Dear Parents and Caregivers,

We are about to begin the class placement process in preparation for the 2027 school year. This is a complex task involving teachers and the school leadership team, who work collaboratively to place each child in a learning environment that best supports their learning, wellbeing and success.

As part of this process, parents and caregivers may wish to share important information that they believe should be considered when placing their child/children. This should be information that the school or current class teacher may not already know. Most families will not need to provide additional information.

If your child/children will not be returning to Woodend Primary School in 2027, please notify the school office as soon as possible, as this information helps us plan class structures and staffing for the coming year.

Any additional information for consideration in the placement process must be submitted in writing by email to kerri.bruggemann369@schools.sa.edu.au no later than the close of business on Friday, 23 October (Week 2).

Please mark your email: Attention: Principal – Class Placement

Please note that:

• Parent input will be shared with relevant staff as required throughout the class placement process.
• The class placement process is thorough and carefully considered. Teachers and leaders draw on their knowledge of each child, including their learning needs, engagement and interactions with others, to make balanced decisions. While we are happy to discuss your child’s placement, there may be some aspects of the decision-making process that we cannot share, particularly where they relate to the individual needs or circumstances of other children.
• Students will have the opportunity to provide information about social groupings with the support of their teacher. Friendships are one of many factors considered when forming classes.
• Requests for placement with a specific teacher will not be considered. Teachers and school leadership are best placed to make these decisions, considering the range of factors outlined above.
• We expect class placements to be finalised by the end of Week 8, with information sent home to families in the final week of the school term. Staff will not disclose the composition of proposed classes before this formal announcement. Students will have a short visit to their new class on Wednesday, 9 December (Week 9).

The Principal is responsible for making the final decisions about class structures and student placements. Rest assured that a great deal of thought, planning and time goes into forming classes each year.

We respectfully ask that you trust our school to make these important decisions in the best interests of all students.

Yours sincerely,

Woodend Leadership Team

Understanding How Placements Are Made

Student Placement and Class Structure for 2027

When planning classes for the coming year, we consider a range of factors, including each child’s learning progress, social and emotional needs, behaviour, gender balance, friendships and any additional learning or support requirements. Input from teachers, students and parents helps us make informed decisions and create balanced, supportive learning environments.

Class structure refers to the number of classes at each year level and the organisation of students into those classes, including whether straight year-level or composite (multi-age) classes are formed. These structures are influenced by overall enrolments, the number of students at each year level, our new Reception intake, available resources and staffing arrangements, which are usually confirmed towards the end of the year.

It is common for schools to form both straight year-level classes and composite (multi-age) classes. Research indicates that composite classes do not disadvantage student achievement. At Woodend, teachers work collaboratively across year levels to plan, differentiate and assess learning to meet the needs of all students.

Friendships

Students will soon complete a confidential friendship survey, in which they can nominate up to five peers they would like to learn alongside next year. This process will be supported and overseen by their teacher.

While we aim to place each child with at least one nominated peer where possible, our priority is to create the best possible class environment to support each learner’s growth, learning and wellbeing.

Friendships naturally change over time, and we encourage students to develop new connections as well as maintain existing ones. Building relationships with a range of peers is a valuable life skill that supports confidence, flexibility and resilience. Friendships across classes and year levels are also encouraged during playtimes and beyond the school day.

Thank you for your understanding and support as we work through the class placement process for 2027.