Previous information
PLANNING FOR 2026
As noted in last week's newsletter, we are now fully in planning mode for the 2026 school year with the many considerations this requires. I am sure you can appreciate that this is something the staff spend a great deal of time and energy in doing. Placement of students into classes takes many weeks of consideration, professional discussion and deliberation with the following in mind:
- The social and academic distribution of the children within the same level across classes
- A gender balance in each class
- Children’s friendship groupings and their individual needs
- Specific placement of siblings and children with individual needs, inclusive of emotional, learning, physical and behavioural needs
- The social needs of children including the working relationships of all children and the desired separation of children who do not have a positive social or learning influence on each other
- An awareness of teachers in the previous academic year.
As you can appreciate, a significant amount of time and care goes into these arrangements. We are aware that some parents may have valid reasons to have input into the placement of their children for the forthcoming year.
Should there be numerous requests from parents then the ability for staff to make positive and professional judgements for the best learning environments for our classes is compromised. Given this, if parents have any relevant information that you believe is essential to the grade placement process, I invite you to make contact with Eloise Ellis eelliss@smashburton.catholic.edu.au or myself, Annie Herbison aherbison@smashburton.catholic.edu.au to share your thoughts for the 2026 school year. We will evaluate all requests and make a professional judgement on the placement of the child in question. Please note that the final decision must rest with the school in the interests of providing the best scenario for all students.
SOCIAL MEDIA NEW AGE RESTRICTIONS
As many parents will have heard, from 10 December 2025, age‐restricted social media platforms must take reasonable steps to prevent Australians under 16 years of age from having accounts. We provide this link for parents as a resource and information to support you in the decisions you make in your home.
https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/social-media-age-restrictions
PSYCHOLOGY SERVICES AT ST MICHAEL'S SCHOOL
Parents who are seeking a psychologist for their child are welcome to make contact with Advanced Psychology, who run their sessions in a confidential space onsite. Sessions can take place during the school day. If this is something you are seeking, please make contact with Linda Kollind at Advanced Psychology on 03 7002 8006. Discuss your needs and Linda is able to assist with the right program and / or assessment for your child. Please know this is a completely confidential service.
ADVANCED PSYCHOLOGY BLOG
St Michael's School has partnered with Advanced Psychology with a psychologist working onsite weekly. This link takes you to a blog with podcasts / webinars that deal with a variety of topics which might be of interest to parents and teachers.