Kunyung Primary School, Mount Eliza School Reviews

Kunyung Primary School, Mount Eliza

School Reviews

By Parent - 02 Jul 2023, Rate: bad

For our child the school proved to be a nightmare. As others appear to have noted, there was a wellbeing system that appeared to be nothing short of dysfunctional. Victims of bullying were either disbelieved or ignored and perpetrators avoided all consequences. It was no surprise to see that a small group of horrendous bullies (led by one particular notorious girl known to many) impacted Mt Eliza Secondary and the wider community once they graduated. We had high hopes but there are systemic problems at the school with the lack of meaningful protection of students from harassment and the inability to accept it's a problem being an even greater issue.

By Parent - 31 Jan 2023, Rate: average

If your child has any bullying or social issues. This is not the school for you.
I have almost gone to the board of education twice for two separate teachers. They are there for way too long and are just grumpy old cows. Protected by the school who cannot even suggest they retire with current legislations. When your child (and others children) are bullied online during a pandemic, by their teacher, you can imagine how difficult it is to tell them school is great,vital and necessary. The kids are very cliquey and unless you are holidaying in Aspen (you get what I mean) your child will likely not fit in. The girls are worse than the boys in our experience.

By Parent - 12 Oct 2022, Rate: excellent

Grandparents day was a fabulous initiative, and more than happy to share it with our grandson , Max Rodgers- Wilson and some other chidren ! We are very impressed with the atmosphere and information around the classroom.A wonderful environment and Thanks to Miss T and the school Annie and Ian Chisholm

By Student - 31 May 2022, Rate: bad

Attending here was less fun than having your leg amputated.

By Student - 22 Jan 2022, Rate: bad

This school gave me crippling depression, I had to take drugs for my anxiety.
I had the most traumatizing experience, the kids were awful. And the teachers were useless at supporting children's relationships. A girl named Madi Morris and Ava English were the biggest cow's known to mankind. The teachers struggled with controlling the class especially miss Bautch. This school was a living hell. DON'T SEND YOUR CHILDEREN HERE UNLESS YOU WANT TO GIVE THEM POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER.

By Student - 31 May 2021, Rate: excellent

We learn our own outcomes unlike other schools and our teacher explains things to us if we don't what to do or what it means.

By Parent - 02 Dec 2020, Rate: poor

I removed my child from this school because of the unsupportive and in compassionate response from the wellbeing and leadership team. My child’s diagnosis was dismissed and invalidated by the very team that was meant to have knowledge and understanding about the very issues my child was struggling with. Over the years I learned that this is a very familiar story with families who approach the school for support. I was not alone, but did not realise it at the time. Their lack of support and outright discrimination was very disruptive to my child’s education. This school has a very bad name amongst families on the peninsula who require the school to step up and fill in forms for extra funding for support staff. I have spoken to so many families who said the staff just did not want to know and would not take onboard or look a bit closer at child’s behaviour.

By Parent - 30 Aug 2020, Rate: excellent

I am a parent at the school and I am also a teacher (not at this school). I honestly believe this is one of the best schools I have ever dealt with. Some of these past comments are horrific, and I cannot speak on past issues, however under current management I couldn't think of a better place to work or send my kids.

By Student - 06 Aug 2019, Rate: poor

This school is awesomely bad

By Parent - 05 Jun 2018, Rate: excellent

I agree, this school has been a godsend for my child who suffers from anxiety. We moved her to Kunyung last year.She has been nurtured and encouraged by her caring teacher and is gaining confidence every day. For the first time she actually wants to come to school. Couldn't recommend more highly.

By Parent - 05 Jun 2018, Rate: excellent

My two children attend the school and I could not be happier. The Principal was newly appointed this year and is a breath of fresh air. She knows all the students by name, seems to have the full and enthusiastic support of staff and parents. I could not be more impressed with the school and my children are very happy there.

By Student - 18 Feb 2018, Rate: good

The teachers and principal are just Amazing and so supportive I definitely recommend coming to Kunyung they let the year 6 students have control in there learning and are so good with the little preps although during Recess and Lunch time it can be a little boring as they have had to take some playgrounds away because we are stacking up on students so there isn’t a great deal of play area but otherwise amazing school definitely recommend it

By Employee - 28 Dec 2017, Rate: poor

I'm an ex-teacher. I was also bullied in this school, as were many teachers, for years by one teacher and her group of followers. The bullying was so bad that a psychologist was engaged for a full day in 2008 for teachers to speak to privately. Nothing was done. Complaints were made to the DET. Nothing was done.

By Parent - 15 Sep 2017, Rate: excellent

I am shocked at some of the previous comments. My four children all attended Kunyung Primary, the last graduating in 2016. I could not be happier with the school and it's amazing dedicated teaching staff. My four children have very fond memories of the school and have all successfully transitioned to secondary school. I suspect a degree of trolling is occurring here and hope new families will take the time to investigate this wonderful school themselves.

By Alumnus - 14 Sep 2017, Rate: excellent

Referring to the previous comment by the staff member. Perhaps she would like to truthfully tell the people on this site just how de-stabilising she was at the school. Kunyung PS was well rid of her!

By Parent - 03 Aug 2017, Rate: excellent

Wow, these reviews are a little concerning to say the least especially in regards to the principal. I have actually witnessed her be quite authoritative with the students. I must say you do expect when you send your child to school they are in a safe and nurturing environment. It is easy to become complacent but I will be paying particular attention to my child's response when I ask him, "How was school today?" On a positive my sons teacher is fantastic.

By Student - 17 Jul 2017, Rate: excellent

This school is great and we get to learn what we need and the teachers are so caring and we get amazing views.
I give the school a 10/10!!!!

By Parent - 26 Jun 2017, Rate: excellent

I am also a prep parent; and suspect in the same class as the parents below, however my views are vastly different. The teacher in question is simply direct in her approach, not uncaring. She will tell you if there's any concerns you need to be aware of, or if your child needs to make any improvements and i really appreciate this. My child also came home singing the "days of the week" song, of course they are learning the basics!? i would not have ANY problems raising my concerns with teacher or school (i just don't have any) Don't assume this is a sign of parents being afraid. School assemblies are predominantly student run, and they spend weeks preparing for it. They are SO PROUD when they get to share their moment in the spotlight with the their peers, teachers and parents. To have a parent express how "dull" it was for them is sad, and they have clearly missed the point. i would highly recommend this school! if you're looking at Kunyung definitely go and do a tour. Ask as many questions as possible, as the PYP education structure is not for every student.

By Parent - 15 May 2017, Rate: bad

We are prep parents. This school does not have a nurturing environment. It is over-crowded and has poor communication with parents. Our child's teacher has a very cold and uncaring tone and approach. She is very unsuitable as a prep teacher.
Preps do not have a specific place to play outside. They wander around the playground. They often get lost and then are yelled at when they are late back in class.
The IB approach is strange. They teach preps advanced concepts and language but forget to teach them days of the weeks, months, date etc. Basic concepts they need to make sense of their world.
Parents don't speak up. Everyone seems afraid to approach the staff.
Assemblies and dull and the principal is never there. She is a distant and quiet woman who demands silence and best-behaviour.
Not the right school for us.

By Parent - 04 Mar 2017, Rate: poor

My child was bullied by his teacher and it was covered up from above. Need I say no more!

By Employee - 26 Feb 2017, Rate: bad

Actually an ex employee. Principal was an absolute bully when I was there.

By Student - 10 Oct 2016, Rate: poor

The school was ok at the start but then mrs Weldon and Vitale or however you spell it made it shit. Elaine Vitale retired for a bit then came back to make an extra bit of cash and she made Weldon deal with the parents problems for her. Elaine looked and sounded so fake in assembly's and she treats everyone like they're 3. They got rid of fun stuff and replaced it with shit no one liked because of Weldon safety rules which just got stupid in the end. Mr entwhistle was good and miss Virgona and miss Simpson were LESBIANS, it was so obvious.

By Parent - 25 Feb 2016, Rate: excellent

I am actually a grandparent but there is no category for that. My grandson is in grade one at Kunyung. I think it is an exceptional school. I am there at least every Friday, attend assembly and have got to know many teachers and parents. I find it incredibly warm and friendly and all staff respectful to everyone, including the students. My grandson is quite sensitive and has blossomed there, both intellectually and socially. I watch the interactions between students and teachers, parents and people like myself and have found them open and welcoming without exception. I love the school and believe it nurtures the children socially and intellectually, stimulates them and ensures that they learn respect for each other, the wider community and the environment. It celebrates and encourages diversity and pride and I couldn't recommend it highly enough.

By Parent - 09 Sep 2015, Rate: excellent

I have read with somewhat disbelief, the comments written below about this amazing school. I have nothing but the utmost respect for all of the staff at Kunyung Primary School, who go above and beyond what is required of them. They are friendly, approachable and genuinely interested in my child's education.
Obviously the comments here are those of A VERY MINOR, few and I would think excessively exaggerated.
It amazes me that people use forums like this to 'bad mouth' people, or in this case, a school and its staff, instead of just moving on, if the type of teaching - IB - doesn't suit their child. As a parent, I think the school would do well to be rid of such negative and divisive individuals. I guess we will read their negative comments about their new schools, when they don't get everything their own way!

By Parent - 09 Jul 2015, Rate: poor

I am so glad I removed my children from this school. The management show little respect or regard for parents, especially working parents, with communication barely existent. Forms are often sent home with 2 or 3 days notice for money/return due to vast disorganisation. Children are therefore humiliated in class by teachers, due to forms not returned. There are continual requests for daytime assistance and attendance at events by parents, beyond what even the children expect. This school seems to completely resent working mothers, as if they make teachers' lives harder. Working parents are also barked at for parking in the deserted car park for before and after school drop offs, forcing children to get soaked in rainy weather. The canteen runs seemingly for the benefit of the canteen operator rather than school families and hence, is only open part-time. The barely visible Principal seems to work there as part of her retirement plan, resigning briefly for her own financial interests, then 'reapplying' for her job after months of disruption to the school. The Vice Principal seems to despise parents, in favour of making ever-increasing rules and constantly restricts the children's fun and play by berating them continuously. Her demeanour completely dictates the atmosphere of the school. The teaching staff are non-energised and lazy, with the odd exception, and little is done to assist struggling students or nurture new or vulnerable students in the playground. There are frequent fights, bullying and dysfunction in the playground and the badly run multi-age system does little to promote solid friendships or social connections. Excursions are unimaginative and predictable. Specialty classes are an absolute joke, with very few real skills or learning taught. One grade 5 parent stated her child still couldn't catch a ball after 6 years of 'PE.' Teachers are often late to class, with some of the children in my child's class having run off to play on the oval by the time the PE teacher turned up at 9.15am, with no apology made by her. Other parents told me this was not the first time this had happened.
Aside from the view, there is little to recommend this school. The atmosphere is just wrong. I would have provided the school this feedback before we left but they showed little care or acknowledgement of our leaving or as to why. The education department really needs to look at this school as to why vast numbers of famlilies leave, and put a rocket up management to bring the school up to standard.

By Parent - 09 Jul 2015, Rate: poor

Management don't respect parents, especially working parents, continually planning daytime events and overwhelming parents with requests for help during day. Canteen runs according to needs of canteen operator rather than school families, hence part-time opening hours. Communication with parents is appalling, often given 2-3 days notice to return forms and pay money. Children humiliated by teachers in class for not returning forms, which is the result of lack of communication with parents. Excursions unimaginative and repetitious over many years. Long-standing Vice Principal whose attitude towards parents is derogatory, obsessed with rules and barks at the children. Principal barely visible, resigned then got her job back for her own interests, with no care for disruption to school. Teaching standard low, lazy, non-energised staff who do little to assist struggling students. Specialties a joke, almost treated as an aside with very few skills being taught. Sports program of very low standard, one parent reported her grade 5 child still couldn't catch or had any ball skills. Teachers often late to class. Atmosphere in playground tense, lots of fighting and dysfunction amongst children. No interest by staff in promoting well-being amongst children or nurturing new or vulnerable students. Multi-age system badly run as many of the teachers are incompetent teaching within this system. Social connections between children always fragile due to this system. Aside from the view, there is nothing to recommend this school. We left and have absolutely no regrets, aside from having wasted time at Kunyung. We would have given them this feedback however, they didn't even contact us or seem to care that we left.

By Alumnus - 12 Jan 2015, Rate: excellent

"Rippa Rita!"

By Student - 26 Dec 2014, Rate: bad

It was hell

By Student - 25 Dec 2014, Rate: bad

I moved from Kunyung primary last year because no matter how hard i tried, no matter how much effort and hard work i put in what i was doing - Every report was terrifying. One of them had D's . My parents got angry at me, and i got grounded. But once my mother came to pick me up she saw a female teacher yelling at me straight in the face "I don't have the Bloody time to explain to you simple things idiot!" my parents went to the assistant principal's office and asked her if i can move classes - She asked why and said that the teacher I've got is perfect. After a week of hell i started cutting my mum could not help me so we moved schools.
Frankston is a perfect primary School - it is ideal for caring and loyal children

By Parent - 27 Jun 2014, Rate: poor

This school has a serious attitude problem. It has been run by a bureaucrat who doesn't appear to support the teachers. The teachers are ineffectual or not trying to promote discipline or control. Classes are poorly managed under the guise of self directed learning which is really just the poorer of the teachers not bothering to find out what students in their classes are able to do. Kids throw abuse and bully and the teachers are able or choose to do little about it or even give any semblance of listening to the kids.

By Student - 11 Jan 2014, Rate: bad

I went to Kunyung Primary School for 5 years, the first 3 weren't too bad, but the last 2 years were terrible, and let me tell you why. My second last year I was forced to have an autistic kid called Simon in my class, who was a living hell. He shouted, he didn't sit on the floor with the other children, and he hurt me every chance he got. Believe it or not at camp he attempted to throw a tennis racquet at me, however it avoided me, just. But the other problem I had was, the teacher, I had the worst teacher in the school, Miss Simpson, for 2 years of hell. By the time I entered year 4, I hated her so much that I wanted to move to another class, even one of my friends did. Miss Simpson was such a hag, she used to say things like " You're not tidying up, so I have to rant and rave" and " Hurry up get to the bloody floor, you're all idiots". And also, a lot of the kids are unfriendly, like they say " You can do better" or "You suck", this is one of the reasons I had to leave the school. And Mr Barnes, he was a hag too. One time in year 4 we had him as a substitute teacher, and when I was picking out a book to read he just shouted in my face and said "NO", and I thought "How dare you speak to me like that". There are also a lot of kids who show off too, they think they're so good, like Sam Triandiffilou, or Jasper O'Neill or Will Howison, they actually thought they were better than me at running, but I'm like 20 times better than them, but they're basically idiots. But what I'm saying is, whatever you do, don't go to Kunyung Primary School.

By Student - 27 Mar 2013, Rate: bad

I hate the school