Starting School

Children are entitled to start school on the next cohort entry after their fifth birthday. Cohort entries occur at the start of Week 1 and Week 6 each term.

Families are encouraged to pre-enrol their child as soon as they think their child might attend our school since it will help our planning processes. This involves filling out an enrolment form ( click on the tab at the right of this page).

You and your child will be invited to make an appointment with the Principal to complete enrolment formalities. This will take about 30-45 minutes and may include a visit to the classroom in which your child will be placed. This is an ideal time to share information or ask questions that will help make settling into school easier for your child and you.

Enrolment Formalities

This involves completing some forms, exchanging information about the school such as stationery, community support etc., and organising for school visits for you and your child.

Please bring your child's vaccination certificate (complete to age 5), a copy of their birth certificate/passport and proof of address (this could be a utility account addressed to you/rental agreement etc), to this meeting.

School Visits

We like to organise for 4 school visits before your child starts school. These visits are generally held on Friday mornings; three visits from 8.55 a.m. until 10.30 a.m. and the fourth visit from 8.55am until approximately 1pm. The last visit offers your child an opportunity to stay for lunch and experience a whole morning at school.

These visits are valuable because they provide an opportunity for your child to spend time in the classroom becoming familiar with the teacher and the other students. You and your child are welcome to stay during the morning interval on the first three visits.

We prefer that younger siblings don't attend these visits, but feel free to discuss this with us if this will cause difficulty.

Additional visits can be arranged if needed - please contact the classroom teacher to arrange this.

Parent Information Sessions

During the school visits your child will go with the class to the Kowhai Syndicate assembly from 10 a.m. - 10.30 a.m., and you will have the opportunity to gather with the other parents and one of the syndicate teachers for an informal parent information session. Topics covered include discussions about the school curriculum, how you can help your child settle into school and some of the things to expect in those early weeks. It is a time for you to meet us and other parents and ask any questions you may have. We enjoy the chance to meet with you.

First Day at School

Both parents and children can be nervous about the first day, but a blend of family warmth and encouragement plus a matter-of-fact "we know you can do it" positive attitude can greatly help the initial process. Your child will be supported by classmates and the teacher through the settling in period. We recognise that you know your child best and we want you to feel reassured that your child's teacher is trained and experienced at guiding children into school.

Five year old children begin school in the Kowhai Syndicate which is the group of Year 0 / 1 classes based in or near historic Renwick House at the rear of the school, or in Te Pouahi, in the newest room towards the front of the school.

Transferring Enrolments

Students who intend transferring from another school during the year are asked to complete an enrolment form. These arrangements can be made with the office manager. Pip (our principal) will enjoy meeting with you and your child(ren) prior to starting school. Children can start school as soon as practicable after this hui.

International Students

We accept international students from around the world. If you are interested in an international enrolment, please follow this link.