We are getting to the business end of the year and the teachers are busy writing their reports. I will spend the next couple of weeks reading them which is always a rewarding task as I get to see how well everyone has done this year. As well as reports, the teachers and the leadership team will be undertaking the enormous task of mixing the classes for next year. We use a very good software product to make sure we get it as accurate as possible. There are many factors that go into getting the balance right and once it is complete, the students will get the chance to meet their new classmates for next year in the final week of the year. Occasionally, after the transition day, we get calls from parents requesting that we move their child. Please note that once it is set, we don’t move any children as one small move can completely throw the rest of the class out of balance. In the coming weeks, all students will be asked to name five of their friends who they would like to be with next year. We guarantee that every student will get at least one of their selections. Most students get more than one of their choices. A big part of our Cooperative Learning philosophy is we like the students to learn the vital social skills of making new friends and working with different people. This is an extremely important life skill they will need as they grow older.
