The Board of Trustees has been busy investigating different aspects of the new amendments to the Education Act that the government has put in place. There are two that relate directly to our school.

1. Cohort entry for 5 year olds.

2. Donations Scheme.

With regard to cohort entry, the Board has resolved to implement this voluntary procedure. It will mean that from 2020 there will only be 2 points when 5 year olds can enrol at Tongariro School.

These will mean that from 1 January 2020, children will be able to start school in cohorts but only after they have turned 5. There will be 2 entry points per term, one on the first day of the term, and one at the mid-point during the term. The rule regarding not having to enrol until the age of 6 still stands but a child who turns 6 and isn’t enrolled in a school must do so by the time they turn 6.

The cohort rule does not apply to them. The reason for adopting this cohort entry procedure is about helping children to settle better in school. There is evidence that starting school alongside other children helps children to build relationships and supports a smoother entry to school life.

Therefore, the enrolment dates for 5 year olds entering school in 2020 will be as follows:

• Term 1 - 3rd Feb; Mid Term 9th March
• Term 2 - 28th April; Mid Term 2nd June
• Term 3 - 20th July; Mid Term 24th August
• Term 4 - 12th Oct; Mid Term 16th November