Our School
A bushland campus with a 160-year story.
With roots reaching back to Warrandyte's first school in 1856, our historic Forbes Street setting sits beside Warrandyte State Park and close to the Yarra River — where heritage and modern learning spaces sit side by side.
Principal's Welcome
A privilege to lead a wonderful community.
I would like to introduce myself as the Principal at Warrandyte Primary School. I have been very fortunate to find myself leading a wonderful community of educators, students and families, and have the privilege of working with a very committed team of professionals at WPS who work hard for their students and to support each other.
Our Prep program is centred around a culture of kindness, open communication and a strong pedagogical knowledge of teaching early years literacy and numeracy. We know all children come to us with differing emotional and academic capacities, and it is our job as educators to meet those needs.
Every conversation we have as colleagues begins with a positive intention to use evidence-based practices to improve our teaching and learning program.
The job of a school principal varies, and no two days are ever the same and I serve the community with a strong understanding of the responsibility that comes with shaping the lives of young children. I invite you to come and see the wonderful culture our school has built and to see what takes place in our classrooms and beyond anytime.
Nieta Manser
Principal, Warrandyte Primary School
Our Values
Resilience, respect, kindness and responsibility.
Our Schoolwide Positive Behaviour matrix sets clear expectations for every student, teacher and parent — the foundation of a culture of kindness.
Respect
I consider others. I am polite and courteous.
Respect lies at the heart of our school culture. We believe that every individual, regardless of their background, abilities, or differences, deserves to be treated with dignity and consideration. We cultivate an environment where students, staff, parents, and community members interact with empathy and understanding. Through respectful interactions, we foster an atmosphere of collaboration, valuing diverse perspectives and promoting open communication.
Responsibility
I am dependable. I am honest.
We empower our students to take ownership of their learning journey and their actions. Responsibility at Warrandyte Primary School means recognising the impact of our choices and decisions on ourselves and those around us. Our school community understands the significance of being responsible global citizens, promoting sustainable practices and contributing positively to society.
Resilience
I am flexible in my thinking.
In the face of challenges and setbacks, resilience is the cornerstone of growth and development. At Warrandyte Primary School, we teach our students to embrace difficulties as learning opportunities, fostering a mindset that promotes perseverance, adaptability, and courage. Our teachers and staff provide the support and guidance needed for students to overcome obstacles.
Kindness
I am considerate, sympathetic and compassionate.
We emphasise kindness and the importance of showing compassion, understanding, and consideration in all interactions. Acts of kindness, both big and small, create a positive and uplifting environment where everyone feels valued and supported. Through various initiatives and programs, we encourage our students to extend their kindness beyond the school walls.
Student Voice
Junior School Council.
Our Junior School Council (JSC) gives students a genuine voice in the life of the school. Elected representatives from across year levels come together to raise issues of concern, share ideas, and provide feedback to school leadership on how we can continually improve WPS for everyone.
Raising Issues
Student representatives bring forward concerns and ideas from their classmates — ensuring every child has a pathway to be heard on the things that matter to them.
Providing Feedback
The JSC meets regularly with school leadership to offer student perspectives on decisions, initiatives and improvements — helping shape a school that works for its students.
Snack Bar
The JSC operates the Snack Bar every Wednesday lunchtime, raising funds for charities of their choice and for school initiatives. This popular stall is supported by parent volunteers.
If you would like to help, please contact the school office on (03) 9844 3537.
Our Team
Meet the people behind WPS.
Our dedicated educators and support staff are the heart of Warrandyte Primary School. Get to know the people who inspire, guide and care for your children every day.
Nerole Blair
Literacy Leader & Classroom Teacher
Eliza Campanaro
Visual Arts Teacher
Patricia Canny
Classroom Teacher
Christopher Cavill
Numeracy Leader & Classroom Teacher
Sam Crigan
Literacy Leader & Classroom Teacher
Samantha Dubsky
Education Support
Fran DuPlessis
OSHC Coordinator
Greg Edwards
Learning Specialist & Classroom Teacher
Claire Frankcombe
Classroom Teacher
Grace Eefting
Education Support
Sally Freemantle
Physical Education Teacher
Richard Griffiths
Teaching & Learning Excellence Learning Specialist & Classroom Teacher
Sharon Hayes
Education Support
Cherise Hird
Office Manager
Claire Lambert
Junior School Council Leader & Classroom Teacher
Penelope MacDonald
Education Support Leader
Kylie Mackay
Education Support
Nieta Manser
Principal
Elisha McPhedran
Business Manager
David Pelosi
PLC Leader & Classroom Teacher
Alessia Costanzo
Education Support
Education Support
Nori Sato
Classroom Teacher
James Schultz
Classroom Teacher & Compass Coordinator
Cassie Smrynios
Education Support
Kylie Somerfield
Mental Health & Wellbeing Leader
Jack Van Der Ree
Education Support
Kirsty Wolters
Performing Arts & Auslan Teacher
Digital Learning
ICT & Cyber Safety at WPS.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is woven through learning at Warrandyte Primary School. Students use devices to research, create, collaborate and demonstrate their understanding across the curriculum. We view digital technology as a powerful tool for learning — one that must be used responsibly, ethically and safely.
Our students learn to be confident, capable digital citizens through explicit teaching of cyber safety, respectful online communication and the safe management of personal information. We are committed to ensuring every child develops the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in a digital world.
eSafety is a priority at WPS. In line with the Department of Education and Training's (DET) Acceptable Use of Technologies policy requirements, every student, staff member and family is supported to understand their responsibilities when using digital technologies. Students and parents are required to sign an Acceptable Use Agreement each year, setting out the expectations for safe, responsible and ethical use of school devices and online services.
WPS provides access to technology through class sets of laptops that are shared across year levels. We do not operate a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program. This approach ensures equitable access to learning technologies for all students, allows us to maintain consistent safety and filtering controls, and keeps devices used for learning managed and monitored by the school.
ICT Across the Curriculum
From Foundation to Year 6, students use technology to support their learning in literacy, numeracy and inquiry units. They develop skills in research, digital creation, coding and collaboration — building the digital fluency needed for secondary school and beyond.
Victorian Curriculum 2.0 — Digital TechnologiesCyber Safety Curriculum
Our cyber safety program is aligned with the resources and guidance of the Australian Government's eSafety Commissioner. Students learn about online safety, digital wellbeing, respectful relationships and how to seek help when things go wrong online.
eSafety advice for parents WPS Digital Learning Policy (Oct 2024)Our History
A rich past, a school for the future.
Warrandyte's first school opened in 1856 to serve the population drawn by the first Victorian gold discovery. It is bordered by the Warrandyte State Park, which contains the old mines and protects the indigenous flora and fauna.
Explore our full history
1800 – 1950
- 1856Warrandyte's first school commenced at the diggings.
- 1863Lessons conducted in Anderson's Creek Court House while a new school was built.
- 1863Board of Education listed it as Anderson's Creek Common School No 12.
- 1873State school system began; Anderson's Creek State School No 12 came into being.
- 1875New school opened on the Forbes Street site.
- 1902School bell erected.
- 1908Name of school changed to Warrandyte Primary.
- 1925New brick and stucco extension erected.
- 1934Flooding inundated Warrandyte; the annual school picnic deferred.
- 1939Warrandyte decimated by fires. The school survived but shelters and records were lost.
- 1941Pine plantation established.
1951 – present
- 1953Nine new classrooms constructed.
- 1963Learner swimming pool opened.
- 1970Canteen opened.
- 1972School library opened in April.
- 1975Commemorative plaque to Centenary of Stone Building.
- 1976Art and Crafts centre constructed.
- 1983Multi-purpose hall and Music room opened.
- 1991Removal of Pine Plantation to establish football oval.
- 2005Opening of the Sustainable Garden on the pool site.
- 2011Opening of New School Building (BER).
- 2012150 Year Celebrations.
- 2016New Oval.
- 2017Refurbishment of Main School Building.
Student Wellbeing
Supporting every child's wellbeing.
We know that for our students to succeed academically, we must always be focussed on the wellbeing needs of each child — knowing our students well and engaging in open and reflective conversations with families.
WPS plays a vital role in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of our students. Where necessary, we refer students to our Wellbeing and Health Key Contact linked to the Department's Student Support Services, and seek additional support.
Wellbeing & SWPBS
