Bushfire Safety
Bushfire safety & our school plan.
Warrandyte Primary School is a BARR 1 rated school. Here's everything families need to know about how we keep students safe on high fire danger days.
Our Risk Rating
WPS is a BARR 1 school.
Warrandyte Primary School has been identified as a Category 1 (BARR 1) school on the Victorian Department of Education Bushfire At-Risk Register. This means we are in one of the highest fire risk categories in the state — reflecting Warrandyte's location in a bushfire-prone area of Manningham Local Government Area.
Each year, the school undertakes a range of activities to prepare for the bushfire season. In the days leading up to forecast extreme heat, the Department of Education Incident Management team monitors fire danger ratings issued by AFDRS (Australian Fire Danger Rating System) and Emergency Vic for Manningham LGA.
As a BARR 1 school, WPS takes pre-emptive action on days forecast as Extreme or Catastrophic fire danger to minimise risk to students and staff.
What happens at each fire danger rating
Moderate / High / Very High
School operates normally.
Extreme
WPS relocates to Templestowe Valley Primary School (15 Birchwood Ave, Templestowe Lower). Drop-off 8:45am, pick-up 3:30pm from the Hall.
Catastrophic
School is CLOSED. No students or staff onsite. Parents notified via Compass (read return required). Signage displayed around the school.
Step-by-step
The WPS Relocation Process 2026
On days forecast as Extreme fire danger in Manningham LGA, WPS relocates all students to Templestowe Valley Primary School. Here's how the process works:
LGA Rating Determined
AFDRS and Emergency Vic determine the fire danger rating for Manningham LGA. The Department of Education Incident Management team monitors forecasts. Principals of BARR 1 schools are notified of any Extreme or Catastrophic ratings.
Principal Notifies School Community
Teachers are notified of an impending relocation. Templestowe Valley Primary School is notified of required space. A message is sent to all families via Compass the evening before — families must respond to confirm receipt.
On the Day of Relocation
Drop-off at TVPS at 8:45am (kiss & go around the perimeter). Pick-up from the Hall at 3:30pm. The school bus service and OSHC are cancelled. WPS staff meet students at the main entrance. Asthma and Anaphylaxis Management Plans are brought to the relocation site.
Absent Notification
If your child will not attend, log the absence via Compass or call the phone number provided in the Compass communication before 9am. The Principal will inspect WPS grounds in the morning to ensure no students or staff have arrived.
Catastrophic Days — School Closed
On Catastrophic fire danger days, the school is fully closed. Parents are informed via Compass read return. No one is onsite and signage is displayed around the school.
Where we go
Templestowe Valley Primary School
Address
15 Birchwood Ave, Templestowe Lower VIC 3107 Main entrance via Birchwood Avenue.
Drop off
8:45am — Kiss & go around the school perimeter. WPS staff will be on the street to assist.
Pick up
3:30pm from the Hall (Cavendish Dr side). Grade locations: Prep–2: Block A · 3/4: Block A · 5/6: Main building.
What to bring
Everything your child would bring to a normal school day. If your child has workbooks or stationery in their bag, bring those along too.
Canteen
A canteen is available at TVPS. Lunch orders can be made via the My Schools Connect App — deadline is 8:55am on the day.
Bus & OSHC cancelled
The WPS school bus service and Out of Hours Care (OSHC) are cancelled on relocation days.
Find Templestowe Valley Primary School
15 Birchwood Avenue, Templestowe Lower VIC 3107
Daily structure when relocated
We aim to run a regular program. The more students that attend, the more able we are to teach the weekly planner.
Documents
Parent information & resources
WPS Relocation Parent Info Pack
Everything you need to know about the relocation to TVPS — where to go, drop-off/pick-up, daily schedule and site map.
View / Download PDFLetter to Inform Community — School Emergency Management Plan 2026
Our 2026 letter to families explaining the school's emergency management plan — how we prepare for bushfire, severe weather and medical emergencies, and what happens on Extreme and Catastrophic fire danger days.
Download DOCXLocal Warrandyte bushfire resources
Stay informed and prepared with these official resources for families in the Warrandyte area.
Emergency Vic
Real-time fire danger ratings, incident maps and emergency warnings for Manningham LGA.
CFA — Warrandyte
Warrandyte CFA brigade information, local warnings and community fire safety resources.
Warrandyte Community Fire Ready
Local community resources and fire preparation guides for Warrandyte residents.
VicEmergency App
Download the free VicEmergency app for real-time alerts, warnings and fire danger ratings on your phone.
Australian Fire Danger Rating System
Understand the new AFDRS fire danger ratings — what they mean and what actions to take at each level.
Prepare My Property — CFA
Practical guidance for Warrandyte families on preparing a household fire plan and property checklist.
On the day — who to contact
WPS School Office
For relocation queries on the day, call the number provided in your Compass communication.
03 9844 3537Absent notification
If your child will not attend on a relocation day, notify the school via Compass or by phone before 9am.
Open CompassEmergency services
In a fire emergency, call Triple Zero immediately. Monitor VicEmergency for real-time updates.
000 — Emergency
