Classroom Placement Guidelines

Fernside School 

Classroom Placement Guidelines

Purpose of these guidelines:

At Fernside School careful consideration is given to how classes are put together each year. It is a meticulous process that involves time and consideration by all staff. The placement of children begins with the classroom teacher making recommendations and then these being discussed and reviewed by the team. 

For children who are new enrolments, our placement decisions are based on information we obtain from the previous school, information from parents and the need for us to have, wherever possible, balanced class compositions. 

For students who enroll after we have established classes, the responsibility for their placement lies with the Principal who will discuss this with the team leader before any decision is made.

Criteria for deciding on student placement:

When assigning classrooms, we prioritise the individual child while acknowledging their place within a broader context. Our goal is to establish thriving classroom environments that allow teachers to address the whole child; academic, social, and emotional needs. We achieve this by carefully considering various factors, including but not limited to:

• Gender ratios

• Academic performance and learning abilities

• Additional needs or talents

• Social and emotional requirements

• Physical and social maturity

• Behavioural aspects

• Levels of academic progress and individual needs

• Degree of self-direction and independence

• Information provided by parents

• Information provided by support personnel 

• Previous class placements

• Year group size (can change based on the cohorts that we have)

• Class size

Other pertinent information:

Requests from parents to place their children in a specific teacher’s class are discouraged, as they may hinder the creation of well-balanced and productive class groups based on the criteria outlined above.

The final class lists are decided on collaboratively by the staff. The final decision for class placements will rest with the senior leadership team. (All team leaders, DP and Principal).

Parents will be provided with an opportunity,  in the last term, to share relevant information that may assist us with our decisions in the last term. Any information shared will need to be done via writing to the principal.

Your child’s class placement for the new year will be sent out via our HERO in the second to last week of the school year. You will only receive notification of the class teacher for the new year; we do not send out full class lists.

Providing a transition opportunity

All of our students will be given the opportunity to meet their new teacher in the last week of the year. We will hold a dedicated ‘Meet the teacher’ afternoon for our students. Our goal is to provide an opportunity that is supportive and allows our children to feel comfortable with the change; seeing their new space, meeting the teacher and also the rest of their class.

At the start of the new year classes and teams will work closely to ensure that the children are connected and feeling safe and comfortable in their new environment. 

Our aim at Fernside School is to create learning environments that are safe, fun, inclusive and supportive. We want learning environments that cater to the needs of all children (holistically and educationally).

Darryn Ward

Principal

Fernside School

Answers to some frequently asked questions

• Am I able to make a request for a particular teacher for my child?

  • We kindly request that parents refrain from making a request for specific teachers for their children. Constructing a classroom involves multiple considerations beyond individual requests, and accommodating such preferences can disrupt the balanced learning environment we aim to create.

• Can I request that my child be placed with their friend?

  • While we appreciate social connections, requests for specific placements based on friendships are not considered. Placements are made considering various factors to encourage diverse social interactions among students.

• If my child is having difficulty with another student, can I request separation?

  • Should your child face challenges with a classmate, please inform the teacher and principal for necessary problem-solving. While part of the learning experience is to navigate diverse social interactions, our placement process aims to minimize nonconstructive relationships.

• How can I support my child if they are upset about their placement?

  • If your child expresses disappointment about their placement, it’s essential to respond positively and encourage confidence in their ability to adapt. Parental attitudes significantly influence a child’s perception, and fostering enthusiasm can contribute to a successful beginning of the year.

• Is it possible to change my child’s class after placements are finalised?

  • Changes to class placements are rare and only considered in exceptional circumstances, provided there is relevant information not previously available. Requests for changes must be submitted in writing to the Principal, who holds ultimate responsibility for class placement.