.
Children explore numbers, counting, patterns and songs with our Foundation team.
Explore a range of writing tools, show off your drawing skills and get to know your 2027 classmates! Meet your Grade 5 buddy for a picnic!
Meet your child’s 2027 teacher and hear what the first week of school will look like.
The road to day one
| When | What happens |
|---|---|
| Term 2, 2026 | Foundation applications open through the statewide enrolment process |
| Friday 31 July 2026 | Applications close for the 2027 school year |
| Early August 2026 | Families are notified of placement outcomes and confirm their place |
| Term 4, 2026 | Step into Prep transition sessions (dates above) |
| Late January 2027 | First day of Prep! The office will confirm the exact date with you |
Not sure if we are your zoned school? Check findmyschool.vic.gov.au, and remember you are welcome to apply to Tecoma either way.
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:45am | Gates open, students settle into classrooms |
| 9:00am | Morning learning programs begin |
| 11:00am | Morning recess |
| 11:30am | Learning programs continue |
| 1:00pm | Supervised lunch eating, then lunchtime play |
| 2:00pm | Afternoon learning programs |
| 3:30pm | Home time |
Easing in gently. We keep the first weeks calm and predictable for our Preps. The office will let you know about any modified start arrangements, including rest days early in Term 1.
Looking the part
Our students wear the Tecoma colours with pride: the red polo shirt with the school logo, paired with bottle-green windcheaters, jackets, shorts or track pants.
Where to buy: contact the school office for current uniform supplier details, sizing help and second-hand options through our community. And please label everything, twice if you can!
Lunchboxes made easy
Preps eat a supervised lunch in the classroom before heading out to play, and there is a short brain food break mid-morning for a quick, healthy snack like fruit or veggie sticks.
Lunch order details for 2027 will be shared through the office and the Tecoma Times newsletter.
Label. Everything. Jumpers, hats, drink bottles, lunchboxes and shoes. Named items find their way home; unnamed ones join the mountain in lost property.
What the first weeks feel like
Teachers greet every Prep at the door. A quick hug, a wave goodbye, and into a calm, predictable morning routine. Tears (yours or theirs) are completely normal and pass quickly.
Grade 5 buddies sit with Preps at lunch, find them in the yard, and turn big-school moments into small, friendly ones.
Updates come home through Compass and the Tecoma Times, and your child's teacher is always happy to chat at drop-off or by appointment.
Tired Preps are normal Preps. Full school days are big work for five-year-olds. Expect some very early nights in February, and do not plan too much for weekends in the first month.
Answers for new Prep parents
It happens, and our teachers are experts at it. A short, confident goodbye works best; most children settle within minutes, and we will always call if a child needs you. You are welcome to ring the office mid-morning for reassurance.
Our OSHC program runs on site before and after school with a child-centred, play-based program. See the Parent Information page for details and bookings.
Absolutely. Prep is exactly where reading and writing begin, and our explicit, step-by-step approach means every child starts from the very first sounds and letters. Curiosity is the only prerequisite.
Talk to us early. Our transition process includes extra visits, individual plans and Student Support Group meetings where helpful, so your child's start is set up around them.
Eligible families can access the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF). Application forms are available from the office, and all conversations are confidential.
Book a tour, come to a Step into Prep session, or just call for a chat. We would love to meet your future Prep.
Tecoma Primary School stands with gratitude and respect on Wurundjeri Country. We acknowledge the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Owners of the land where our children learn, grow and play beneath the mountain ash, and we pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. This land always was, and always will be, Aboriginal land.