2018-2019 Class Placement

At this time of year, we begin planning for the coming school year in terms of school organization and reflection on student placement.  Each child's success is our primary goal.  The initial process for class make-up will begin towards the mid to end of June time period and then will be revisited and completed at the beginning of the 2018/2019 school year.  Our staff puts a lot of time and effort into creating balanced, positive class learning environments with consideration for all students at each grade level.  We strive to make classrooms harmonious in design with a wide variety of talents, abilities and interests.  Student placement into classes involves the integration of the following aspects: input from teachers and support staff, input from administration and input from parents.
 
The class placement process begins with classroom teacher reflection on individual student strengths, and academic and social needs.  The next stage in the placement process involves grade level discussions between current teacher(s) and receiving teacher(s), the Learning Assistance Teacher, and the administration.  Desirable criteria, as listed below, act as a guide for consideration and discussion and are not intended to be inclusive or exclusive of any other.  The criteria stated are not prioritized.
 
Workable Instructional Grouping

• age distribution
• ability distribution
• work habits and study skills
• teaching and learning styles
• special needs

Positive Social Grouping

• boy/girl ratio
• student maturity and self-discipline
• student self-motivation
  
• student-to-student relationships (friendships/conflicts)

If you, as a parent, wish to provide input into your child's placement, please write a letter to Mr. MacLeod by June 8, 2018*.  Letters of request must outline specific strengths, attitudes toward school, learning style and learning needs of your child.  You may also indicate successes your child has experienced in school.  Please do not request a particular teacher for your child.  A written request will be carefully considered as one of several criteria used when assigning students to classrooms.  It is important to note that it may not be possible to meet a request as stated. The information you share may be shared with the staff responsible for placing students.

Forming balanced classes is in the best interest of ensuring optimal learning for all students.  Since we are involved in a consultative process (consisting of many hours) to facilitate the placement of students, we do not anticipate making changes to class placements once they are set.  Please do not approach individual teachers regarding student placements in September.  Like all new relationships, it can take time for students to learn to trust and demonstrate growth with their new teacher and in their new setting.  The vast majority of children adjust very quickly to their new classroom with the help of your encouragement and support.

Our school organization is dependent on enrolment numbers.  If you are leaving Boundary, and your children will not be registered for school in September 2018, please inform the office as soon as possible so that we can maintain accurate enrolment numbers.  Thank you for your continued support and partnership!

*Please note that requests received after the deadline may not be considered.

Tim MacLeod, Principal
604-903-3260 or tmacleod@sd44.ca​