New Entrants
Starting School
It is helpful to enrol your child at school at least six months before they turn five. You are welcome to arrange a meeting with our Management Team to discuss your child, and see our school in action. If you are new to the area or your child turns five soon, then please contact us as soon as possible.
When enrolling your child you will need to bring the following:
New Zealand and Australian citizens , and those with New Zealand Residency
- Birth certificate or Passport
- Residency Visa if appropriate
- Proof of residential address (eg: Utilities bill such as phone/power etc, Rental agreement)
- Any other relevant documentation (eg: Educational reports, Court Orders, Medical information)
Non-New Zealand Citizens:
- Passport
- Student Visa
- Proof of residential address (eg: Utilities bill such as phone/power etc, Rental agreement)
- Any other relevant documentation (eg: Educational reports, Court Orders, Medical information)
Preparing your child for school:
Children start their learning journey long before they start school and we recognise parents as first teachers and the pre-schools for developing many of the skills and attitudes that allow children to be ready for school.
· Children developing the all-important "I can" attitude that makes for positive self-belief as a learner.
· Children enjoying a love for learning through books, play, language and mathematics activities.
· Children being curious, creative and willing to problem solve and try again.
· Developing skills to establish and maintain positive relationships with other children and adults in a range of situations.
To support the transition to school we offer our ‘Welcome to School’ programme with 3-4 school visits arranged with the family in the weeks leading up to starting school. Contact will be made with the family, by the New Entrant teachers, to set up the days and time of these visits. We have found the time before starting school to be very positive and important in supporting transition to school.
· Participate in class learning activities and break times
· Begin to know the class expectations and routines
· Meet the teachers and teachers meet the parent/s
· An opportunity for parents to share relevant information
· Join in with morning tea and/or lunch breaks
Stationery
We provide 'free of charge" all the stationery your child needs when they start as a New Entrant. This is one way we can say, "Thanks for joining us and welcome to Waltham".
If you are transferring from another school we supply any new stationery you require (as this varies depending on the previous school and the time of year) and keep your cost to a minimum.
Tips for Starting School
Here are some things you need to know when your child starts at Waltham School:
- When buying a school bag please make sure it is big enough to carry a polar fleece, lunch box, library books, and their book bag.
- Your child will be given a book bag for reading books to come home in.
- It is very important to name all your child’s property clearly.
- If your child is going to be absent from school please text or phone the office and leave a message. If we don’t receive a message the office will make contact with you via text.
- Please ensure your child is at school in time to be able to organise their school day. The first bell goes at 8.30am and then the school bell goes at 8.55am when it is time to go to class in time for lessons. Please note that children who arrive at school prior to the 8.30am bell will NOT be supervised.
- Parents are welcome to become involved in the Junior classrooms at regular times. Please let the class teacher know if you would like to be involved.
- School sunhats are worn in Terms 1 and 4. Without a hat the children are not able to play in the playgrounds and will be restricted to verandas.
