What does this mean:
From the start of the 2025 school year, we have adopted a "Cohort Entry" process for new entrant students. Starting 2025 new entrants will join the school at the next cohort entry date after they turn 5. There will be two cohort entry points per school term in Week 1 and Week 6.

We know starting school can be daunting for a new entrant, so we aim to reduce anxiety by scheduling around 3 transition visits prior to your child starting school. The new entrant team leader organises these and will be in touch once you have completed the enrolment paperwork and met with the principal.

TERM	START OF TERM DATE	MID TERM DATE	END OF TERM
1	07/02/2025- Week 1	10/03/2025- Week 6	11/04/2025
2	28/04/2025- Week 1	26/05/2025- Week 6	27/06/2025
3	14/07/2025- Week 1	18/08/2025- Week 6	19/09/2025
4	06/10/2025- Week 1	10/11/2025- Week 6	16/12/2025

The Education Review Office (ERO) has some valuable information for parents about cohort entry on the website. To find out more, visit: ERO's website page: A guide for parents sending their child to a cohort entry school.

Background Information (shared as part of our consultation)

Traditionally, children in Aotearoa (New Zealand) start school on their fifth birthday or any day after that. Recent changes to the Education Act mean schools can adopt cohort entry: enrolling children in groups on specific days across the year.

Schools are choosing cohort entry to support positive transitions, well-being, and learning.

From 1 January 2020, changes made to the Act (through the Education Amendment Act 2019) took effect so that:

children will be able start school in cohorts but only after they have turned five;
there will be two entry points per term, one on the first day of term, and one at a mid-point during a term.

The benefits of Cohort Entry

Cohort entry helps children to settle easier, and have a successful transition to school.
Starting school alongside other children helps children build relationships while benefiting their social and emotional well-being.
Student learning also benefits as teachers can plan for uninterrupted periods of time.
There can be less disruption and stress for new entrant teachers who can prepare for groups of children arriving on a specific date rather than on an individual and ad hoc basis through the year.
Schools are able to better anticipate student numbers allowing Principals to strategically plan for transitions and welcoming events.
Supports whānau to connect with the school and enable teachers to address parents in a group about important points around schooling and school entry.
Cohort entry can enable new parents to meet each other and make connections.

Te Kura Tuatahi O Pakiaka Woodend School

ASB

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