Planning for 2025 Class Groups: Creating Balanced and Supportive Learning Environments

Dear Families,

I wanted my only newsletter item this week to be focused on a single topic to ensure the information does not get missed. As we move into the final stretch of the year, our focus behind the scenes, turns to creating balanced, supportive classes for 2025 that meet both social and educational needs. Over the past few weeks, we've worked closely with each student and taken input from parents to carefully plan for a positive start to next year.

Requests for Class Placement

Thank you to all families who provided input regarding individual placement requests for next year. This process has been finalised and closed for several weeks now. Your requests are being carefully considered as we shape the 2025 classes.

Supporting Students in Selecting Learning-Focused Friendships

As part of our class formation process, teachers have guided every student through identifying five friends who they feel support their growth and enjoyment at school. To help students make thoughtful choices, we encouraged families to discuss the difference between "learning-supportive friends" for inside the classroom and "social friends" for outdoor play. These insights help us create groups that promote a positive classroom dynamic.

As mentioned in previous newsletter pieces, the friendships listed are not ranked, and our aim is to place each child with at least one friend from their list. This thoughtful selection process allows us to meet each student’s needs while also balancing a variety of other factors essential to creating effective learning environments.

Building Balanced Classes for a Successful Year

Our teachers are now deep into the intricate process of class formation, which involves much more than pairing students with friends. Each classroom must balance a range of dynamics, including academic needs, social connections, and individual strengths. This process is both complex and purposeful, as we strive to create classes that foster growth and positive relationships.

Every effort is being made to accommodate preferences, but we appreciate your understanding that certain limits prevent us from fulfilling every request. Please trust that our experienced teachers, who know each student as both learners and individuals, are considering all available information to make these decisions thoughtfully and professionally.

Finalisation of Classes

Once draft classes are formed, they will undergo an additional review to ensure that each grouping provides a functional, supportive environment. After careful checking, these groupings will be finalised. Once students are informed of their 2025 classes, there will be no further changes, as each decision has been thoroughly considered to create the best possible learning groups for all students.

Thank you for your continued support and trust as we prepare for a wonderful 2025 school year. We look forward to seeing every student thrive in their new classes!

I hope you have a wonderful weekend. Please feel free to pop in for a chat with either Carrie, Brendan or I, should you wish to discuss anything.

Our doors are always open!

Take care,

Mr. Dale Blythman

Assistant Principal - Welfare & Wellbeing

Carrie Chalmers