We are currently determining our class structure for 2023 based on a range of factors. These include: 

• the estimated numbers of students in each year level
• staff and team teaching arrangements
• the learning needs of all students
• class locations and more. 

This also involves knowing about who will be teaching at Craigburn in 2023 and the year levels each teacher will be taking, usually not fully confirmed until the end of the school year.  Typically, there are changes to staffing each year. This involves: new teachers arriving, teachers leaving, teachers returning from or taking leave, and teachers increasing / decreasing their fraction of time. A number of teachers will be working in part-time capacity where classes are shared over the school week.

In 2023, classes will be spread across Reception to Year 6. Each year, class groupings are configured based on student numbers across all year levels. Schools are funded on the basis of 26 students per class in Reception to Year 2 and 30 students per class in Years 3 to 7. As is the case in most schools, composite classes will be formed along with straight year level classes. Composite classes are no different to straight year level classes where a range of student abilities and learning dispositions exist. Teachers work closely in professional learning teams to plan learning programs catering for a range of ages and abilities in every class, composite and straight.

In placing students in classes there are many factors to consider, including; learner achievement, the social and emotional needs of students, behaviour, gender, special needs and friendships. 

Friendships

• Every effort is made to place students with at least one friend. Teachers will be inviting students to complete a confidential friendship survey where they will be asked to nominate up to 5 students with whom they would like to learn alongside next year.
• Friendships often change for many students from year to year. Students are encouraged to develop new friendships each year, which is a life skill and helps build resilience.
• In some cases, teachers find it advantageous for some students not to be placed together.
• Friendships across classes and year levels are supported and encouraged at play times. Good friendships thrive and grow in these times and beyond school times. Parents are well placed to support these friendships beyond the school day.

Parent Input 

• As part of the process for establishing classes for 2023, parents and caregivers may wish to share any important information which they believe should be considered in the placement of their child/children. This should be information of which the school or current class teacher may not be aware. Please note:
  • Requests for specific teachers will not be considered in the placement process.
  • Similarly, requests to not have a specific teacher will also not be considered.
  • Specific requests to be / not to be in a composite class will too, not be considered.
  • Teachers are in the best position to place students according the factors outlined.

Student Placement Parent Input Form

• To streamline parent input, a ‘Student Placement Parent Input Form’ has been developed which can be accessed further on. Spare copies are available from the front office.
• Parents and caregivers may wish to provide information in the following areas: 
  • emotional, social and personal needs of your child,
  • specific learning needs
  • positive friendships
  • other confidential information which could have an impact on your child’s placement other than requesting a specific teacher, class structure.
• The ‘Student Placement Parent Input Form’ must be completed and returned to the front office, marked ‘To the Principal – Confidential’ by no later than Tuesday 22nd November. Information will only be considered if in writing and received by the due date.

Please Note

• Current teachers will be viewing the parent input forms as part of the placement process.
• Teachers and leaders factor in their knowledge of each child and how they engage in learning and interact with others to make balanced placement decisions. 
• For reasons of privacy and confidentiality we are not able to share with parents and caregivers the reasons for placements.
• We expect class placements to be completed by the end of Week 8, with placements shared with students and families in Week 9. 
• Staff members will not disclose the composition of proposed classes prior to this formal announcement. 

Please rest assured, a great deal of thought, planning and time goes into forming new classes.  

It is the responsibility of the Principal to make the final decision on class structures and the placement of students. 

We respectfully ask that you trust us in making these important decisions.

Regards, Paul and Nicky

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