Class Planning and Placement Information for 2026

As we approach the end of the year, our team is beginning the class placement process for 2026. This is a detailed and thoughtful process, with teachers and school leaders working closely together to create balanced learning environments where every student can thrive.

Class Groupings

Each year, class groupings are determined by total student enrolments across all year levels, in line with the Department for Education’s policies. At this planning stage, we make our best estimates of student numbers for 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 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 student numbers, a mix of straight year level and composite (multi-age) classes will be formed. Composite classes are no different to straight classes—both contain a range of abilities, interests, and learning dispositions. Grouping students in mixed year levels provides flexibility and allows us to cater for differing maturity, social, and academic needs. Teachers collaborate in professional learning teams to design programs that support the diverse learning needs of every student, regardless of class structure.

Staffing Arrangements

As is typical each year, there may be some changes to our teaching team. Staffing adjustments can include new teachers joining Craigburn, others returning from leave, or variations in teaching arrangements. In 2026, some classes will operate under a ‘tandem teaching’ model, where two teachers share class responsibilities throughout the week.

Class Placement Process

When placing students, we take into account a range of factors, including:

Academic progress and learning needs
Social and emotional development
Behaviour and engagement
Gender balance
Special needs and support programs
Positive learning partners

Positive Learning Partners and Friendships

We make every effort to place students with at least one positive learning partner. To assist with this, students have completed a confidential survey nominating up to five classmates they would like to learn with next year.

Through our Friendology program, students have been learning that friendships naturally evolve over time. Each new school year provides opportunities to form new connections and strengthen existing ones.

In some cases, teachers may decide that certain students would benefit from being in separate classes to ensure a balanced and positive learning environment.

Friendships are supported across classes and year levels through playtimes and shared activities, and families are encouraged to nurture these relationships outside of school hours.

While friendships are an important consideration, our priority is always to place each student in a setting that best supports their learning and overall growth.

Parent / Carer Input

Parents and carers are invited to share any relevant insights about their child’s learning, social, or emotional needs. While we carefully review this information, please note that we are unable to consider requests for:

Specific teachers
Placement or non-placement with particular students
A preferred class structure (straight or composite)

Families wishing to provide input can do so via the attached Class Placement – Parent Input Form, also available from the front office. You may wish to share:

Emotional, social, or personal considerations
Learning needs
Positive learning partners
Other confidential information relevant to your child’s placement

Please return completed forms in a sealed envelope, addressed to the Principal – Confidential, by Friday 7 November.
Only forms received by the deadline will be considered.

Timeline and Key Dates

Weeks 4–7: Teachers and leaders review student information, student friendship surveys and parent input
End of Week 8: Class placements finalised
Week 9: Students and families informed of 2026 classes
Wednesday 10 December: Students meet their new teacher and classmates

Please note that staff cannot disclose class groupings prior to the official announcement. We appreciate families’ trust in this process and assure you that each decision is made thoughtfully and with care.