RUOK DAY @MCKINNON
RUOK? Day is always an important time to remind everyone that any day is the day to ask, “Are you OK?” and support those struggling. Last week students spent time in their classes exploring the four important steps involved in this conversation that we promote to students.
A Ask
L Listen
E Encourage Action (this could be talking to your parents or a teacher to get some help)
C Check-In (make a time later to see how this person is)
FOOTY DAY
Great day today with many children and staff wearing their favourite footy colours.
LAST CHANCE EXTENDED TO MONDAY 3RD OCTOBER
Class Placement – Opportunity for Parental Considerations
Planning for the 2022 school year has begun. This task is always challenging and complex and must take into account a range of factors including numbers of students, staffing requirements and of course financial resources.
The rationale of our student placement process:
As students at McKinnon Primary progress from Foundation to Year Six it is expected they will learn to work and relate to a range of teachers and students. We strive to make home groups harmonious in design with a wide variety of talents, abilities and interests. Please note that home groups are not allocated to teachers until groups are formed, in other words it is the dynamic of the student group that is the focus, rather than the teacher.
We endeavour to ensure that students are placed in year level groups that maximise, social and emotional development, learning potential and engagement. Our teaching staff put a lot of time and effort in creating balanced, positive learning environments with consideration for all students within each year level.
The criteria below, acts as a guide for consideration and discussion and are not intended to be inclusive or exclusive of any other. The criteria stated are not prioritised.
- student academic performance
- social and emotional development
- student friendship groups (students will be asked to nominate five learning friends that they feel they work well with, we will endeavour to place them with one of these students)
- equitable ability spread across all home groups
- gender balance
- student-student interaction
- student learning styles and needs
- previous teacher placements
If you, as a parent, wish to provide input into your child’s placement, please write an email to Ms Suzanne Khatib. In your considerations please outline specific strengths, attitudes toward school, learning styles 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 consideration will be carefully reviewed as one of several criteria used when assigning students to home groups. It is important to note that it may not be possible to meet a consideration as stated.
Forming balanced home groups 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 Term Four, all considerations must be in writing and received by Monday 3rd October. 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.
*Please note that emails received after the deadline may not be considered. The date for considerations to be received is Monday 3rd October. When emailing your consideration please place 2023 Class Placement in the subject line and email to mckinnon.ps@education.vic.gov.au
STUDENTS LEAVING MCKINNON PRIMARY SCHOOL
Whilst we understand that the current Year Six students will not be returning in 2023; for other families circumstances may have changed and it’s very important for our planning purposes that we know as soon as possible.
Please email the school on mckinnon.ps@education.vic.gov.au or phone the office with the following information:
Child/ren’s name/s
2022 Year level
Reason for leaving
Parents name & contact details
We will continue to keep you informed as our plans for 2023 take shape.
END OF TERM SAUSAGE SIZZLE
End of term sausage sizzle was again a big hit for the students. A huge thank you to our parent volunteers who gave up their time so this event could happen. Thank you to our Parent Club President Bec and Vice President Robyn who organised the event.
Wishing you all a restful break during the holiday period. As I take leave from McKinnon to work at the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership, I wish you all the best knowing the school is in exceptional hands with Suzanne Khatib and the incredible staff supporting our kids for Term Four and Term One next year. I look forward to seeing everyone in Term 2 2023.
Enjoy your break
Simone, Suzanne and David