Principal's Reports

Principal - Ms. Jenny Dowsett

2026 Grade Structure and Student Placements:

Next year we will be having the following grade structure for students:

Prep/1

1/2

3/4

5/6

Science Specialist

Physical Education Specialist

Arts Specialist

When deciding on a grade structure we give consideration to:

* student numbers at each level

*balancing class sizes and student groupings across the school

*building collaborative teaching teams that plan and assess together

*providing flexible, targeted teaching so every child learns at their point of need.

What does the research say? Extensive research shows no significant difference in academic achievement between straight year-level and composite classes. The biggest factor influencing learning is quality teaching, not class structure.

Studies also highlight several benefits of composite settings:

Peer learning: Older students develop leadership skills by supporting younger classmates.
Social growth: Children learn empathy, cooperation, and confidence within diverse peer groups.
Individualised learning: Teachers focus on each student’s stage of development, rather than age alone.

For any parents who have specific requests regarding their child's placement in a grade for next year, these can be directed to myself via the school email. Requests need to be related to specific learning needs or emotional and social needs (ie; friendship groups). Requests will not be taken for individual teachers. We have worked hard to ensure we have a skilled, supportive team of teachers and ES for the benefit of our students and we have confidence in our ability to place your children in the best class for their needs.

Requests made for previous years will not necessarily be used for this year's student placement so please make a new request if your concerns are still relevant.

Requests need to be received by the end of November. Please remember that because a request is made, it does not guarantee that it will happen.

Students will be asked which friends they would like to be in a class with to ensure they have at least one friend moving on with them next year.

Working Bee:

A huge thankyou to Luke Tehennepe who has designed a plan to gradually improve specific areas of our school grounds. Our plan is to run regular working bees, both after school and on weekends, to target specific areas. This will allow us to have smaller numbers of parents needed and also allow volunteers to choose the working bees they have the skills to contribute to.

This Thursday 13th November between 3.30pm and 5.30pm, we will be working on the front garden bed in the asphalt carpark. Jobs to be completed are to remove old timber and rubbish, trim the trees, remove weeds, remove dead shrubs, remove the old edging, replace edging, add new plants and add new rock. Plants and rock may be added at a later date.

Depending on the number of parents, we may also work on the garden between the hall and the OSH building. Jobs here will be to straighten the garden edging, clean up leaves in the gutter, trim trees, remove weeds, add new rock. If helpers could bring secateurs and shovels that would would be great.

To help plan it would be helpful if parents could let the office know if you will be able to help out on Thursday.

We kindly ask that parents leave the asphalt carpark as soon as school has finished to allow space and safety for those attending the working bee.

Our next working bee is scheduled for Saturday, 6th December, from 8:00 am to 11:00 am.