Class Planning and Placement Information for 2025

As we approach the end of the year, our team is beginning the class placement process for 2025. This is a detailed and thoughtful process, with our teachers and leadership team working closely together to create learning environments where each student can thrive.

Class Groupings

Each year, our class groupings are configured based on total student enrolment across all year levels, in line with the Department for Education’s policies. At this planning stage, we make our best estimate of next year’s student numbers across each year level, including new Reception students joining us in both the start-of-year and mid-year intakes.

To assist with planning, we kindly ask any families who will be leaving Craigburn at the end of the year (other than Year 6 graduates) to notify us as soon as possible.

Straight and Composite Classes

Due to varied numbers across each year level, composite classes (split, multi-age) will be formed along with straight year levels. Composite classes are no different to straight year level classes where a range of student abilities and learning dispositions exist. Grouping students in mixed year levels is a practical necessity and in fact provides flexible options to place students who have differing maturity, social and learning needs.

Teachers collaborate in professional learning teams to develop learning programs that cater to a wide range of ages and abilities in every class, whether composite or straight.

Staffing Arrangements

As is typical each year, there will likely be some changes to our teaching team. Staffing adjustments may include new teachers joining Craigburn, some teachers leaving, others returning from leave, and variations in teaching arrangements. In 2025, some classes will also be led by two teachers sharing responsibilities throughout the week, a practice known as ‘tandem teaching.’

Class Placement Process

When placing students in classes, we carefully consider multiple factors, including academic achievement, social and emotional needs, behaviour, gender balance, special needs, and positive learning partners.

Positive Learning Partners – Friendships

We make every effort to place students with at least one positive learning partner. To assist in this process, teachers will invite students to complete a confidential survey where they can list up to five classmates they would like to learn alongside next year. Friendships naturally evolve over time, and we encourage students to build new connections each year as part of their social development.

In some cases, teachers may find it beneficial for certain students not to be placed together to foster a healthy, balanced learning environment. Friendships are supported across classes and year levels during playtimes, providing ample opportunities for connections to grow. Parents play an important role in nurturing these friendships outside of school hours as well.

While friendships are a valued consideration in class placements, our primary focus is to place each student in a class environment that best supports their overall learning and growth.

Parent / Carer Input

As part of this process, we invite parents and carers to share any important insights regarding their child’s specific needs. While we carefully review this information, please be aware that we are unable to consider requests for:

Specific teachers
Placement or non-placement with a particular teacher or student/s
A particular type of class structure (e.g., composite or straight)

Class Placement – Parent / Carer Input Form

To facilitate input from families, we have created a ‘Class Placement – Parent / Carer Input Form,’ which is available below and at the front office. Parents and carers may wish to provide information regarding:

The emotional, social, and personal needs of your child
Any specific learning needs
Positive learning partners – friendships
Other relevant confidential information that could impact your child’s placement

Please return completed forms in a sealed envelope to the front office, addressed to the Principal as “Confidential,” by Monday 11 November. Input will only be considered if received in writing by the deadline.

Timeline and Important Notes

Teachers and school leaders will carefully review all information as we work to make balanced, well-considered class placement decisions. Our aim is to finalise class placements by the end of Week 8, with placement details shared with students and families in Week 9. On Wednesday, 11 December, students will have the chance to meet their new class and teacher.

Please be aware that staff members will not disclose the composition of classes prior to this formal announcement. We want to assure families that each decision is made with great care and thought, and we respectfully ask for your trust in this process.

Final Decision

The responsibility for final decisions on class structures and student placements rests with the Principal. Please be assured that our team is dedicated to making choices in the best interests of all students.

Thank you for your ongoing support and trust.

Sincerely,

Craigburn Leadership Team