We welcome enquiries and are happy to show families around our school and explain the special character preference requirements. We encourage early enrolment to ensure a place.

St James School - Enrolment

At the time of pre-enrolment you will need to provide the following...

• birth certificate (we will copy and return)
  

• immunisation records (we will copy and return)

• preference certificate. A meeting with our school parish representative can be arranged. Criteria for preference can be found under Special Character information.
  

• baptism certificate

• copy of passport and visa if applicable

Submitting application for enrolment at St James School is not a guarantee of acceptance.

Pre-enrolment of Students
In order to pre-enrol all students will obtain a preference card from their Parish Priest. Acceptance for pre-enrolment at the school is conditional on the issuing of a preference card.

Total School Roll
The total school roll will not exceed the maximum roll. Once all preference students have been accommodated, non-preference students may be accepted up to 5% of the maximum roll.

Priority In Enrolment

If there are more applications than places available, then the following priority for enrolment will apply:

First Priority will be given to preference applicants residing within the St James School boundaries, as defined by the Catholic Diocese of Christchurch.

Second Priority those applicants whose siblings already attend St James School

Third Priority those applicants who are children of St James School Board of Trustees permanent employees

Fourth Priority those applicants who are children of current members of the St James School Board of Trustees

Fifth Priority those applicants who are siblings of former students of St James School

Sixth Priority those applicants who are preference students from Catholic Parishes that do not have a Catholic school within their parish boundary

Seventh Priority will be given to non-preference students. If there are more applicants than places available, the following sub-priorities will operate:

i) those who are siblings of non-preference students attending St James School
ii) applicants who are children of St James School Board of Trustees permanent employees
iii) applicants who are children of current members of the St James School Board of Trustees
iv) applicants who are non-preference students living within the Parish area
v) applicants who are non-preference students living outside the Parish area

Should there be more applicants in one priority group than there are places available, places will be allocated according to the date of pre-enrolment application.

If a number of applicants are at the same level of priority those to be enrolled will be decided by ballot.

Timeline
• All applications for enrolment must be received by the last school day of Term 3 of the preceding year
• A letter of offer will be sent out to all to all successful applicants by the last Friday of October
• Parents/caregivers of successful applicants must accept the place offered within 10 days of the letter being sent or their place will be offered to the next applicant on the list.

The Board of Trustees delegates the authority to administer this scheme to the Principal.

As Principal I endeavour to make myself always available. Please phone school on (03) 9820009 or email principal@stjames.school.nz for an appointment to discuss your child's enrolment and I can show you around our school. 

Rose Firth-Scott (Principal)