Why choose Bishopdale School?

• We are a small family oriented school.

• We begin each day as a whole school with Karakia.

• We have small class sizes.

• We are a PB4L school with key values of Caring, Achieving, Responsibility and Enthusiasm.

• We believe every child can be a successful learner.

• We have modern classrooms and an amazing playground.

• We believe in building positive relationships with children and their families.

• School visits and transitions are individualised to meet each child's needs.

We believe:

• In providing opportunities where children and their families are supported and welcomed into the Bishopdale School community.

• Children need a specifically defined programme to meet learning, social and developmental needs.

• Our New Entrant classroom is a space where children gain a sense of belonging and gain confidence in being a school learner.

• In building on the individual experiences children have had before starting school and using this knowledge to create a successful transition to school.

• In using assessment data and information to identify the needs of individual children and using this when planning the classroom programme.

Principles of our New Entrant Classroom

1. Focus on developing children's understanding and capability around school routines and behaviours.

2. A learning programme that has a balance between an introduction to formal learning and play experiences.

3. Reflects the NZC by focusing on early literacy and numeracy skills and knowledge.

4. Reflects the schools vision of: providing each child with the knowledge, skills and abilities in a safe learning environment to prepare them for their future and to contribute to their community.

1. Reflects the schools CARE values (Caring, Achieving, Responsible and Enthusiastic)

How do we do this?

Focusing on helping children to learn:

• Where to hang up their bag

• Where to put their lunch box and drink bottle and reading folder

• How to care for things in the classroom

• How to pack up things and put them away

• How to pack their bag at the end of the day

Providing opportunities for:

• Exploring the school environment

• Learning how to get to the toilets

• Learning where the office is

• Knowing where to play at morning tea and lunch times

• Learning how to walk around the school

• Learning how to line up at the end of break times

Teaching behaviours needed to be a learner:

• Sitting on the mat and giving 5

• Working at a table

• Sharing equipment with others

• Taking turns with others

• Using kind words

• Interacting with others in a positive way

• Demonstrating the CARE values