2025-26 Letter to Families

ERS Parents & Guardians, 

We are excited to start the process of a new school year! The teachers and administration are working closely together to determine student placement for the 2025-2026 school year.  Class organization requires a thoughtful process. Our teachers have spent considerable time creating well-balanced groupings. However, this may require further changes in August as there is always an influx of movement within the Bow Valley – both in and out.  Based on our current enrollment, combined classes are a part of our plan. This communication is to address the common questions asked by parents in regards to combined classes.

What is a combined or multi-grade classroom?

A combined or multi-grade class is one that includes students from two or more consecutive grades who work in one classroom setting with a dedicated homeroom teacher. The term 'split class’ is sometimes used which implies a division of instruction between two groups in class. The term combined class is used to represent the cohesive culture in the classroom. A combined class includes a variety of instructional groupings and combinations depending on the students, the learning objectives, and the resources utilized. Most school systems around the world employ combined classes and one-fifth of Canadian students are enrolled in classes with students from more than one grade.

Why do we have combined classes at my child’s school?

Combined classes are the result of our school’s demographics. At ERS, we want to keep class sizes lower than the average class size in Alberta.  Our current class sizes are between 19-24 students per class.  

Why is my child in a combined classroom?

The selection of students for classes is a serious task involving multiple staff members who consider a wide variety of factors. Staff consider individual students’ needs, interests, social skills, learning styles, work habits, emotional development, and independence when creating classes.

How can a teacher teach more than one grade at a time?

Teachers are professionals who understand that their primary job is not to teach a grade or a subject but to teach individual students. Teachers who instruct more than one curriculum always look for overlap between them. Because of the increased importance of skill outcomes today, there is often a great deal of overlap between grades and between subjects. Teachers develop lessons that allow students to meet outcomes through various learning activities. There are many resources specifically created to assist teachers with combined classes.

Are there any benefits to a combined class?

Here are some key advantages of combined-grade classes:

• Enhanced Social and Emotional Growth:
• Leadership and Mentorship: Older students often take on mentor roles, reinforcing their own understanding by teaching younger peers. This fosters leadership skills, responsibility, and empathy.
• Peer Interaction and Collaboration: Students learn to work with a wider age range, promoting cooperation, communication skills, and respect for diverse viewpoints. Younger students benefit from observing and imitating the social behaviors and problem-solving skills of older peers.
• Reduced Competition and Anxiety: With a broader range of ages and abilities, the focus shifts away from direct comparison with same-age peers, allowing students to relax and enjoy the learning process at their own pace.
• Stronger Sense of Community: The mixed-age environment often creates a more family-like atmosphere, fostering a strong sense of belonging and extended friendships.
• Academic Benefits:
• Personalized Learning: Teachers can more easily individualize instruction to meet each student's needs, learning style, and potential, as there's already a natural range of abilities within the class.
• Reinforced Learning: Older students deepen their understanding by explaining concepts to younger students. Younger students can be inspired by watching older, more advanced students.
• Continuity and Stability: In some models, students stay with the same teacher for multiple years, which allows for deeper teacher-student relationships and a better understanding of individual learning styles and progress.
• Rich Academic Experiences: Teachers often find creative ways to combine curriculum outcomes, leading to more holistic, theme-based units of study and a richer academic experience. Students are encouraged to work at their own level, allowing for remediation or enrichment without being obvious to others.
• Development of Independence and Self-Motivation: Students in combined classes often become more resourceful and develop stronger independent learning skills.

How will being in a combined classroom affect my child?

We understand that you want the best for your child. We strive to provide exceptional educational opportunities for all of our students. Every child is a unique learner and our teachers are equipped with the skills and resources needed to provide each one with a program suited to their place on the learning continuum. Overall, research suggests that students in combined-grade classes perform just as well academically as those in single-grade classes, with many studies highlighting the significant social and emotional advantages these environments provide. The success of combined-grade classes largely depends on skilled teachers who can effectively differentiate instruction and foster a collaborative learning environment.

We trust that this information will be helpful in understanding how we develop our class lists as well as alleviating some of the concerns that parents may have about combined classes. Your child will continue to receive a high quality education in any class. You will be able to see your child's class placement in the online Parent Portal on Monday, August 25th at 4:00pm. The office will reopen August 21st, 2025. If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact us at the school at that time. 

Have a wonderful summer!

Kind regards, 

Brian Wityshyn, Principal

Nicole Skwara, Assistant Principal