Tecoma Primary School
Learn · Grow · Achieve
A community, not just a school
Strong relationships between students, families and staff form the foundation for outstanding learning and growth.
Welcome to Tecoma Primary School
Dear Families, Students, and Friends of Tecoma Primary School,
It is my pleasure to welcome you to Tecoma Primary School — a place where every child is known, valued, and inspired to reach their full potential. Community is at the heart of everything we do. We are proud to be a school where strong relationships between students, families, staff and the wider community form the foundation for outstanding learning and growth.
At Tecoma Primary School, we strive to create a responsive, cooperative, and innovative teaching and learning environment. We are committed to developing the whole person as a lifelong learner — one who embraces self-improvement, pursues achievement, and contributes meaningfully to their community. Our motto, Learn, Grow, Achieve, captures this belief perfectly, and our school values of Respect, Resilience, Personal Best, and Creativity are woven through every classroom and learning experience we offer.
We are deeply committed to excellence in education. Through Explicit Instruction, structured literacy and numeracy programs, a knowledge rich curriculum and a consistent instructional approach, we ensure that learning is purposeful, engaging, and high quality for every student. Our staff collaborate to deliver a cohesive, consistent curriculum so that every student experiences outstanding teaching every day.
Central to our approach is our commitment to inclusion and support. Through our Multi-Tiered System of Supports, we ensure that every student’s needs are identified and met. We work proactively to provide the right support at the right time, creating an environment where all children can thrive.
We also understand that wellbeing underpins learning. At Tecoma, we nurture the whole child - building resilience, fostering independence, and cultivating a school culture grounded in kindness, respect, and aspiration.
I warmly invite you to visit our school, meet our wonderful staff, and see our community in action. Tecoma Primary School is a special place, and we would love for you to experience it firsthand.
We look forward to welcoming you into our community.
Warm regards,
Katrina Ellis
Principal
Psst… want to know one of Tecoma Primary’s best kept secrets?
It’s our staff! We asked each of them what makes Tecoma Primary their favourite place to be — and threw in a fun question just to keep things interesting. Scroll down to get to know the legends who make this school so special!
Getting to lead a community like this is a huge privilege, and I take that very seriously! I genuinely love this place. There’s nothing quite like walking through the yard at recess, weaving past a down ball game, a group cooking up “magic potions” from bark and leaves, and a footy match that’s somehow got half the grade playing, and knowing that’s exactly what school should feel like. But honestly, most days it just feels like getting to do work I love, surrounded by people who care as much as I do about helping every kid grow into a confident, curious, kind human.
I’ve had the good fortune to live and teach in the UK, the USA, and Australia. Outside of school, I’m kept very busy (and very happy) by my three amazing kids. I also love spending time with friends and family, and I’m rarely without a book.
As a long-standing member of the Tecoma community, as both a parent and staff member, I feel deeply connected to the values and culture that make our school so special. I believe relationships are at the heart of successful education, and I am passionate about teaching the whole child: supporting students’ social, emotional and wellbeing needs alongside their learning is what helps every child thrive.
My original qualification is a Bachelor of Music, and I am also a certified yoga teacher. Outside of work you’ll often find me by the ocean, or recharging at theatres and art galleries.
I love working in such a supportive team and environment, in a school where people are highly invested in students’ learning and wellbeing. I have particularly enjoyed programs and events where students discover new interests and passions, such as choir and ‘Tecoma’s Got Talent’.
I am an avid karaoke-goer.
Tecoma PS has such a special community feel. The strong relationships between staff, students and families create a welcoming, supportive environment where everyone feels connected. I love being part of the students’ growth, whether it’s achieving a learning goal, building confidence, or simply developing a love of coming to school each day.
I spend most of my weekends away with my family. We love exploring new parts of Victoria.
I love working at our school because of the supportive staff and strong community feel. Everyone is friendly and works well together, and the families are supportive of the school, which makes it a great place to work.
My two favourite subjects at school have always been Maths and Sport! In Prep, I wrote that when I grow up I want to be a P.E. teacher, so I was pretty close to knowing my future at just five years old!
Our Tecoma community is friendly and kind, and it’s a wonderful place to be when students, teachers and families join in and contribute to all the school’s activities and events.
I love music festivals and swimming in the ocean!
I enjoy being a part of the unique Tecoma community. I love supporting students’ learning and growth and helping them build the confidence to become the best version of themselves.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and watching Collingwood win.
I love connecting with students in their junior years and keeping those connections alive as they move up through the school. I love working with students on everything sustainability-related, and volunteering in areas such as the Dance Troupe in the Victorian State Schools Spectacular.
I’d love to get a garden club going with parents and grandparents of the school. If you’d like to join the TPS Garden Group, please get in touch! I grew up in NSW, lived in England for two years, and have just clocked up 28 years living and working in Victoria.
I love working at Tecoma PS because I feel supported, valued and respected every day. Everyone genuinely cares about and supports one another, and the students are delightful. They make coming to work each day a joy. It’s a school where I feel happy, connected and proud to belong.
I live in Selby with my partner and two young sons. When I’m not at school I’m usually making art: painting and beaded loom artworks. Last year one of my pieces featured in an exhibition! I love expressing my creativity by wearing lots of colour and fun shoes.
I love working at Tecoma Primary School because of the strong sense of community and the positive relationships between staff, students and families. The caring culture and shared passion for learning make it a place where I genuinely enjoy coming to work each day.
When I'm not at school, I love spending time with my husband and three kids, heading off on our next adventure. Whether it's a caravanning holiday, hiking, travelling, skiing, horse riding or a swim at the beach, I love being outdoors.
I love being part of the Tecoma community as both a teacher and a parent. I enjoy contributing to a positive culture for students, families and staff, and celebrating students’ achievements, big and small.
Something interesting about me is that I’m fluent in Auslan, and I worked as an Auslan interpreter whilst studying teaching.
I enjoy working at TPS because of the supportive team culture and the strong relationships I’ve built with my colleagues, students, and families. It’s a welcoming environment where I feel valued, inspired to grow professionally, and able to make a positive difference in students’ learning and wellbeing.
Something interesting about me is that I do weekly pottery classes and love to cook.
I love working at Tecoma because it has a welcoming community, supportive colleagues, and a strong focus on student wellbeing. It is a place where I feel valued as a teacher and can make a meaningful difference in students’ learning and confidence every day.
I love dancing. It is my happy place! I am a trained dance teacher in classical ballet, jazz and tap.
I enjoy being part of our close-knit school community, where I have the opportunity to know every student, their family, and my colleagues. The strong sense of community and the relationships we build each day make Tecoma PS a rewarding place to teach and learn.
Outside of school, I love spending time with my family, beach camping, trying new recipes in the kitchen, and enjoying a good sing and dance. I also can't start my day without a cup of coffee!
I love being part of the Tecoma Primary School community. This year I've started in the role of Learning Specialist, and it's been a privilege to work alongside such an enthusiastic and dedicated team of teachers who are always willing to try new ideas and keep learning themselves. There's a real sense of excitement about where our school is heading, and I'm looking forward to being part of that journey as we continue to create the best possible learning experiences for our students.
Outside of school, I've been involved in Taekwondo for most of my life. I started training when I was 11 years old and am now a fifth dan black belt. Over the years I've competed in numerous State Championships and represented Victoria as part of the Victorian Taekwondo Team. For the past 24 years I've also run my own Taekwondo club in the Dandenong Ranges, where one of my greatest joys has been seeing students develop the confidence and perseverance to achieve their black belts.
Tecoma was the first school where I began my teaching career, so it feels very special to return and reconnect with a community that has always held a place in my heart. The classroom is truly my happy place, and I love helping students build confidence in themselves and their abilities.
Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family and my two groodles, Luna and Willow, who keep life busy and full of adventures.
Tecoma is such a lovely place to be. We have such a strong sense of community among staff, students and families alike. I also value the creativity and critical thinking of Tecoma students. They help me learn and grow, just as I am able to help them.
Nothing beats a sea of navy blue streaming towards the G, a perfect jump shot, or a conversation about the most overlooked characters in the wizarding world.
Tecoma PS has been a big part of my life for many, many years. I am an ex-student (late ’80s to early ’90s, and yes, I am THAT old!) and I love the community that has always been here. The students, with their thirst for knowledge and fabulous sense of humour, make this job wonderful, as do the amazing staff I have the privilege of calling friends.
I love to travel, and only have South America left before I can officially say I have been to every continent in the world!
I really enjoy the supportive community from staff and families.
One of my favourite hobbies is reading, and I’ll do that at any chance I get!
Tecoma PS has a warm and welcoming culture that makes it a special place to be. The students bring so much energy and enthusiasm to each day, which makes teaching incredibly rewarding.
I love a mix of adventure and relaxation, from travelling, bike riding and swimming to curling up with a good book or a knitting project. Most of all, I love spending time with my family, my two dogs, and people who make me laugh!
I love the strong sense of community and the supportive team at Tecoma. It's a place where both students and staff are encouraged to thrive.
As an ex-Tecoma Primary student, it's special to now be teaching here. Outside of school, I love travelling, reading, and spending time with my two dogs.
I like working at Tecoma because this is the area I grew up in. I feel connected to this area and its community feel. It is a wonderful school environment, filled with supportive teachers, staff and amazing students. Building relationships with the students is so important, and it’s why I love my job.
Before I became a teacher, I was a psychologist and a social worker, both of which give me skills that assist my teaching every day.
I love the strong sense of community and connectedness at Tecoma, and the fun we have every day: learning is engaging, relationships are positive and laughter is encouraged. Seeing my students achieve their goals, develop confidence and overcome challenges is incredibly fulfilling.
I’ve lived in the Dandenong Ranges my whole life, have been teaching for 20 years, and my own children attend Tecoma. I’ve spent many years four-wheel-driving Australia’s most remote tracks, including a week sleeping in swags on Dirk Hartog Island, swimming with wild dolphins. Oh, and my grandfather wrote the Richmond Tigers theme song!
The students and community make Tecoma PS a wonderful place to be!
I love to travel and play tennis.
I like working at Tecoma PS because of the community and the support that I feel each and every day.
I love netball. I'm a massive Melbourne Vixens fan!!
I enjoy working at Tecoma because I've felt well supported by the leadership team and have had the opportunity to build positive relationships with students and families. It's a school where I feel I can make a meaningful contribution while continuing to grow professionally.
I'm one of fifteen children and now have five children of my own, so family has always been at the centre of my life. Growing up in a big family taught me the importance of patience, teamwork and finding humour in everyday moments.
I feel very lucky to be the Visual Arts Teacher. I get to spend my days creating, experimenting and inspiring. My favourite thing is seeing students excited about coming into the art room, and I am very proud of the resilience and creativity they demonstrate as they embrace new challenges and express their ideas.
I love travelling, being outdoors and snowboarding. Before teaching, I worked at three ski resorts overseas, lived in the UK, and spent five months travelling through South America.
It is a great school with fabulous people.
I sing in the Carols by Candlelight Choir at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl on Christmas Eve.
Every day brings new opportunities to help children build confidence, develop new skills and experience success. Seeing students support one another, challenge themselves and celebrate their achievements is incredibly rewarding.
My personal sporting journey has been a little unusual. I’ve gone from running cross-country races to Irish dancing and karate, with plenty of athletics and netball in between!
I love Tecoma’s strong sense of community and supportive staff. Since joining the school over 11 years ago, I have always felt warmly welcomed as a Japanese teacher, and I especially enjoy how curious and enthusiastic our students are about Japan and different cultures. I feel very fortunate to teach such wonderful students!
I am originally from Japan, and this is now my 18th year living in Melbourne. When I was younger, I enjoyed dancing hip-hop and playing the Electone, a Yamaha instrument with two keyboards and a full octave of foot pedals that can be programmed to sound like a whole orchestra!
I have been connected with Tecoma Primary School for 28 years - first as a parent, then as a staff member. My colleagues are dedicated and passionate, and I enjoy coming to work every day to support our wonderful students.
I also love cryptic crosswords.
I love working with the amazing staff and students of Tecoma Primary School, who all reflect what a wonderful school it is. There is a great sense of community and support at Tecoma.
I used to be a gardener.
I enjoy working at TPS because I can bring a new perspective to supporting our wonderful students.
I love being outdoors in nature and gardening.
I enjoy working at Tecoma Primary School because I get to support and witness the continuous growth of our students, and it’s a fun workplace.
I have two granddaughters, and I’m a huge Richmond Tigers fan.
Tecoma Primary School staff have always worked together as a team to achieve the best outcomes for our students. Our wider community has always worked hand in hand with staff to make our school a positive and dynamic place to work. That's why I've been here for 27 years!
Even though I hate summer, Christmas is my favourite time of year. Elf is my favourite Christmas movie. The Office (US) is my all-time favourite TV show, and I will watch the entire series multiple times a year. I still laugh every time.
I love working with all the wonderful children at Tecoma Primary School, and I love the sense of community the school has.
I was born in England and still have lots of family over there. Until my early 30s, I could do backflips and somersaults - my record was 10 in a row, and it was my party trick. These days my party trick is juggling, though only with three balls. I have two children, Jessie, 31, and Bailey, 27, and two lovely grandchildren, Alice, who is 4, and Elliott, who is 22 months.
It's fun in the office and The Railyard is over the road!
I worked with Olivia Newton John for her "LivKit" launch during my time at Pacific Magazines.
I love working with the families and students. We have such a great community.
I have 2 dogs, a cat & six chooks, and a beautiful family.
The staff and community here are like a family. There's a genuine warmth and sense of belonging that makes coming to work feel easy. We look out for each other, celebrate the wins together, and support one another through the busy times, which makes such a difference in a school environment. There's a real sense of calm and connection to Tecoma Primary and our surrounding environment that you don't get everywhere, and it makes the day-to-day joy of working here even richer.
I love the outdoors and having fun, especially with my family. My granddaughter keeps me on my toes and always up for an adventure!
Getting to know our staff: Guess which staff member's parent won a title at Wimbledon?
Our motto: “Learn, Grow, Achieve”
At Tecoma Primary School we strive to create a responsive, cooperative, innovative teaching and learning environment. We aim for development of the whole person as a committed life-long learner, who embraces self-development, achievement and contributes to their community.
These values are fundamental to the culture of Tecoma Primary School and are the underpinning principles for all school-based activity and decision-making. They provide a framework and whole-school language for the development of all relationships within the school — students, teachers, parents and the community.
Our values are prominently displayed in all classrooms and throughout the school, and constantly referred to in all aspects of school life.
At the beginning of each year, our Start Up program introduces the values and related concepts to all children from Prep to Year 6.
Our weekly student awards, presented at School Assembly, promote and celebrate students living our school values.
Proudly part of Tecoma since the “Pines”
Tecoma Primary School is situated in the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges on Melbourne’s outer-eastern fringe, central to the township of Tecoma.
The school opened as a part-time school with Menzies Creek, in a two-room shack called the “Pines.” The name of the school changed from Upper Ferntree Gully, to Upwey, then Belgrave and finally Tecoma in 1961. Since its opening, Tecoma Primary has established a proud history of providing high quality education to students drawn predominantly from Tecoma, Belgrave and Upwey.
The school is an integral part of the community and strongly emphasises a close home–school partnership — reflected in the day-to-day involvement of parents in school activities and decision-making. A genuine feeling of community spirit surrounds the school, with facilities often used after hours by other community groups.
Grounds our whole community takes pride in
Tecoma Primary School is set within peaceful, landscaped grounds that include spacious sporting facilities. All classrooms are air-conditioned and equipped with Smartboards, laptops and iPads as necessary.
STEM Learning Centre, art room, library/music room, multipurpose gymnasium and a modern administration building with a carefully restored original facade.
Two large adventure playgrounds, two sandpits, a bike shed, shade-sail-covered areas, an amphitheatre, external stage, rotunda and plenty of passive play areas with seating.
A vegetable patch and chicken coop, a yarning circle, two basketball/netball courts and an oval with its own surrounding running track.
In recent years, the majority of school buildings have been constructed or refurbished, providing modern learning spaces for all. A 2015 refurbishment transformed the original building into the current office, Principal and Assistant Principal offices, staffroom, meeting room and staff resource area — with the original facade carefully restored to preserve the school’s historical character.
Work to maintain and improve the extensive grounds is ongoing, with much of it carried out during the working bees held each term. Thoughtful planting and shade structures support the school’s SunSmart Policy.
Take a look around from anywhere
Our virtual tour is currently in production, and will live right here: a guided walk through our classrooms, grounds and gardens that you can take from your couch.
In the meantime, nothing beats seeing the school in person. We would love to show you around, answer your questions and introduce you to our community.
School policies
Our child safety and wellbeing policies outline the measures and strategies we have in place to support, promote and maintain the safety and wellbeing of our students. Copies of any policy are available from the school office.
Annual reports
Our Annual Report to the School Community and School Strategic Plan will be published here. For a copy in the meantime, please contact the school office.
Need a document? Call us on (03) 9754 2354 or email tecoma.ps@education.vic.gov.au and we’ll happily send it through.
Meet our staff, wander the grounds and experience the Tecoma community firsthand.
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.