The Kiwi Learning Hub is open from 8.30 am and begins instruction at 9.00 am.

It is recommended your tamariki arrive with enough time to unpack their bag, sign in, and have a little play before settling into the school day. We encourage tamariki to complete these tasks independently to build confidence.

A stationery pack is available already made up at the school office with all tamariki requirements. These include appropriately lined books to make the teaching of printing easier. You may purchase these ahead of time and leave them with us to label if you wish. 

Starting school is very tiring for your tamariki. They have so much to absorb and learn. It is likely they will be exhausted for the first few weeks, but they will develop their stamina quickly and settle into routines. If you are worried about how your tamariki are transitioning, please talk to their classroom teacher or the Team Leader - Ann Gain - gain@marshland.school.nz

There are a number of things that would be great if tamariki can do independently when they start school.

• Blow their own nose. 

• Toilet themselves, wash and dry their hands. 

• Take their sweatshirt off. 

• Open their lunchbox and food. Snipping the corners off packets is helpful. 

• Play co-operatively.

It is also helpful if your tamariki can:

• Recognise and write their name. Please only use a capital letter for the first letter, as it takes a long time to re-learn to write their name correctly.

• Recognise some letters and corresponding sounds.

• Hold a pencil correctly. It is important to check that they are using the three-fingered grip. Please see the image below.

• Count to 10.

• Read numbers up to 10.

• Recognise colours and shapes

• Use scissors