Newsletter – 06 October 2023

I cannot believe that it is already that time of year again. We are currently preparing for the organisation of grade placements for 2024. This is always a tricky process as multiple considerations must be made to ensure that all of our students are placed in an environment that will best support their learning needs. As such this does need to be a collaborative process where students, parents and staff combine their collective knowledge to ensure success.

The Process:

•                   – Upon our return to school children will be asked by their teachers to nominate children they would like to be with in 2024. Conversations will be had regarding what makes a good learning friend and the students will be able to nominate those friends who support their learning and reduce distractions. During the process the teachers will ensure that every child is with at least one of these friends.
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•                   – Parent considerations are also collected and considered during this process. Often parents have specific insights into student need and this additional knowledge plays a significant part in how we structure our classes. These insights often include but are not limited to health, emotional or learning matters, peer or sibling relationships or changes in the home situation. Selecting a particular teacher does not fit within the realm of special circumstances. If parents want to provide extra personal information to be considered in the process please email the school office. Letters should be addressed to “The Principal” and reach the office no later than October 30^th.
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•                   – Classroom teachers will predict where students would be best suited based on learning, behavioural and social needs and any relevant information they have gathered throughout the year. All of this information will    then be used to develop the 2024 classes with the use of Class Creator, a program that assists with the formulations of balanced grades.
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•                   – Specialists will check the lists for any anomalies and then the leadership team will confirm grade placements.
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•                   – Towards the end of term, children and their new teacher will have an opportunity to spend the whole day in    their 2024 classroom and step up into the next grade level. The children and new teacher will complete an activity during this day notifying parents of their new grade.