ENROLMENT

 If possible, please enrol your child with the Principal before starting day. This helps to keep Day One as low key as possible. Remember to bring Birth and Immunisation Certificates.

 PRE-ENTRY VISITS

 On Wednesday mornings for three weeks before they are to begin school formally, the children come from 8:45 am to 10:45 am.

 This involves Brain Gym, Language and Playtime.  This segment involves a lot of activities and social skill development and is proving most successful with actual school entry becoming a smooth and happy  occasion.

 When your child is nearly ready to begin school, please phone or call in to see us to let know you are coming so we are prepared and expecting you.

 STATIONERY

 Your child's teacher will give you a stationery list.  These items can be purchased from the school.

 BACK PACKS

 If you are intending buying a bag for school. please ensure it is big enough to use on an average day - lunch box, drink bottle, reading folder, library bag, hat, sweatshirt and swimming bag.  Please ensure that   everything is labelled.

 FIVE YEAR OLD MEETINGS

 Each term we have a meeting for New Entrant parents to talk about the daily programme and especially the importance of oral language.

 MEETING THE ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

 The day that your child starts school, please come and see me to arrange an appointment.  At this time we will discuss the pre-school check information form that you have completed, and it will give you a  chance to ask any questions.

 PARENT/TEACHER COMMUNICATIONS

 We encourage you to keep in close contact with your child's teacher.  Please do not hesitate to share any concerns or questions with us when your child is settling in to school.  We ask that you respect the teacher's professional judgement about your presence in the classroom.  There will be plenty of opportunities to join in activities with your child.

 ENTRY ASSESSMENT

 When your child has been at school for between four and six weeks, the class teacher and the Assistant Principal will assess your child to accurately gauge the child's levels in the main curriculum areas. Results from this will be shared with you at an interview.  These results, plus informal observations will be used to plan a programme to meet your child's needs

 GENERAL

 We intend to provide a caring, warm supportive classroom environment, with a variety of approaches to the leaning tasks.  We also provide a firm, consistent approach to children learning to take direction.

 During the year, some children may be moved through to the Year One class.  As this class is part of the Junior Team, children are familiar with each other and the teachers.  This will ease the transition.                     Parents will be notified by letter in advance, so that they will have time to discuss any concerns.

 We look forward to a long and happy association with your family at Apanui School.

Kind Regards Ruth McIntosh Assistant  Principal