Class Formation
We have been able to secure enrolment numbers to establish our 2023 classes. Students were placed into their 2023 classes after recess yesterday.
Each year, class compositions are developed using a formula based on how many enrolments are registered in the school across each grade (K-6). These numbers are then balanced to streamline class size numbers according to policy where K-2 have smaller class sizes compared to Years 3-6. In our school context, all classes from Years 1-6 are composite classes, meaning they have students who are enrolled across two year groups. Teachers have spent an incredible amount of time ensuring each student is individually allocated to a class based on a range of indicators including academic, behaviour, socialisation, peer compatibility, teacher compatibility and sometimes (if deemed appropriate) parent/carer requests. This process is an in-depth and carefully considered one that all staff are involved in to ensure we get it right and set up every student for success for the following school year. Each student has been allocated a 2023 class by the staff to maximise their learning and personal growth and development for the year. Whilst grades are split across several classes, the staff have coordinated regular curriculum based lessons to be conducted as a whole grade, meaning that students will still get to interact with their friends who may be in other classes throughout the week during whole-grade activities. More information about this will be presented at the Parent Information Evening in the coming weeks.
We ask that you place trust in the staff’s professional judgement of these placements and respect the complicated process of making classes. You can do this by talking positively with your child about their new class and the prospects of learning new things, making new friends and embracing the opportunities that will be provided throughout the year at school. We thank you in advance for your ongoing support and understanding of this process and we look forward to working with you toward a strong and positive 2023 school year.
Communication Protocols
We have refined our communication protocols and will be presenting these at the P&C meeting on Monday night before distributing them to the wider community with next week’s newsletter. One change will be through emailing correspondence with teachers. All email correspondence is required to be sent through the general school email and these messages will be forwarded on to the respective teacher/staff member. Staff personal email addresses will not be used for communications from the beginning of 2023. There will be more information on communicating with the school in next week’s newsletter.
Back to School Vouchers
As we prepare for another year of learning in 2023, you can now apply for the Premier’s Back to School NSW program, offering $150 worth of vouchers (3 x $50 vouchers) to help pay for school supplies like school uniforms, shoes, bags, textbooks, stationery and excursions up to the 30 June, 2023. Every primary and secondary school student in NSW is eligible for the vouchers. To be eligible, your child needs to be a NSW resident and enrolled in a NSW primary or secondary school in 2023.
You can apply for and access your vouchers in your MyServiceNSW account, in the Service NSW app, by calling Service NSW on 137788 or by visiting your local Service Centre. For more information and to access all vouchers, visit the Service NSW website at https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/services/concessions-rebates-and-assistance/vouchers
P&C Meetings
Our first school P&C meeting will be held on Monday 6 February at 7pm in the school library. All parents and carers are welcome to attend. This is a great opportunity to gain an insight into the decision making of the school and network with proactive parents in creating a supportive environment that improves school processes and opportunities for students.
Playground Update
Over the summer break we had NSW DoE School Infrastructure working in our grounds on the next phase of the remediation project for our ground contamination. The creation of a sandstone amphitheatre and renewed garden on the sloped side of the playground are welcome additions to our school. The works are yet to be completed over the coming weeks with some turf and resurfacing of the amphitheatre to take place in February. More information regarding the works will be distributed over the coming weeks.
We are truly looking forward to a productive and positive year with our students and their families. Wishing you all the best for a wonderful year.
Kind Regards,
Chad Tsakissiris
Principal
