CLASS STRUCTURE IN 2020

Dear Parents

As we approach the end of the 2019 school year it is time to focus on plans for continuing to provide quality education and a happy and nurturing learning environment for 2020.  I am very pleased to announce that our staffing allocation for 2020 will allow us to operate seven class groups. We will also be able to maintain, and possibly increase, the level of learning support our school provides.

Our year level student enrolment numbers are not consistent across the year levels (see below) resulting in very small classes and very large classes.

In consideration for the above class sizes in 2020, the class structure will be:

This structure also has the benefit of providing students, over the course of their seven year enrolment, to develop a wider range of positive peer relationships and friendships.

Educationally, the combined classes will be just as effective as stand alone classes as the NSW syllabus is organised in Stages: Early Stage 1 is Kinder; Years 1 and 2 are Stage One; Years 3 and 4 are Stage Two and Years 5 and 6 are Stage 3.

In organising the class groups the focus will be centred on creating a positive learning environment for all students.  The classes will be of mixed academic ability and attention will also be given to placing students with peers that they work best with and cooperate best with.  The year levels will be split evenly.  If families have two siblings in the same stage group you are invited to contact myself to discuss if you wish the children to be in the same class as we will automatically place them separately.

In 2020 the school has decided to add an additional step to the process. Next Wednesday 13 November, students will be given the opportunity to nominate, through secret ballot, 4 students who they consider would be positive class mates for 2020.  The peers the student nominates can come from their year group or the year group they will be partnered with.  The school will ensure that at least one of these students will be in the same class.  I encourage all parents to discuss this process with their children and to emphasise the importance of a positive class peer who will help your child with their learning.

I invite any parents who have any concerns about the placement of their students in a particular class to contact myself by Friday 22 November 2018.  We will be able to carefully consider your concerns and requests, however, this is best done before student and teacher allocation lists are published and made public.  Please do not wait and see. Speak up ASAP.

Mr Nielsen