New Entrant Orientation

New Entrant Orientation - Starting school is an important milestone in the life of a child. It is a time of change and adjustment both on the part of the child and of his/her whānau.

Before a new entrant child is due to start school our school secretary will phone you to arrange three pre-school orientation visits which both children and parents/caregivers are invited to attend. 

 Visits usually consist of two mornings 9am-12:30pm and one visit 1pm-3pm. These visits are designed to let new parents and students see what happens at school. There is no requirement for parents to stay for visits unless arranged/recommended by the new entrant teacher. 

When your child is visiting they are invited to wear their school uniform if they choose to. For each morning visit your child will need to bring a drink bottle, an individually wrapped and named ‘Healthy Snack’ for the healthy snack and learning time in class, morning tea and a packed lunch for afternoon visits.  

Preparing your new entrant child for school

The following are useful tips to make the transition to school easier for your child:

• Encourage a positive attitude to school, talk to your child about school and what will happen throughout the day e.g: play lunch, lunch time, what the bells mean etc...

• Remind your child that you will be returning to school to pick them up and look forward to them sharing the news of their day with you.

• All children are expected to be independent with toileting.

• Help your child to recognise their own name, and if possible be able to write it.

• Teach your child how to manage their clothes, be able to tie shoelaces or fasten their own show velcro straps, look after their property and pack their own school bag.

• Familiarise your child with a packed lunch. A small play lunch wrapped separately is helpful.

• Provide opportunities for your child to use scissors, crayons and pencils. Name all clothing and property, this ensures lost items can be located and returned quickly.

 Please explore the following link:- Te Pihinga Class Website

Welcome to Yaldhurst School Tōtara Tūkaha!