SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Reduction in class sizes commencing 2006.

The following is an extract from a letter from the Principal of the College, Mr. Jim Laussen, distributed in May 2005 informing the College community of the reduction in class sizes in 2006.

Over the past year, the College has undertaken a major review of the impact of class size on learning.  A working party comprising staff and parents has researched the major educational literature on this topic and visited a number of schools to explore various models of class size reduction.

At its most recent meeting, the College Board unanimously agreed to begin a phased in reduction of class sizes at certain year levels from the beginning of the 2006 school year.  

Consequently, we are pleased to announce that, from the beginning of 2006, the College will be phasing in a model that sees all Junior School classes being a maximum size of 24 students and all Middle School classes a maximum size of 26 students.  We will achieve the full implementation of the model by the start of 2009.

Classes of 24 in the Junior School are the ideal size for the appropriate implementation of the Early Years' literacy and numeracy programs to which we are committed.  Classes of 26 in the Middle School will provide the best environment for the development of strong learning partnerships between students, teachers and families.

So that we can provide an opportunity for as many of our current students as is possible to be taught in smaller classes, we will phase the reduction in at Prep, Year One and Year Five in 2006.  Consequently, all current Junior School students will be taught in reduced size classes either whilst still in the Junior School or for their entire time in the Middle School.  This is a significant commitment by the College to our students.

We are certain that the move to such class sizes will affirm to the community our continuing commitment to assisting all Overnewton students to achieve to their personal best.  We have always been committed to excellence within the College, as is evident by the outstanding VCE and AIMs results achieved each year, and this move will further add to the learning opportunities available to Overnewton students.

Whilst there is quite clearly a financial cost to the College, it is important to note that our commitment to building full size gymnasiums and improved sporting facilities on both campuses over the next two years continues.  Additionally, a new Junior School facility at Keilor should be built by 2008.