We continue to work on our class placement process for 2025 and aim to have this completed this week. This is a detailed and thoughtful process where our teachers and leadership team collaborate to create optimal learning environments for all students.
Class Structure
After much consideration and based on our projected enrolments for 2025 and department requirements, we will begin the new school year with 17 classes.
The 17-class structure aligns with our ethos of maintaining smaller class sizes, particularly in the early years of schooling as well as fostering collaboration among teachers in professional learning teams.
Straight and Composite Classes
As is the case in most schools, our classes will include a mix of straight year levels and composite classes to accommodate the varying number of students across each year level. Teachers work in professional learning teams to plan programs that support all students, regardless of class structure.
Staffing Arrangements
For 2025, there will be some changes to our teaching staff. This includes new teachers joining Craigburn, some teachers leaving, others returning from leave, and variations in teaching arrangements. In 2025, some classes will be led by two teachers sharing responsibilities throughout the week, a practice known as ‘tandem teaching.’ These teachers will collaborate closely, meeting regularly to plan learning programs and establish consistent classroom routines and practices.
During the school year, there may be occasions where teachers take leave or undertake additional projects or leadership roles within the school or partnership of schools. In these cases, we make every effort to employ teachers familiar with our students and school community.
Class Placement Process
With the class structure confirmed, we are now finalising student placements. This process carefully considers students’ learning and wellbeing needs, behaviour, friendships, and any special requirements. We aim to place students with at least one positive learning partner whom each student identified in a recent survey. Parent input, provided through the optional input process, has also been considered. As previously communicated, requests to place or exclude specific teachers or students in your child’s class are not considered.
Class Transition Visits – Wednesday 11th December
On Wednesday 11th December, students will be informed of their 2025 class placement. They will spend 40 minutes with their new classmates and teacher(s) during a transition visit.
- Year 6 students and those leaving Craigburn will be supervised in the hall.
- We warmly welcome any new students to Craigburn, who will visit and meet their teacher(s) and classmates.
On the same day, families will receive a letter containing:
- Information about the 2025 class structure and staff list (This information will also be shared via Craigburn Connections).
- Your child’s placement and teacher(s)
- Welcome letter from your child’s new teacher/s
- Your child’s end-of-year report
Supporting Your Child
We encourage parents and carers to have a positive and supportive conversation with your child/ren about their new class.
Transition visits often bring a mix of emotions. While many children will feel excited to meet their new teacher(s) and classmates, it is natural for some to feel upset or anxious about their placement.
Please reassure your child that their current teacher(s) and school leaders have carefully considered the best placement for their learning and wellbeing. Encourage them to speak with their current teacher the following day for further reassurance.
It’s important to know that children generally adapt quickly to their new learning environment and develop new friendships. Early in the school year, our Acquaintance Evening will provide an opportunity for students, teachers, and parents to establish positive relationships and connections.
Final Note
Class placements are final and cannot be changed. Moving a student from one class to another inevitably affects the balance and dynamic of multiple class groupings, which is why changes cannot be accommodated.
Our teaching and leadership staff have worked carefully and thoughtfully over many weeks to determine these placements. We respectfully ask for your understanding and support.
Thank you for your cooperation and trust.
Kind regards,
Paul and Nicky
