Since we have such a low student-teacher ratio (8:1 on average) we are able to build close relationships with our students, and therefore able to have an awareness of how a child is progressing and growing on a daily basis. We do also have a formal system of evaluation, called a mid-year report, which is a descriptive review of a child including observations of all aspects of a student's life and work at the school. These observations by the student's teacher, and those of the rest of the staff, are combined into a written report which is sent home to parents. This report is followed up by a parent-teacher conference where we seek to more fully understand each child and discuss ways to foster their growth and development at the school.