Dear Parents/Carers,

Class Allocation Process For 2023

During Term 4, teachers commence the process of class allocations for next year. Teachers have considerable expertise and motivation in allocating students to classrooms where they think they will learn best particularly when they have worked with a group of students all year. The first priority is to attempt (with the best knowledge we collectively have), the creation of balanced class groups according to social, emotional, academic and behavioural characteristics. Teachers are not allocated to the class until well after the class groups are formed. Teachers (through a set process appropriate to each age level), will take into account the friendship networks of the student (based on student perspectives and teacher observations) as another part of the placement picture bearing in mind that students may not always work best in a classroom with particular friends. At certain times, a change from being in a classroom with a particular friend or group is necessary for student growth and classroom balance. The teacher is best placed to make this decision.

If parents wish to express a point of view about your child’s allocation, this needs to be put in writing to the Principal by submitting it on paper to the office or by email to kcana2@eq.edu.au strictly by Monday 3 October (before school starts for Term 4). In order to be considered, this point of view must be framed in terms of an educational reason focusing on your child’s social, emotional and academic needs rather than requesting placement or non-placement with particular students or teachers. In short, please do not name students or teachers in your submission. In a school of this size, it is not possible for students to all be placed with a teacher or student favoured by themselves or their parent. Conversely, it is not possible for parents to request avoidance of a particular student or teacher. There are just not enough options when placing large numbers of students and more often than not, everyone wants the same thing. The information on which students and parents make these requests can be flawed.

Teachers are also aware that some students may not be compatible within a classroom environment or require a ‘break’ from each other in order to foster their learning. Additionally, there is no guarantee that certain teachers will be attached to their 2022 year levels. This is due to the fact that there are a range of external factors that can affect this from year to year. It has been our practice to move teachers around and the state-wide transfer process can impact belatedly on how classes are staffed from year to year.

I’d ask parents to understand that there are many complexities involved in forming classes and although parent views are definitely taken into account other circumstances can affect their child’s class placement. In most instances we have 75 to 100 students to place. Parents choosing their child’s class is not a workable solution for any school. Therefore, in fairness schools can’t offer choice of placement to particular parents as it is impossible to offer to all. I can assure parents this is a lengthy process that is given a great deal of time and effort and thank you in advance for your understanding and adherence to the guidelines outlined above if you decide to submit information before the due date.

Please note that information submitted after the due date cannot be considered as this process is done as part of a number of scheduled meetings and the opportunity for teachers to meet again to discuss late submissions is not possible at this time of year. In order to assist us with class allocations, please complete the online form (CLICK HERE), stating your child’s return or non-return for the 2023 school year. We do understand that circumstances do change but an indication will help with making plans.

50th ANNIVERSARY: SEPTEMBER 10 (12 to 4pm)

We look forward to all joining together with former students and staff to celebrate Craigslea's big birthday which is just two short weeks away! Please (CLICK HERE) for the program and the flyer.  There will be rides, activities and performances for the children as well as food trucks, music, a bar, reunions and tours for the adults. Historical displays and student work for the time capsule will be on display for young and old. Please find below the warm up and performance times for each year level as well as their dress for the performance. Students wear free dress on the day so they can easily partake in the activities so if their performance costume is comfortable, they can just keep wearing that.

YEAR LEVEL AND BAND PERFORMANCES (PLEASE ARRIVE AT COMPUTER LABS FOR WARM UP TIME. ALL PERFORMANCES WILL BE IN THE HALL)

We do not expect families to go to additional expense. Items located around the home are absolutely fine.

Join us for the party!

Kathy