It has been a fabulous term so far, with a lot more amazing learning and events to come. In this newsletter you will see photos and information about the events our students have had the opportunity to particpate in this term along with the many exciting events still to come.

It has been insipring to visit the classrooms and speak to the students about their learning. The enthusiasm and commitment by all of our students is motivating. I look forward to seeing you all at our End of Year Celebration. At this stage there are no COVID-19 restrictions in place which means you can invite as many family members and friends as possible!

Class Placement

We are committed to meeting the educational needs of all of students.  A significant amount of thought, planning and time goes into placing children into classes each year. Every effort is made to place each child in an environment that is supportive, productive and successful.

If you have any concerns, please speak to the class teacher in the first instance who will be able to ensure any concerns are passed onto leadership. If you would prefer you can contact the Administration Office and make a time with Kingsley or myself.

Factors influencing class structures are:

• The projected number of students in each year level
• The number of teachers employed at the school and available facilities

 Factors which are considered in the placement of students include:

• The education needs of the students
• Work habits eg. ability to work independently, within groups
• Behaviour
• Gender
• Social networks
• Students with additional needs eg. required learning adjustments, SSO allocations, OnePlans

 What is the process for placing students into classes?

Staff have been meeting to establish class groupings for the following year. Teachers of the current year and school leaders meet with other staff (including Specialist teachers and SSOs) to create the class lists (eg. Year 2 teachers and leaders decide Year 3 placements).

Throughout the process, changes and adjustments are made and each change triggers a reaction of other changes. It is acknowledged that friendships are important, however, to ensure balanced classes, friendship groups are not the primary determining factor in class placement and social friendships are not always successful as learning friendships. 

We will endeavour to place every child with a friend of their choosing.  Please note: classroom teachers will facilitate this.

Parents/Caregivers will be advised of their child's placement on 15 December, 2022.  Students will have had the opportunity to meet their teachers for 2023 (where possible) on that day.

Capital Works Build

The Pimpala Design Team committee, comprising Architects, DfE Project Manager, DIT Project Manager, Quantity Surveyors and myself, Kingsley Heard and Barb West from Pimpala meet every second week to design, plan and implement our new buildings.  We are only at the very preliminary stage right now.  There is lots of administration, design and site testing to take place over the next 8 months or so before any building commences.

As you may be aware, the administration and the primary and junior primary classrooms including OSHC, Stephanie Alexander Kitchen, Performing Arts, and the Science room will be demolished and rebuilt/relocated as part a phased program . 

The gymnasium, STEM building, Library and transportables will all stay. However, as part of the phasing process the gym and STEM building will be repurposed during this time.

We are optimistic that work will commence in the middle of 2023 and will take approximately 18 months from that time.

I hope you all stayed safe with the weather over the weekend. As always, if you need support or assistance we are here to help you.

Belinda Finlay-Smith