2018 is fast approaching and so we continue with our theme of Future Focused Learning.

2018 will mean some changes for our teachers and learners.  We need to ensure that we are making best use of the spaces that we have as a school. Wakari was started in 1858 and has had additions, including prefabs, over time. We need to flip the challenges into opportunities and therefore cohort groups will be placed in different spaces next year. We will be referring to these spaces as Learning Hubs as we move away from the single cell model of teaching.

We have also needed to carefully consider where we put a large cohort of Junior children while still enabling  co-operative teaching to happen. Our Senior Syndicate, as happens from time to time, will be three classes for 2018. So again working through where these learners will be placed was also a consideration. 

It is an exciting time for the school and its community.  I will continue to flick out snippets of information as the term progresses. I am confident that the moves we are making around our pedagogy will hold our learners in great stead as they move through their education over the coming years. One thing we are very conscious of is not throwing out the baby with the bath water.

Planning for classes for the 2018 school year will begin shortly. Parents are welcome to speak with their current Syndicate Leader if they have any questions or requests about their child’s placement for the 2018 year. If your child is currently in Year 2 you should see Mrs Stanbridge. If your child is in Year 3 or 4 you should see Mrs Lowden.  If your child is in Year 5 you should see Mrs Brown. 

Please be aware that not all requests are able to be met and while we consider parent preferences, the placement of each child is based upon the needs of the children, our staffing and the hub structures within the school. Please ensure that if you wish to discuss this you do so by Monday the 13th of November. The final decisions will be made by the Senior Leadership team. Children will be made aware which class / hub they are in for 2018 later this term.

Our Year 5's are at Camp and I thank those parents and staff who are away from family at this time to ensure the success of our Outdoor Education programme.

Regards Chris