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Balwyn North Primary School

Australia, Melbourne

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees Fees not listed
Ages Not listed
Pupil numbers 580
Type Co-educational
Opened 1950
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP)
Taught languages Mandarin
Strengths STEM, Languages, Performing Arts
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Primary School
Introduction

Balwyn North Primary School is an authorised IB Primary Years Programme in Balwyn North, Victoria. It delivers the Victorian Curriculum through the IB framework, organising learning around Units of Inquiry that enable students to conduct research and authentic learning across science, the environment, politics and more. English and Mathematics are emphasised, with daily literacy and numeracy blocks tailored to individual needs. A comprehensive specialist program supports Health and Physical Education, Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Mandarin, STEAM and Library, while the Learning Enrichment program supports high-ability learners through initiatives such as the Victorian High Abilities Program and APSMO Mathematics Olympiad, plus multi-age or year-level inquiry projects; additional support includes Literacy and Numeracy Support and EAL. Facilities include dedicated spaces for Music, Mandarin, P.E., STEAM, Library and Visual Arts, with indoor/outdoor spaces designed for independent work and collaboration. The campus features basketball courts, sandpits, Tiger Turf, a friendship garden and home-school partnerships.

Balwyn North Primary School, Buchanan Avenue, Balwyn North, VIC 3104

The Essentials

Balwyn North Primary School has 580 pupils, instruction in English.

Location
Balwyn North Primary School is located on Buchanan Avenue, Balwyn North, VIC 3104, Australia. It sits in a quiet suburban location away from main roads and shares boundaries with Balwyn High School and The Merrell Kindergarten.

Stages
Foundation (Prep) to Year 6

Additional learning support
Literacy and Numeracy support (Tutor Learning Initiative) and English as an Additional Language (EAL) support.

Country affiliation
Australia

School day structure
The school day begins at 9:00 am after a 8:45 am line-up and 8:50 am bells. There are six 50‑minute sessions with recess from 10:40 to 11:10 and lunch eating time from 12:50 to 1:50. Dismissal is at 3:30 pm.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
The school has a compulsory uniform. Uniform items include sky-blue polo shirts, navy shorts or pants, dresses or pinafores, and a navy hat with the school logo; house colours for sport are Hume red, Mitchell green, Flinders royal blue and Sturt yellow. Uniforms can be purchased from Dobson's at 274 Doncaster Rd, Balwyn North, or via Dobson's online portal, and a BNPS second-hand uniform store operates through the PFA.

Food Options
Lunches can be ordered from Classroom Cuisine on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. A canteen operates during the school production (biennial).

House System
The school has a house system with four houses: Hume (red), Mitchell (green), Flinders (royal blue), Sturt (yellow). Students wear house colours for interschool sport.

Governance and Ownership
Balwyn North Primary School is a government primary school administered by the Victorian Department of Education. Policies and practices reference Department of Education guidance for enrolment and parent payments.
Fees
Tuition and application fees
- There are no tuition charges for instruction for Foundation (Prep) to Year 6; the school provides free instruction.
- No application fee is charged for enrolment. (Enrolment is managed through the standard application form and documentation process.)

Voluntary curriculum contributions (per child, annual)
- Balwyn North Primary School requests a voluntary Curriculum Contribution of AUD 400 per child per year. The Curriculum Contribution is itemised as follows (all year levels):
- AUD 10 — Student diary.
- AUD 175 — General classroom materials and equipment (English, Mathematics & Inquiry Learning).
- AUD 80 — Provision and upkeep of school devices, peripherals and ICT.
- AUD 30 — Performing Arts program consumables/equipment.
- AUD 50 — Visual Arts consumables.
- AUD 25 — Physical Education equipment.
- AUD 15 — LOTE consumables.
- AUD 15 — Online learning subscriptions (mathematics).
- Total Curriculum Contribution: AUD 400 per child per year.

Other voluntary contributions (per child, annual)
- The school requests additional voluntary contributions for non-curriculum items and tax-deductible funds. The requested amounts are:
- AUD 25 — International Baccalaureate affiliation.
- AUD 25 — School grounds maintenance.
- AUD 300 — Building Fund (tax-deductible).
- AUD 50 — Library Fund (tax-deductible).
- Total Other Contributions: AUD 400 per child per year.

Combined suggested contribution (annual and per term illustration)
- Combined suggested contribution (voluntary): AUD 800 per child per year (Curriculum Contributions AUD 400 + Other Contributions AUD 400).
- If a family chooses to divide the annual amounts evenly across the four school terms, the amounts would be: Curriculum Contributions AUD 100 per term; Other Contributions AUD 100 per term; Combined total AUD 200 per term. This per-term breakdown is a simple even division of the annual requested amounts.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Parent Payment Arrangements are issued on an annual basis; contributions are requested for the school year. The school's preferred payment channel is the Compass portal.
- Families may discuss alternative payment arrangements or financial support confidentially with the Business Manager; the school promotes access to available assistance such as the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund. Payment plans or alternative arrangements can be arranged by contacting the school's nominated staff.

Boarding
- Balwyn North Primary School is a day primary school; there are no boarding facilities or boarding fees.

Other costs and typical extra items
- Uniforms: A compulsory school uniform is required and is available for purchase from Dobsons. The school does not list uniform prices in the published Parent Payment Arrangements.
- Before and after school care: Out-of-school-hours care is provided through an external partner (TheirCare); care is subject to the provider's fees and booking arrangements.
- Lunch orders: Lunch ordering is available through Classroom Cuisine on specified weekdays. Lunch-order costs are charged by the provider.
- Extra-curricular items and activities (for example excursions, camps, user‑pays music lessons or special programs) are offered on a user‑pays basis and will be invoiced when scheduled; amounts vary by activity and are communicated during the year.

Refund information
- Refunds for parent payments are considered on a case-by-case basis at the school's discretion. Refund decisions take into account whether a cost has already been incurred and relevant Department guidance; parents should contact the Business Manager to request a refund.

Fee payment options and contact for payment arrangements
- Preferred payment method: Compass portal. Families may contact the school office or the Business Manager to arrange alternative payment methods or discuss financial hardship support. Specific alternative methods (for example, office-arranged EFT/BPay/EFTPOS or cash) are available by arrangement with the school office.

Contact details for payments or financial queries: Balwyn North Primary School, Buchanan Avenue, Balwyn North VIC 3104 — Phone: 03 9859 4258; Business Manager: Stephanie Crawford (email listed in the school's payment information).
Academics

Balwyn North Primary School teaches IB (PYP).

Curriculum
Balwyn North Primary School is an authorised International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme World School. The learning program develops the whole child through Units of Inquiry, enabling students to conduct research and real-life learning across science, the environment, politics, economics and more. English and Mathematics are emphasised, with daily literacy and numeracy blocks tailored to individual learning needs. A complete specialist program supports learning in Health and Physical Education, Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Language: Mandarin, STEAM and Library. A Learning Enrichment program supports high-ability learners, aligned with the Victorian Department of Education's Student Excellence Program, offering opportunities such as the Victorian High Abilities Program, APSMO Mathematics Olympiad, Victorian Challenge Enrichment Series and multi-age or year-level inquiry projects; additional support includes Literacy and Numeracy Support and English as an Additional Language (EAL).

Gifted and Talented
The school offers a Learning Enrichment program for high-ability learners, aligned with the Victorian Department of Education's Student Excellence Program. High-ability learners have access to opportunities such as the Victorian High Abilities Program, APSMO Mathematics Olympiad, Victorian Challenge Enrichment Series, and multi-age or year-level inquiry projects.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school implements a comprehensive Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) program. It includes small group SEL sessions led by a dedicated Social and Emotional Teacher and an Inclusion Learning Specialist to help students develop self-awareness, emotional regulation, and communication. Respectful Relationships education aligns with the Victorian Curriculum in teaching healthy relationships, resilience, and confidence. Students participate in Small Group Social and Emotional Learning to practice conflict resolution and empathy in guided activities, offered on an as-needed basis. A Peaceful Kids program runs weekly for eight weeks, teaching mindfulness and coping strategies to build emotional resilience and peer connections. The school also provides Allied Health support (speech pathologist, occupational therapist, psychologist) to address emotional and social growth in collaboration with families.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Balwyn North Primary School provides targeted support to students requiring additional help. A dedicated team delivers Literacy and Numeracy support (Tutor Learning Initiative) in small groups or within classes, focusing on individual learning goals. English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is provided by a qualified EAL teacher to students whose first language is not English, identified through formal assessments. EAL staff collaborate with classroom teachers to plan, implement, and assess programs that address language needs. Allied Health professionals—speech pathologist, occupational therapist, and psychologist—work with students, teachers, and families to support academic and social development. The school emphasises inclusive practices and tailors supports to students with extra needs to help them reach their potential.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English as an Additional Language (EAL) is explicitly supported at Balwyn North Primary School. EAL support is provided by a qualified EAL teacher to students whose first language is not English, identified through formal assessments with priority given to those with the greatest language needs. The EAL program focuses on developing oral language, reading, and writing proficiency in English. EAL teachers collaborate with classroom teachers to ensure planning, implementation, and assessment address diverse learner needs. The program is integrated with the school's learning program and supports literacy and numeracy development as needed.

Mental Wellbeing
The school supports mental wellbeing through a Therapy Dog Program featuring Lionel, a guided canine companion that provides comfort, reduces stress, and supports emotional regulation across classrooms and groups. A Positive Behaviours for Learning (PBL) framework underpins a caring school culture that reinforces respectful, responsible, and collaborative behaviours. Small group Social and Emotional Learning programs provide targeted opportunities to develop self-awareness, manage emotions, and build positive relationships, led by a Social and Emotional Teacher and Inclusion Learning Specialist. Peaceful Kids runs eight-week mindfulness-based sessions to teach coping strategies and resilience, fostering peer connections. Allied Health professionals—speech pathologist, occupational therapist, and psychologist—support students with communication, motor, sensory, and emotional challenges, collaborating with families and teachers to promote wellbeing.

Safeguarding
Balwyn North Primary School implements a comprehensive Child Safety and Wellbeing policy suite. The school designates an Assistant Principal (Wellbeing) as child safety champion to lead implementation, training, and response. Staff follow the Four Critical Actions for responding to concerns about adult behaviour towards a child, and mandatory reporting obligations. The school promotes a safe and inclusive environment with rights, resilience, respectful relationships, and culturally safe practices, including Aboriginal content and engagement. Policies, procedures, and reporting pathways are accessible to students and families via reception, the Compass portal, and the school website, with information posters displayed around the school. Regular review of child safety practices occurs, with updates shared through newsletters and school meetings, and the school emphasises diversity, equity, and a welcoming environment for all learners, including international students.
Parent Experience

History
Balwyn North Primary School enjoys a proud history of academic excellence and is an authorised International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme World School. The Principal describes BNPS as having a proud history and an exciting future.

Community
A strong home-school partnership is encouraged and valued at Balwyn North Primary School, with regular opportunities for involvement such as parent information sessions, learning expos, student-led conferences, music soirees and concerts.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The School Council operates with a president and a collaborative team of parent councillors who guide BNPS toward a happy, vibrant, productive and multicultural school. The Parents' and Friends' Association (PFA) is active and involved in activities including a Welcome BBQ, stalls for Mother's Day, Father's Day and Christmas, student discos, World Teachers' Day, a Colour Fun Run, and canteen support for the school production; funds raised by the PFA contribute to improvements such as air-conditioning, library refurbishment, grounds landscaping and resurfacing the basketball courts. The PFA Committee is elected each year and meets regularly.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Indoor and outdoor learning spaces are thoughtfully designed and offer flexibility for independent work and open-plan collaboration. The school grounds provide high-quality, landscaped play spaces and a designated friendship garden for quieter recess. The school is an authorised International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme World School. The school has dedicated learning spaces for Music, Mandarin, Physical Education, STEAM, Library and Art. Quality buildings and grounds support the learning environment.

Sports Facilities
Basketball courts are available on site for physical education and recreation. The grounds include sandpits for outdoor play. Tiger Turf surfaces provide multi-use play areas. These facilities support a broad range of outdoor activity within the school day.

Academic Facilities
Balwyn North Primary is an IB Primary Years Programme World School. The school provides specialist learning spaces for Music, Mandarin, Physical Education, STEAM, Library and Visual Arts. Units of Inquiry underpin the curriculum, enabling students to conduct research and real-life learning tasks. English and Mathematics teaching is strongly emphasised to provide a foundation for all learning. Quality buildings and grounds support the learning environment.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Chess Club is a long-standing Extra Curricular activity at Balwyn North Primary School, began in 1997, with weekly Thursday lunch-time classes and a large portion of students participating. Professional coaches provide lessons and supervise match play, with opportunities to participate in inter-school tournaments and regular qualification for State Finals. The team has achieved national-level success in the Middle Years Chess Kids National Final. Private tuition includes New Star Art and Junior Rockers (instrumental music). Additional options include Tennis, Sporty Stars and Dance.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school is an IB World School delivering the Victorian Curriculum through the Primary Years Programme (PYP). The PYP focuses on the development of the whole child and provides a transdisciplinary learning experience for students and the community. The school provides a STEAM program as part of its specialist offerings, including dedicated spaces for STEAM, Music, Mandarin, Physical Education, Library and Visual Arts. An Enrichment team supports learning with specialists in Student Learning Support, Student Enrichment and Social and Emotional Learning.

Arts & Creative
The school has specialist spaces for Music and Visual Arts. Music is part of the specialist program, and the school hosts music events such as music soirees and concerts. Visual Arts is included as a dedicated specialist area in the arts program.

Cultural & Language
Mandarin is taught as the LOTE program. Mandarin is part of the school's specialist language provision.

Social & Hobbies
Student leadership opportunities include a Junior School Council with representatives from all year levels and Year 6 School Captains who run assemblies and organise school events. Regular community and family events, including parent information sessions and learning expos, are part of school life.

Community & Service
There is a strong home-school partnership with opportunities for parent involvement and volunteering. Parents and Friends' Association supports community engagement and volunteer opportunities. The school collaborates with local community groups and services.

Leadership & Professional
Junior School Council representatives come from all year levels. Year 6 School Captains lead assemblies, conduct school tours and organise events.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The school grounds include basketball courts, sandpits and Tiger Turf. A sequenced camp program runs from Foundation to Year 6. Wellbeing strategies include Positive Behaviours for Learning, the Resilience Project, and Respectful Relationships.
Languages

Language Provision
Mandarin is offered as a language other than English (LOTE). A dedicated LOTE (Mandarin) learning space is provided as part of the school's specialist program.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Zone eligibility and guaranteed place: Balwyn North Primary School manages enrolments using the Placement Policy to ensure access to the designated neighbourhood school; residents within the Balwyn North Primary School zone are guaranteed a place. Enrolments at another school may be possible if there are available places. 2. Foundation (Prep) enrolments: The Department of Education has issued an information pack to help families enrol students in Foundation at Victorian Primary Schools; refer to page 4 for specific timeline details. The document includes a link from where you can apply via Education Apps. 3. School tours: Prospective families are encouraged to book a school tour by calling 03 9859 4258 or emailing balwyn.north.ps@education.vic.gov.au. 4. Foundation Transition Program: A Foundation Transition Program is held in Term 4 prior to starting school; sessions are designed to be fun, welcoming and supportive and provide opportunities for children to build connections with future classmates and teachers, and for parents to meet and receive important information. 5. Years 1–6 enrolments: Complete an Application to Enrol Form and email to balwyn.north.ps@education.vic.gov.au; submit a copy of the child's birth certificate (and passport and visa if born overseas), a full immunisation certificate, proof of address of family residence (contract of sale or lease agreement), and utility bills showing family details and address.
School Events
The school has not added events
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