We would like to extend a warm welcome to Te Rito Harakeke - Marshland School.

Starting school is a really important event, and we wish to make the transition for your tamariki (child) and you a smooth one by helping tamariki adjust happily and easily to their school experience.

Pre-entry visits are from 9.00 to 11.00 am in accordance to the Cohort Entry timeline. Please check the annual Cohort Entry table for key dates and information.

They will need to bring morning tea and a drink bottle. Morning tea is eaten at 10.30 and then tamariki have supervised play outside until 11.00 am. This is a good time for tamariki to mix with each other and acquaint themselves with the playground.

Your tamariki may come to school visits in their school uniform if they wish, but it is not compulsory. Most tamariki prefer to come in school uniform.

No stationery is required for visits. We will release tamariki and transition them back to you at 11.00 am.

Parents and caregivers are welcome to stay. However, it is beneficial if you are able to give tamariki some 'time alone' to help them develop independence and mix with others. Starting school is a really important event and we wish to make the transition for your tamariki and you a smooth one by helping them adjust happily and easily to their school experience.

The purpose of these visits is to familiarise tamariki with their class, the teachers, and the surroundings. Parents and caregivers are welcome to stay. However, it is beneficial if you are able to give tamariki some 'time alone' to help them develop independence and mix with others.

One of the most important things a parent can support tamariki with prior to starting school is a positive view of change and increasing independence. 

Happy and relaxed tamariki who are willing to try new things, ask for help, play alongside other tamariki and respond when spoken to, will find it easier to adjust to school life. However, we acknowledge all tamariki are different and will respond differently to this new experience.

Teachers expect tamariki to be at different stages of development when they start school.