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Aintree Primary School Calendar 2026-2027 – Victoria, Australia

August 10, 2026 Leave a Comment

Aintree Primary School is a government-funded, co-educational primary school located at 11 Timbertop Parade, Aintree, Victoria 3336 — in the City of Melton, in Melbourne’s rapidly growing western corridor.

The school opened for enrolments in Foundation (Prep) to Year 6 in Term 1, 2021, making it one of Melbourne’s newest purpose-built primary schools. Despite its recent establishment, the school has grown remarkably quickly — with a current enrolment of approximately 1,200 students and continued growth expected over the next four to five years.

The school is led by Principal Simon Cornock and sits on 3.5 hectares of purpose-built grounds, adjacent to a Children and Community Hub that houses a Kindergarten, Maternal and Child Health services, and community facilities — creating a unique integrated early childhood and primary learning precinct that makes the transition from pre-school to primary school seamless for local families.

Part of a Growing School Network

Aintree Primary School belongs to the Brimbank/Melton Network of Schools — a collaborative network of schools in Melbourne’s west including three other new government schools alongside well-established primary, secondary, specialist, P-9, and Senior Secondary schools. This network supports professional learning, resource sharing, and community connection across one of Melbourne’s fastest-growing regions.

International Students

Aintree Primary School is accredited under the Department of Education’s CRICOS registration (CRICOS provider name and code: Department of Education, 00861K), making it eligible to enrol international students. Most international students must apply through the Department of Education for a Victorian government school placement — families can visit study.vic.gov.au for further information.

Curriculum and Learning

Aintree Primary School follows the Victorian Curriculum (Foundation to Year 6), delivering a comprehensive programme across all key learning areas including English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, the Arts, Technologies, Health, and Physical Education.

The school’s learning approach reflects contemporary best practice in:

Literacy and numeracy — evidence-based, explicit teaching from Foundation year
Collaborative and inquiry-based learning — encouraging curiosity and critical thinking
Wellbeing integration — social and emotional learning woven throughout the curriculum
Digital technologies — preparing students for a digital future
Physical education and sport — promoting active, healthy lifestyles

The school also values the relationship between home and school, with strong family engagement embedded in its learning culture.

Children and Community Hub

A genuinely distinctive feature of Aintree Primary School is its co-location with the Children and Community Hub adjacent to the school grounds. The hub houses:

Kindergarten — enabling a smooth early childhood to primary transition
Maternal and Child Health (MCH) services
Community facilities — open to local residents

This integrated model means families with children at different early childhood and primary stages can often access multiple services at one location, reducing travel and supporting community cohesion.

School Tours

Prospective families are warmly encouraged to visit the school before enrolling. School tours run fortnightly on Thursdays at 9:40 am, subject to availability. Tour bookings can be made via the school’s official website at aintreeps.vic.edu.au.

Contact Information

Detail	Information
Address	11 Timbertop Parade, Aintree VIC 3336, Australia
Website	aintreeps.vic.edu.au
Principal	Simon Cornock
School type	Government, co-educational primary school
Year levels	Foundation (Prep) – Year 6
Enrolment	Approximately 1,200 students (growing)
Opened	Term 1, 2021
LGA	City of Melton

Aintree Primary School Term Dates 2026

As a Victorian government school, Aintree Primary follows term dates approved by the Minister for Education in five-year blocks, applying uniformly to all Victorian government schools and kindergartens statewide.

Term	Start Date	Finish Date
Term 1	Tuesday, 27 January 2026 (students start Wednesday, 28 January)	Thursday, 2 April 2026
Term 2	Monday, 20 April 2026	Friday, 26 June 2026
Term 3	Monday, 13 July 2026	Friday, 18 September 2026
Term 4	Monday, 5 October 2026	Friday, 18 December 2026

Aintree Primary School Term Dates 2027

Term	Start Date	Finish Date
Term 1	Wednesday, 27 January 2027 (students start Thursday, 28 January)	Thursday, 25 March 2027
Term 2	Monday, 12 April 2027	Friday, 25 June 2027
Term 3	Monday, 12 July 2027	Friday, 17 September 2027
Term 4	Monday, 4 October 2027	Friday, 17 December 2027

Key Public Holidays 2026 (Victoria)

Australia Day: Monday, 26 January 2026
labor Day: Monday, 9 March 2026 (during Term 1)
ANZAC Day: Saturday, 25 April 2026 (no substitute Monday in Victoria)
King’s Birthday: Monday, 8 June 2026 (during Term 2)
Melbourne Cup Day: Tuesday, 3 November 2026 (statewide public holiday)

Last verified: 10 August 2026. Official source: Victorian Government — School term dates and holidays in Victoria and Aintree Primary School official website

Enrolment

Aintree Primary School is a zoned school — students residing within the defined school zone are guaranteed a place. Out-of-zone applications may be considered based on available capacity. For enrolment inquiries, families can visit the school website at aintreeps.vic.edu.au or attend a fortnightly Thursday morning school tour. International students must apply through the Victorian Department of Education’s international student pathway.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Aintree Primary School open?

The school opened in Term 1, 2021 — making it one of Melbourne’s newest government primary schools.

How large is Aintree Primary School?

Approximately 1,200 students, with continued growth expected over the next four to five years as the Aintree residential area continues to develop.

What is the Children and Community Hub?

An adjacent facility housing Kindergarten, Maternal and Child Health, and community services — co-located with the school to support families across early childhood and primary school stages.

Can international students enrol?

Yes. Aintree Primary School holds CRICOS accreditation for international students via the Department of Education.

Who do I contact for enrolment or school tours?

Visit aintreeps.vic.edu.au or attend a fortnightly Thursday school tour (9:40 am).

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Firbank Grammar School Calendar 2026-2027 — Victoria, Australia

July 10, 2026 Leave a Comment

Firbank Grammar School is an independent, Anglican, day and boarding school located in the Bayside suburb of Brighton, Melbourne, Victoria. Established on 26 April 1909 by the Anglican Archbishop of Melbourne, Henry Lowther Clarke — who left a generous legacy specifically for educational purposes — Firbank has provided quality education rooted in Christian values for over 115 years.

The school caters to approximately 1,200 students from ELC to Year 12 across three campuses. The Early Learning Centre and primary years are co-educational, while the Senior School (Years 7-12) is for girls only. Firbank has close ties with its brother school, Brighton Grammar School, with students from both schools participating together in music, drama, and other co-educational activities.

The school’s motto — “Vincit qui se vincit” (“One conquers who conquers oneself”) — reflects a philosophy of personal growth, character development, and resilience that runs throughout school life.

Leadership

Firbank Grammar School is led by Principal Ms Jenny Williams. The 2026 Deputy Principal and Head of Senior School is Ceri Lloyd, who recently joined the school in this role. The school’s 2026 Co-Captains are Isabella Tranter and Sophie Nicholls, announced at the Leadership Investiture Ceremony at the conclusion of 2025.

Three Campuses: Brighton and Sandringham

Campus	Address	Year Levels
Brighton Senior School	51 Outer Crescent, Brighton VIC 3186	Years 7–12 (Girls) + Boarding
Brighton Junior School (Turner House)	Middle Crescent, Brighton VIC 3186	ELC – Year 6 (Girls + Co-ed ELC)
Sandringham Junior School	45 Royal Avenue, Sandringham VIC 3191	ELC – Year 6 (Co-educational)

Students from the Sandringham Campus have guaranteed pathways: girls progress to Firbank’s Senior School in Brighton, while boys have a pathway to the neighbouring Brighton Grammar School Senior School.

Acknowledgement of Country

Firbank Grammar School acknowledges its campuses are situated on the Country of the Kulin Nations, honouring the sovereignty and connection to Country of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and paying respect to their Traditional Custodians and Elders past and present.

Academic Programmes

Firbank offers a comprehensive curriculum from ELC through to Year 12, including:

IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) — at the Brighton Junior School, with students engaging in the PYP Exhibition as a culminating primary-years project
Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) — for Years 11-12 in the Senior School
Structured learning in literacy, numeracy, the arts, STEM, and humanities across primary years

The Senior School operates a Semester Two structure for Years 10-12 that begins earlier for the Senior School (Mid-June) than for Junior Schools (late July), to accommodate the shorter Terms 3 and 4 of the final year.

Co-Curricular Life

Firbank’s co-curricular programme is extensive, with particular strengths in:

Rowing — Firbank has competed in rowing since 1992 and is a member of Girls Sport Victoria (GSV)
Swimming — the school has produced many nationally and internationally recognised swimmers, with a dedicated Firbank Swim School operating 7 days a week year-round, including competitive squads and weekly lessons
Music — choirs including the Bel Canto choir, ensembles, and joint performances with Brighton Grammar
Drama — joint productions with Brighton Grammar and internal school productions
Community Service — including a sponsorship of the Brighton Surf Life Saving Club Bathing Box Classic event

Contact Information

Detail	Information
Senior School Phone	+61 3 9591 5188
Website	firbank.vic.edu.au
Principal	Ms Jenny Williams
School type	Independent, Anglican; co-ed (ELC/Junior), girls (Senior School)
Year levels	ELC – Year 12
Enrolment	Approximately 1,200 students
Founded	26 April 1909
Motto	Vincit qui se vincit (“One conquers who conquers oneself”)

Firbank Grammar School Term Dates 2026

The following dates are sourced directly from the official Firbank Grammar School website (firbank.vic.edu.au/term-dates/).

Term	Start Date	End Date
Term 1	Friday, 29 January 2026	Thursday, 25 March 2026
Term 2	Tuesday, 13 April 2026	Friday, 18 June 2026
Term 3	Wednesday, 14 July 2026	Friday, 17 September 2026
Term 4	Tuesday, 5 October 2026	Tuesday, 7 December 2026

Semester Two (Senior School only) commences Monday, 15 June 2026 — earlier than Term 3 start — to accommodate the shorter Terms 3 and 4 in senior years.

ELC Long Day School operates from Wednesday, 10 January 2026 to Tuesday, 17 December 2026.

Firbank Grammar School Term Dates 2027

Term	Start Date	End Date
Term 1	Friday, 31 January 2027	Friday, 4 April 2027
Term 2	Wednesday, 23 April 2027	Friday, 27 June 2027
Term 3	Wednesday, 23 July 2027	Friday, 19 September 2027
Term 4	Tuesday, 7 October 2027	Tuesday, 9 December 2027

Last verified: 10 July 2026. Official source: Firbank Grammar School — Term Dates

How Families Can Use This Calendar

Knowing the Firbank calendar in advance helps families:

Note the earlier Senior School Semester Two start (mid-June rather than mid-July) when planning family activities for Year 10-12 students
Plan around the ELC Long Day School calendar, which operates from January to December with its own dates
Coordinate with Brighton Grammar School’s calendar for joint co-curricular events involving both schools
Book the school’s popular open mornings and tours well in advance, particularly for ELC and Junior School entry

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Firbank Grammar School co-educational?

The ELC and Junior Schools are co-educational, while the Senior School (Years 7-12) is for girls only. Boys attending the Sandringham Campus have a pathway to Brighton Grammar School’s Senior School.

Who is the current Principal?

Ms Jenny Williams is the Principal of Firbank Grammar School.

Does Firbank offer the IB?

Yes. The IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) is offered at the Brighton Junior School.

When does Term 1 start in 2026?

Term 1 begins Friday, 29 January 2026 — note this is different from the standard Victorian Department of Education calendar, as Firbank is an independent school.

Who do I contact for enrolments or general enquiries?

Contact Firbank Grammar School at +61 3 9591 5188 or visit firbank.vic.edu.au.

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Geelong Grammar School Calendar 2026-2027 – Victoria, Australia

July 8, 2026 Leave a Comment

Geelong Grammar School (GGS), colloquially known as “Grammar” or sometimes as “Australia’s Eton,” is a private Anglican, co-educational boarding and day school — one of Australia’s most prestigious and historically significant independent schools.

The school’s main campus is located in Corio, on the northern outskirts of Geelong, Victoria, overlooking Corio Bay and Limeburners Bay, with additional campuses in Toorak (Melbourne) and Timbertop (near Mansfield in alpine Victoria).

Founded on 1 October 1855 under the auspices of the Church of England, GGS was established as a private venture to provide quality secondary education. It survived a period of financial closure (1860-1863), was rebuilt under the great headmaster John Bracebridge Wilson, and grew through the late 19th century into a nationally recognised school.

The school moved from its central Geelong site to the current expansive Corio campus in February 1914, where it occupies approximately 230 hectares of grounds overlooking the bay.

Today, GGS caters to approximately 1,500 students from ELC to Year 12, with approximately 800 boarders from Years 5 to 12 — one of the largest boarding populations of any school in Australia.

Principal and Leadership

Geelong Grammar School is led by Principal Rebecca Cody, who became the 12th Principal of GGS in 2018 — the first Australian-born and first female Principal in the school’s 170-year history. The school is governed by a School Council and maintains active communication with its community through “Recent Statements” published by the Principal and Chair of the School Council on significant matters.

Four Campuses: A Multi-Campus Education

GGS’s distinctive multi-campus structure offers students different environments and experiences across their schooling:

Corio Campus (Main Campus, Geelong) The centrepiece of GGS, spanning 230 hectares on a peninsula overlooking Corio Bay. Houses the Junior School (ELC to Year 6, with Year 7 from 2027 and Year 8 from 2028), Middle School (Years 7-9 currently, transitioning), and Senior School (Years 10-12). Boarding students from Years 5-12 live in dedicated Houses. The campus includes the Handbury Centre for Wellbeing — a state-of-the-art sports and health facility available for community hire.

Timbertop Campus (Near Mansfield, Alpine Victoria) One of the most distinctive aspects of any Australian school, Timbertop is a full-time residential campus for Year 9 students only. All GGS students spend Year 9 at Timbertop, immersed in the alpine environment. The programme was founded in 1953 by the visionary headmaster Sir James Darling, inspired by the Outward Bound movement and Kurt Hahn’s Gordonstoun School in Scotland. King Charles III famously spent two terms at Timbertop in 1966 during his time at GGS.

Toorak Campus (Melbourne) A vibrant, inspiring day campus in the heart of Toorak, Melbourne. Serving ELC to Year 6 (with Year 7 from 2027 and Year 8 from 2028), Toorak Campus allows families in inner Melbourne to access a GGS education from the earliest years.

Bostock House (Closed Term 1, 2026) Bostock House in Newtown, Geelong — GGS’s primary campus since 1998 — closed at the conclusion of Term 1, 2026. Students and staff relocated to the newly built Junior School at Corio Campus, marking a significant new chapter in the school’s long history.

Famous Alumni

Geelong Grammar School’s alumni list is remarkable, including:

King Charles III spent two terms at Timbertop in 1966
Rupert Murdoch — media mogul
Kerry Packer — media tycoon
Elisabeth Murdoch — philanthropist and distinguished Australian, after whom Elisabeth Murdoch House at Corio is named
Professor Tony Holmes AO — pioneering craniofacial surgeon, awarded the GGS Medal for Service to Society in May 2026

School Values and Positive Education

GGS’s school values of courage, compassion, and curiosity guide all aspects of school life. The school is also internationally recognised for its Institute of Positive Education (IOE), which develops and shares positive psychology-based education programmes with schools around the world — a genuine contribution to global education well beyond GGS itself.

Acknowledgement of Country

GGS acknowledges the traditional owners of the lands used by all four campuses — the Wadawurrung, Wurundjeri, and Taungurung people — and pays respect to their Elders, past, present, and emerging.

Contact Information

Detail	Information
Main Campus Address	Corio, Victoria (Geelong northern outskirts)
Toorak Campus Address	Toorak, Melbourne
Phone	+61 3 5273 9200
Website	ggs.vic.edu.au
Principal	Rebecca Cody
School type	Independent, Anglican, co-educational, boarding, and day
Year levels	ELC – Year 12
Enrolment	Approx. 1,500 students (800 boarders)
Founded	1 October 1855

Geelong Grammar School Term Dates 2026

GGS sets its own term calendar across all four campuses. Dates below are sourced directly from the official GGS website (ggs.vic.edu.au/enrolment/ggs-term-dates/2026-2/).

Junior School — Corio Campus (ELC to Year 6)

Term	Classes Commence	Term End	Mid-term Exeat
Term 1	Wednesday, 28 January 2026	Thursday, 2 April 2026 (3:30 pm)	Fri 6 Mar (3:30 pm) – Mon 9 Mar
Term 2	Tuesday, 21 April 2026	Friday, 26 June 2026 (3:30 pm)	Fri 22 May (3:30 pm) – Mon 25 May
Term 3	Tuesday, 21 July 2026	Friday, 18 September 2026 (3:30 pm)	Fri 21 Aug (3:30 pm) – Mon 24 Aug
Term 4	Tuesday, 6 October 2026	Thursday, 3 December 2026 (3:30 pm)	Fri 30 Oct (3:30 pm) – Tue 3 Nov

Middle School and Senior School — Corio Campus (Years 7–12)

Term	Classes Commence	Term End	Key Notes
Term 1	Friday, 30 January 2026	Thursday, 2 April 2026 (8:00 am)	Boarders arrive from Thu 29 Jan; Mid-term Exeat Fri 6 Mar (2 pm) – Mon 9 Mar.
Term 2	Tuesday, 21 April 2026	Friday, 26 June 2026 (8:00 am)	Mid-term Exeat/Parent Conversations Sat 23 May – Tue 26 May
Term 3	Tuesday, 21 July 2026	Friday, 18 September 2026 (8:00 am)	Mid-term Exeat/Parent Conversations Fri 21 Aug (2 pm) – Tue 25 Aug
Term 4	Tuesday, 6 October 2026	Thursday, 3 December 2026 (8:00 am)	Mid-term Exeat Sat 31 Oct – Tue 3 Nov

For MS and SS boarders, End of Term is 8:00 am, with the remainder of the day designated as a travel day.

Timbertop Campus (Year 9)

Term	Programme Commences	Term End	Exeat
Term 1	Saturday, 31 January 2026	Thursday, 2 April 2026 (8:00 am)	Fri 6 Mar (8 am) – Mon 9 Mar
Term 2	Tuesday, 21 April 2026	Friday, 26 June 2026 (8:00 am)	Sat 23 May (8 am) – Tue 26 May
Term 3	Monday, 20 July 2026	Sunday, 13 September 2026 (from Corio Campus, 4:30 pm, at conclusion of Athletics Day)	Sat 22 Aug (10 am) – Tue 25 Aug
Term 4	Tuesday, 6 October 2026	Friday, 4 December 2026 (10:30 am)	Sat 31 Oct (8 am) – Tue 3 Nov

Toorak Campus (ELC to Year 6, Melbourne)

Term	Classes Commence	Term End	Key Notes
Term 1	Wednesday, 28 January 2026	Thursday, 2 April 2026 (3:15 pm)	Labour Day Mon 9 Mar
Term 2	Tuesday, 21 April 2026	Friday, 26 June 2026 (3:15 pm)	King’s Birthday Mon 8 Jun
Term 3	Tuesday, 21 July 2026	Friday, 18 September 2026 (3:15 pm)	Mid-term break Mon 24 Aug
Term 4	Tuesday, 6 October 2026	Thursday, 3 December 2026 (3:15 pm)	Melbourne Cup Tue 3 Nov

Last verified: 08 July 2026. Official source: Geelong Grammar School — 2026 Term Dates (updated 19 June 2026)

Annual Traditions

Founders’ Day: Commemorated on or close to 24 June (the date in 1857 when the foundation stone was laid for the original central Geelong school building — that same stone is now built into the Corio clock tower)
Timbertop Athletics Day: End of Term 3 for Timbertop students, held at Corio Campus
Valedictory Dinner: End-of-year celebration for Year 12 students and families
House Dinners: Annual dinner for each boarding house, open to families

Enrolment and Fees

GGS has a non-selective enrolment policy — academic performance is not a barrier to entry. However, demand is high, and early enquiry is recommended for all campuses. Annual fees (approximate) as of recent data: day students around $50,000, boarding students around $85,000, making GGS one of Australia’s most expensive independent schools. Scholarships are available in academics, music, arts, and other areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the current Principal of Geelong Grammar School?

Rebecca Cody, who became the 12th Principal in 2018 — the first Australian-born and first female Principal in the school’s history.

Did King Charles III attend Geelong Grammar School?

Yes. King Charles III (then Prince Charles) spent two terms at Geelong Grammar School’s Timbertop campus in 1966.

What is Timbertop?

Timbertop is GGS’s unique Year 9 residential campus near Mansfield in alpine Victoria, where all GGS students spend Year 9 immersed in outdoor and adventure education.

Has the campus structure changed recently?

Yes. Bostock House (GGS’s Newtown primary campus) closed at the end of Term 1, 2026, with students and staff moving to a newly built Junior School at Corio Campus.

Who do I contact for admissions or enrolment?

Contact GGS Admissions at +61 3 5273 9200 or visit ggs.vic.edu.au.

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Albert Park Primary School Calendar 2026-2027 — Victoria, Australia

July 7, 2026 Leave a Comment

Albert Park Primary School is a public primary school located in Albert Park, a charming bayside suburb of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Founded in 1873, the school has a history spanning over 150 years, making it one of the longest-established government schools in inner Melbourne.

As a government-run primary school operated by the Victorian Department of Education, Albert Park Primary is fully funded by the state and open to all children within its local catchment area, free of tuition fees. The school is known for its strong sense of community and its focus on creating a nurturing, inclusive learning environment for students from Foundation (Prep) through to Year 6.

Curriculum and School Life

Albert Park Primary follows the Victorian Curriculum, covering core learning areas such as English, mathematics, science, and humanities, as well as dedicated programs in physical education, music, and the visual arts. Throughout the year, the school organises a range of academic and extracurricular activities, including:

Science fairs — encouraging curiosity and hands-on STEM learning.
Art shows and music concerts — showcasing student creativity.
Sports competitions and faction carnivals — building teamwork and physical skill.
School fetes and family fun days — strengthening ties between students, families, and the broader Albert Park community.

Contact Information

Detail	Information
Address	Bridport St, Albert Park VIC 3206, Australia
Phone	+61 3 9699 9090
School type	Government-run, co-educational primary school
Year levels	Foundation (Prep) – Year 6

Albert Park Primary School Term Dates 2026

Victorian government schools, including Albert Park Primary School, follow term dates approved by the Minister for Education in five-year blocks. The 2026-2027 term dates were approved on 28 June and apply uniformly to all Victorian government schools and kindergartens statewide.

Term	Start Date	Finish Date
Term 1	Tuesday, 27 January 2026 (students start Wednesday, 28 January)	Thursday, 2 April 2026
Term 2	Monday, 20 April 2026	Friday, 26 June 2026
Term 3	Monday, 13 July 2026	Friday, 18 September 2026
Term 4	Monday, 5 October 2026	Friday, 18 December 2026

Albert Park Primary School Term Dates 2027

Term	Start Date	Finish Date
Term 1	Wednesday, 27 January 2027 (students start Thursday, 28 January)	Thursday, 25 March 2027
Term 2	Monday, 12 April 2027	Friday, 25 June 2027
Term 3	Monday, 12 July 2027	Friday, 17 September 2027
Term 4	Monday, 4 October 2027	Friday, 17 December 2027

Key Public Holidays Affecting the School Calendar

Australia Day: Monday, 26 January 2026
Labour Day: Monday, 9 March 2026
ANZAC Day: Saturday, 25 April 2026 (falls on a weekend — no substitute Monday holiday in Victoria)
King’s Birthday: Monday, 8 June 2026 (falls during Term 2)
Melbourne Cup Day: Tuesday, 3 November 2026 (statewide public holiday, not just Melbourne — all Victorian government schools close)

Note: The first day of Term 1 each year is typically a student-free curriculum day for teachers, with students returning the following day. Independent and Catholic schools in Victoria often follow a similar calendar but may set their own start, finish, and pupil-free days — confirm directly with the school if relevant.

Last verified: 27 June 2026 Official source: Victorian Government — School term dates and holidays in Victoria

How Families Can Use This Calendar

Knowing the Albert Park Primary School calendar in advance helps families:

Plan holidays and travel around the official term breaks rather than during instructional weeks
Prepare for the staggered Term 1 start (teachers return a day before students)
Stay aware of Victoria-specific public holidays such as Melbourne Cup Day and King’s Birthday, which fall within term time
Plan around the long-term 4 break, which runs from mid-December through to late January of the following year

Pupil-Free Days and Professional Development

Throughout the year, Albert Park Primary School schedules pupil-free days for teacher professional development. These days are essential for staff training and curriculum planning, ensuring teachers can deliver high-quality education. Parents are notified well in advance of any scheduled pupil-free days so they can arrange alternative care if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What term system does Albert Park Primary School follow?

Like all Victorian government schools, Albert Park Primary follows a four-term school year set by the Victorian Department of Education, running from late January to mid-December.

Are these term dates the same for all schools in Victoria?

Yes, for government (public) schools. Term dates are approved by the Minister for Education in five-year blocks and apply to all Victorian government schools and kindergartens. Independent and Catholic schools may vary slightly.

Why do teachers start before students each term?

The first day of Term 1 is typically a curriculum/planning day for teachers only, with students returning the following day. This pattern allows staff to prepare before the school year begins.

Is ANZAC Day a public holiday for schools in 2026?

ANZAC Day falls on Saturday, 25 April 2026. Unlike some other states, Victoria does not observe a substitute Monday public holiday when ANZAC Day falls on a weekend.

Who do I contact for school-specific queries?

For enrolment, attendance, or other school-specific questions, contact Albert Park Primary School directly at +61 3 9699 9090.

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Alphington Grammar School Calendar 2026-2027 – Victoria, Australia

July 7, 2026 Leave a Comment

Alphington Grammar School is an independent, co-educational school located at 18 Old Heidelberg Road, Alphington, Victoria, situated on 5 hectares of parkland alongside the banks of Darebin Creek — approximately 7 kilometres north-east of Melbourne’s CBD. The school serves students from Pre-Preparatory (Pre-Prep) through to Year 12, including a VCE programme in senior years.

The school was established by the Greek Community of Melbourne and Victoria (GCM) in 1988, with the site previously having been used by Parade College as a junior school campus from 1956 to 1981. Alphington Grammar opened its doors in 1989, with Mr Nicholas Bates appointed as Establishment Principal.

The campus itself holds additional heritage significance — it was built on the former homestead of Charles Trescowthick, a prominent Melbourne boot-maker of the late 19th and early 20th century, whose Edwardian-style home Flowerdale House still stands on the grounds, offering views over Darebin Creek.

A Non-Denominational School with Greek Heritage

Despite being founded by the Greek Community, Alphington Grammar was designed from its inception as a non-denominational school — reflecting the GCM’s vision of a school that connected to the Greek community while welcoming students from all cultural and religious backgrounds. Today, the school’s student body represents approximately 25 ethnic and religious backgrounds, making it one of the most genuinely multicultural independent schools in Victoria.

The school maintains its close relationship with the Greek Community of Melbourne, which holds Greek language classes on campus on Friday evenings and weekends — a living connection between the school and its founding community.

Alphington Grammar School Calendar 2026

Leadership

Alphington Grammar School is led by Principal Dr. Vivianne Nikou, who was appointed in 2013 as the school’s first female Principal. Under Dr. Nikou’s leadership, the school has undergone significant growth and development, including major building projects such as the Lyceum Centre, a state-of-the-art STEM wing, music rooms, a dance and drama studio, and an expanded administration and student amenities block. Enrolments have grown to over 650 students with waiting lists, rivalling much larger and more affluent competitor schools in academic results.

Campus and Facilities

The school sits on 5 hectares of attractive parklands and sporting ovals alongside Darebin Creek, with mature native flora and fauna providing an idyllic learning environment. Facilities include:

Modern classrooms from Pre-Prep through VCE, including a recently built Years 3-6 classroom wing
Lyceum Centre — conference and staff space
STEM wing — state-of-the-art Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics facilities
Performing Arts building — including dance and drama studio, modern gymnasium
Music rooms — supporting the school’s broad music programme
Flowerdale House — the original Edwardian homestead, now part of the school grounds
New sports facilities and underground car park (in staged development)

The school also operates private bus services from various Melbourne suburbs for families unable to access public transport routes.

Curriculum and Co-Curricular Life

Alphington Grammar follows the Victorian Curriculum (junior years) and VCE (senior years), with core subjects including Mathematics, English, Science, Humanities, Creative Arts, Physical Education, Greek, Chinese, and Information Technology through to Year 9. A wide range of VCE subjects is offered, with class sizes generally kept below 20 to ensure personalised attention.

The school’s motto — “Trying to be the Best” — reflects its commitment to individual student achievement across all domains.

Over 40 clubs and societies are available across Primary and Secondary schools, including:

Sports: Walking Club, Running Club, Swim Squad, Basketball, Tennis, Yoga, Athletics Enrichment
Music and Arts: Junior Orchestra, Concert Band, Greek Choir, Greek Band, Latin Band, Folk Band, Metal Band, String Club, Senior Band, Alphington Drumline, Art Club, Drama Club
STEM: Code Camp, Coding Club, Python Programming, Environment Club
Social: Chess Club, Book Club, Debating, Public Speaking, Radio Club

The Gateways Programme

A flagship initiative introduced in 2014, the Gateways Programme provides students with international and interstate travel experiences connecting learning to global contexts and the school’s Greek heritage. Over 115 students travelled to London, Italy, Sicily, and Greece — including the Acropolis in Athens, the Samaria Gorge in Crete, Delphi, and the monasteries of Meteora — experiencing an “open classroom” across iconic sites.

Scholarships Available

Alphington Grammar offers scholarships in the following categories:

Academic
General Excellence
The Arts
Greek (language and culture)
Senior School
Music

Alphington Grammar School Term Dates 2026

As an independent school, Alphington Grammar sets its own term calendar, broadly aligned with the Victorian Department of Education calendar but with school-specific variations possible.

Term	Start Date	Finish Date
Term 1	Tuesday, 27 January 2026 (students start Wednesday, 28 January)	Thursday, 2 April 2026
Term 2	Monday, 20 April 2026	Friday, 26 June 2026
Term 3	Monday, 13 July 2026	Friday, 18 September 2026
Term 4	Monday, 5 October 2026	Friday, 18 December 2026

Alphington Grammar School Term Dates 2027

Term	Start Date	Finish Date
Term 1	Wednesday, 27 January 2027 (students start Thursday, 28 January)	Thursday, 25 March 2027
Term 2	Monday, 12 April 2027	Friday, 25 June 2027
Term 3	Monday, 12 July 2027	Friday, 17 September 2027
Term 4	Monday, 4 October 2027	Friday, 17 December 2027

Note: As an independent school, Alphington Grammar may vary slightly from state government school dates. Confirm exact term dates directly via ags.vic.edu.au each year.

Last verified: 07 July 2026. Official source: Victorian Government — School term dates and holidays in Victoria (independent school dates may vary — confirm via ags.vic.edu.au)

Annual Events Highlights

Key recurring events in the Alphington Grammar calendar include:

Annual Music Concert — featuring students from Years 4, 5, and 6 showcasing musical talents
Annual Open Day — student-led school tours, performances, and activities for prospective families (recently held Saturday 16 March as an example)
Gateways international trips — senior students traveling to culturally significant destinations
Greek Community events — Friday evening and weekend Greek language classes, cultural celebrations

Enrolment

Alphington Grammar is an independent school with selective enrolment, and strong demand means places are limited — families interested in 2027 and beyond are encouraged to enquire early.

The school’s small size (approximately 540-650+ students) is a deliberate feature, enabling every student to be known individually by staff. For enrolment enquiries, visit ags.vic.edu.au or contact the school office directly at (03) 9497 4777.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the current Principal of Alphington Grammar School?

Dr. Vivianne Nikou was appointed in 2013 as the school’s first female Principal.

Is Alphington Grammar a Greek school?

It was founded by the Greek Community of Melbourne and Victoria but is explicitly non-denominational, welcoming students from approximately 25 different ethnic and religious backgrounds.

What is the Gateways Programme?

Introduced in 2014, it provides students with international and interstate travel experiences connecting classroom learning to global cultures and Greek heritage sites.

Does Alphington Grammar follow the same calendar as Victorian government schools?

The school’s calendar broadly aligns with the Victorian government calendar but, as an independent school, may vary — confirm exact dates via ags.vic.edu.au.

Who do I contact for enrolment or school-specific queries?

Contact Alphington Grammar at (03) 9497 4777 or visit ags.vic.edu.au.