Principal's Report
Pupil Free Day
This is a reminder that Monday 27th November is a Pupil Free day. On this day all sections will be planning their programs for 2018 and finalising class arrangements.
Responses to the Parent Opinion Survey
As communicated in the previous newsletter, the Parent Opinion Survey was completed earlier this year by 34 families from across the school. The survey provides an opportunity for parents to provide comments. After analysis of the ‘themes’ within the comments, I am providing responses as they may be questions or concerns that other parents may also have. As I’d like to provide in depth responses, I will continue to address one issue in each of the next few Newsletters.
Why can’t there be less students in a class? Why can’t my child get more support?
The type of school your child attends will determine the class size. Students in SDS schools and autism schools will have smaller class sizes than Concord School because the students generally have higher support needs. Alternately, Concord School will have much smaller class sizes than mainstream schools.
At Concord School the number of students in a class is determined by the level of support required by those students. Class sizes are lower in the early years of schooling with approximately 8 students in Prep and 9-10 in years 1-4. There are up to 12 students in years 5-12. Occasionally if there are a number of enrolments at a particular year level then class numbers may over 12 for a short period of time.
Levels of staff support is determined by the learning needs of the students. Each class across the school has one teacher assistant plus two more at each Campus work across the classes depending on need. There are full time Speech and Occupational Therapists working in both of our Primary teams.
Classes are of mixed ability in Primary school however in Secondary school they are divided into two ‘streams’. Students who require higher levels of support work in the ‘Pre-Cal’ program which has smaller class sixes of approximately 10. The students are still taught the Victorian Curriculum but do so through the hands-on learning of life skills. When we are considering placing students into this program we conduct information sessions and require parent approval before doing so. In 2018, for the first time, the four Pre-Cal classes across years 7-10 will have a Leading Teacher overseeing the curriculum and delivery of the program, an additional teacher assistant and a Speech Therapist.
For 2018 the class numbers at the Bundoora Campus will be slightly higher than we would like due to there being no additional classrooms available to accommodate our increasing student enrolment. Our building works in 2018/2019 will ensure that we have additional classrooms and will have greater flexibility with our class sizes in the future. Please contact me if you have any queries in regard to this information.
Student Orientation Day - Friday 15th December
The Concord School student orientation day will occur on Friday 15th December. As far as practicable, the students will move to the classroom they will be in and be taught by the teacher they will be with next year.
Families of those students who are either new to the school, or will be changing learning areas, will also be sent this information via mail or email.
Further details in regard to the Student Orientation Day will be provided in coming weeks.
Annual Christmas Concert
This year the Annual Christmas Concert will be held on the evening of Monday 4th December on the Loyola Oval which is at the rear of our Bundoora Campus in Gleeson Drive.
It is important that all students from Prep-Year 10 attend on this evening as the classes will have spent considerable time rehearsing their items and they require all students to be present. As well as class performances and the BBQ there will be a visit from Santa!
Further details in regard to the Christmas Concert will be provided in coming weeks.
We look forward to seeing many family and friends coming along to enjoy a great evening.
Accessing the School Bus
I would like to remind parents/carers that if you are thinking of changing your address you must remember that to access our buses you must reside within the Designated Transport Zone (DTZ). IF YOU MOVE OUTSIDE THIS ZONE, YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ACCESS OUR BUSES.
You can ring the office any time to check on the zone and Carmel Hunter (Transport Coordinator) will only be too happy to give you any information.
If you change any transport arrangements regarding your child, it is imperative that you notify Carmel as well as the bus supervisor ASAP.
Compass Portal
All parents need to be logged into Compass so our school can communicate effectively with you. If you have any questions regarding Compass, or are having difficulty in logging-on, then please ring Karen Jordan at our school on 94673972.
The Compass log-on can be found at https://concordsch-vic.compass.education or through the ‘Compass Parent Portal’ link on our website
Principal's Award
The principal's award goes to Alvin.
Alvin is a fantastic student at Concord School. He is always trying his hardest at any task that is set out for him and takes pride in the work that he completes. Alvin has proudly and professionally presented his learning highlights at many assemblies throughout the year.
Alvin is always happy and can change the mood in a room with his great sense of humor. Alvin also looks out for everyone around him, if he sees anyone in trouble or that is struggling, he knows to tell a staff member so they can get help.
Well done Alvin!
"Students striving to be the best they can be"
Jason Coningsby,
Principal