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2021 CLASS STRUCTURE AND ENROLMENTS

Dear Parents and Carers,

2021 CLASS STRUCTURE AND ENROLMENTS

In case you missed the Parent Information Session we had this week, below is an update on our enrolments and class structure for next year.

2021 ENROLMENTS AS OF NOVEMBER 19TH

Prep	Year 1	Year 2	Year 3	Year 4	Year 5	Year 6	Total
75	84	77	24	18	20	10	308
75	161		72				308

2021 CLASS STRUCTURE

	Class 1	Class 2	Class 3	Class 4	Total
Preps	18	19	19	19	75
Year 1/2	23	23	23	23	92
Year 1/2	23	23	23		69
Year 3-6	24	24	24		72
					308

In planning class structures next year, the priority is to keep classes as small as possible. We will have fourteen (14) classes next year, this is a growth of an extra three classes when compared to 2020. The average class size across the school is 22, this is well below Department of Education and Training’s funding formulae of one classroom per 26 students.

The 2021 structure has Year 1 and 2 students spread across seven classes; it is important to stress that each class will have their own teacher and that the work covered will be the same for each class. This is achieved by allocating teachers time together to plan lessons. If we were to run straight grades, then there would be three year 2 classes of approximately 26 per class which is why we have decided against this. Our Year 3 to 6 will be split between three (3) grades. These students are well accustomed to working in a multi-age structure.

The benefits of split or multi-age classrooms are that they put learning at the centre, both socially and academically. Split environments can motivate the younger students while providing the older students with leadership opportunities. The older students in the class help teach the younger students by modelling more sophisticated, complex problem solving and critical thinking.

Further advantages of a multi-age structure provide advanced students the opportunity to work above their level. The same is true for students who have yet to master their appropriate level, to work at their stage of development. Worthy of mention is that the average class typically will have a spread of student abilities ranging from below to 18 months above the expected level, teachers are very experienced in catering for all student needs. Finally, research has shown there's no difference in academic achievement between children in multi-age classes versus straight grades. Multi-age classes are incredibly common due to the change in enrolment numbers across years, and you will find this is a common model across many government schools. The Victorian Curriculum is designed in ‘levels’ and it is about teaching each student at their individual level and point of need in their learning, we teach to ‘stage not age’.

Our teachers have begun working on placing students into classes for next year. In forming classes, we take many factors into consideration, these are listed below. Please trust our professional judgement and support the school if at first the grade placement is not as you expected.

Input from your child’s last teacher
A balanced ratio of boys and girls
A range of achievement levels
Behaviour factors when applicable
Compatibility of students with others, i.e. separating students who have not worked well together
Leadership skills
Recommendation from psychologist when applicable

How we place students in classes is exactly the same as last year. The goal is to achieve well balanced classes with mixed academic abilities in each class. You will not see all the high achievers in the one class. All classes will have students from all levels of ability and all classes will have a spread of year 1’s and 2’s.

In terms of the learning spaces, Preps will remain on the upper level and Year 1 and 2 will occupy the entire lower level of the Discovery Building. Year 3 to 6 students will be in the Drill Hall next to the Learning Resource Room (Library). This is the first time that we will be using this learning space as classrooms. TheirCare, the Before and After School Care Program are relocating to the gymnasium as of January next year.

As always, if you would like to discuss this further then please do not hesitate to contact us. We know some parents missed the information session or have questions about the structure, so we have scheduled Q & A with Principal Class on Wednesday 25th November at 7:00 PM. Please use this link to join the session.

PARENT CLASS PLACEMENT REQUESTS

We just wanted to make sure we are really clear for our parent community on how we handle requests for class placement. We only consider requests for students to be away from other students or away from specific teachers if there is a strong reason and it would be the best course of action for the child. We do not take requests for specific teachers, nor for specific students to be placed together. Please rest assured that we take into account friendship groups and psychologist recommendations (e.g. that a child is placed with a quiet teacher, or placed with more active students) when organising our classes. The teachers take an enormous amount of time ensuring that all students are in the best possible learning environment. All requests need to be in writing by Tuesday 24th November to the Principal and they need to meet the above guidelines.

STAFFING UPDATE

Once again we have been able to ‘hand pick’ our new teachers from a very large pool of applicants. Our hiring process is rigorous and we only hire the best of the best. It gives me great pleasure to introduce our three newly appointed teachers, Andrew Beattie, from Blackburn Primary, Kate Rhind from Glen Huntly Primary and Brianna Stephens.

NEW PARKING ARRANGEMENTS AT THE FRONT OF THE SCHOOL