STUDENT PLACEMENT 2017/2018
Class organization is a very time consuming process and the staff work hard to provide the best learning
environment possible for each student. Teachers have knowledge of the academic needs of children,
keep the “big picture” in mind and therefore, can best decide where individuals should be placed. The
following is a list of the criteria involved in organizing classes:
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Academic Ability/Performance
Class and Group Dynamics
Special Needs Consideration
Ministry/District Policy Guidelines
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Gender
Learning and teaching Styles
Social Compatibility
Behavior/Developmental Level
From time to time, parents request specific placements. It is important to understand that for a variety
of reasons, many requests cannot be accommodated. Please do not expect that your son/daughter will
be placed with a specific teacher or with particular friends. Friends can always see each other at recess,
lunch or after school. You might feel more comfortable with teachers that you know from previous
years, but I can assure you that the new staff members are also talented teachers. Rosemary Heights
Elementary has a sound-learning environment!
We are a very large school with limited space, which often leads to combined classes. There are also
class size and composition restrictions imposed by the Ministry, which restricts organization. We have
approximately two and a half divisions for each intermediate grade. Many students will be in classes
that have combined grades and there is no guarantee that if a child was in a combined class this year
that he/she will be in a class with a single grade next year.
It is not a detriment for children to be in combined classes. Your child will not miss out on anything in
their growth and development. It is important to understand that even in a single grade there is a range
of ability. Teachers are well qualified to teach both grades in a combined class and the new curriculum
fits a combined class model through the individualized learning focus. We view students as a
community of learners all striving to move forward in their learning. With the trust and support of home,
we are confident that all children will be placed in classes that will allow them to have a productive and
rewarding school year. Your patience and understanding regarding this matter is greatly appreciated.
Are we seeking input from parents regarding class placement?
Not necessarily. Teachers have knowledge of the academic needs of children, keep the “big picture” in
mind and therefore, can best decide where individuals should be placed. Teachers for the upcoming
school year seek advice from the children’s previous teachers. From time to time, parents try to request
specific placements, which may set up false expectations that the requests will be met. Many requests
usually hinder the class organization process rather than assist it. We are interested in hearing concerns
that have an educational basis or specific information regarding important family matters of which the
teacher may not be aware.
Is it important for my child to be in the same class as their friend(s)?
Not necessarily. Friends can always see each other at recess, lunch or after school. It can sometimes be
disruptive to the learning environment in the classroom to have best friends together or a large group of
friends. Please remember that children are very good at making new friends.
Student placement
Careful thought and deliberation goes into the placement of students. Our goal is to place a child here
we can offer them potential for maximum growth and learning. With this in mind, we first look at our
overall classroom organization numbers based on contractual obligations, and secondly, we identify
individual student’s learning needs. We also take into consideration student’s individual
strengths/weaknesses, academic needs, social needs, gender balance, emotional needs, learning styles,
level of student dependence/independence, and parental requests with extenuating circumstances.
Students generally settle in quickly and adapt to their new classroom environment. This can be further
facilitated with parental acceptance, positive encouragement and belief in your child's success in their
class placement.
SCHOOL FEES
Each school year, parents support their child(ren)’s formal learning experiences in a wide variety of
ways. We so appreciate all that you do to ensure a successful year!
In addition to providing the school supplies itemized on a grade list, parents are periodically asked for
monies to cover specific items and/or special events. No student will be denied the opportunity to
participate in any school activity due to the inability to pay. Please contact the Principal should you
require any financial assistance.
As we plan for the 2017/2018 school year, we anticipate the following costs:
Student Planner: We encourage all students in Grades 1-7 to purchase a School Planner at a cost of
$5. Included in the planner is our school code of conduct, school calendar and school district
information. We find this to be an excellent tool for facilitating home/school communication, as well
as for developing our students’ organizational skills. However, using our school planner is optional as
a parent may purchase their own version.
Field Studies and Field Trips: Classes often enjoy educational visits to community facilities which
extend and enhance the curriculum. While we use school monies or fundraise to cover the costs of
such activities wherever possible, there are times when parents are asked to contribute towards the cost
of the trip. If you choose to have your child not participate in a field study, a suitable program will be
provided at the school.
Classes from K-6 generally do not go above $50 in total for events throughout the year.
Gr 7 classes often go to camp and have other more extensive activities throughout the year.
Anticipated costs are around $300.
Musical Instruments: Grade 4 students may learn to play the recorder. Students will have the option
of purchasing one through our music teacher or receiving one on loan from the school. Also, our
Grade 7 students participate in the band program. You may choose to either purchase or rent an
instrument. Costs vary depending on the instrument.
Supplies: Parents in Grades 1-7 will purchase their child’s school supplies on their own. You should
utilize the grade supply list of suggested items needed or for your convenience you may wish to
purchase supplies as a package through School Start. Payment /ordering is done online for that option
and is made directly to School Start. Packages must be sent to your home address.
Kindergarten supplies will be done as a bulk buy. Parents will be asked to contribute $40 to cover
those supplies. If you wish to opt out and purchase your own, please let the school know. Please note
that all supplies in Kindergarten are shared by the whole group.
School Calendar 2017/18 School Year
September 5, 2017
September 25, 2017
October 9, 2017
October 20, 2017
November 3, 2017
November 10, 2017
November 13, 2017
December 25, 2017 –
January 5, 2018
January 8, 2018
February 12, 2018
February 16, 2018
March 19 - March 23, 2018
March 26 - March 29, 2018
March 30, 2018
April 2, 2018
May 4, 2018
May 21, 2018
May 28, 2018
June 29, 2018
Schools Open
Non-instructional day
Thanksgiving Day
Non-instructional day
Non-instructional day
Non-instructional day
Remembrance Day (Stat holiday)
Winter break
Schools reopen after winter break
Family Day
Non-instructional day
Spring break
School closure days
Good Friday
Easter Monday
Non-instructional day
Victoria Day
Non-instructional day
Administrative day/Schools close
Bell Schedule 2017/18 School Year
8:30
8:35
10:15
11:42
12:25
2:25
Welcome Bell
Start time
Recess
Lunch
Afternoon Session
End of day
School Start info sheets for ordering next year’s supplies will be out in June.
Rosemary Heights
Elementary PAC
presents
Thursday, June 1, 2017
5:00pm – 8:00pm
Games, Cake Walk, Silent Auction, Carnival Treats, Mini
Golf, Dunk Tank, Tons of Prizes … and much more!
Join us for a fun, family-friendly event
Parent volunteers will make this event possible.
Support your community, and help us raise funds for our school!
Here’s how YOU can get involved:
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Donate to the themed Raffle Baskets that will be created by Division, see Class Parent for
details.
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Donate a sweet treat to the Cake Walk; homemade or bought, must be nut-free.
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Volunteer your time; Divisions will be assigned a Carnival activity to set up, operate & take
down.
Contact Pam with any questions you have at [email protected]