New Classes

Today, we will be moving our students (grades 1 to 7) into their new classes. The first full day of school can often be filled with a variety of emotions related to the new classes: excitement, worry, elation, disappointment.

Teachers and support staff have spent a lot of time reviewing all our students and worked to create balanced classes that will, hopefully, ensure that all children have a chance for a successful school year. These meetings are harder than you may think. For every child, there are multiple issues to consider:

  • What is his learning style?
  • Who are her friends?
  • How many girls are there?
  • Will this class need extra support for learning needs?
  • Are the classes balanced in terms of number of students?
  • Will a child have a teacher for a second year?
  • Were there any placement considerations raised by parents to consider?
  • Who has moved over the summer and how will that affect the class composition?

We use our Student Placement Process to guide us as we develop the classes. Parent input can be helpful, and parents had opportunities to share their thoughts as outlined in the Student Placement Process. Please be aware that there are some requests that we cannot honour, as they may not be possible (i.e. only combined classes and no single grade options). Other requests may be too detailed (i.e., with these friends, but not with these children). Still others may not happen as they came with direct teacher requests (i.e. “Please place my child with Mrs. X.”).

There are limits as to what we consider for class placements. We are not able to consider the individual history of a child in combined classes. We do not always know if children have changed friendships over the summer. We build the classes based on the information we have.

I am very proud to be part of so many thoughtful discussions about our class placements.

When you see your child after school today, ask him or her about the day. Be curious about their class, and please help your child see that the class will be a good place for learning, sharing and growing. If your child is upset, please be thoughtful in how you respond to any concerns. How we react when children express anxiety can go a long way to helping children handle disappointment.

If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s placement, please start with your child’s teacher. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me and make an appointment.

Today will be an excellent day.

Take care

 

 

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