Enrolment

We welcome your interest in enrolling your child at our beautiful Lake Rerewhakaaitu School. We take continuous entry enrolments, which means that Parents can enrol their child on their fifth birthday or any subsequent day (no set dates in the term to start school).

Enrolment packs are available at the office. See our Parent information booklet in the Publications section for more information. 

Please do not hesitate to get in touch or pop in to the office to take a look around our school and meet with the Principal to find out more! 

Schools are required by law (Education Act 1989 Section 77A) to keep a record of all their students.  Schools are also required to verify the age of each child and their right to be enrolled. 

An official document such as their birth certificate, passport, residency permit or parents work permit is required to be sighted at the enrolment.

Information for New Entrant Children  

Your child can legally start school or kura in New Zealand between age 5 and 6. Parents can enrol their child on their fifth birthday or any subsequent day. All children must be enrolled at school by their sixth birthday. 

As a school we believe in the importance of trying to help out wherever possible to make the transition from preschool to school a smooth one for children about to turn 5. Students can start  5 years old to start school. As a staff, we believe that Lake Rerewhakaaitu School is an ideal environment for children to start their schooling because we are a small rural school with 3 classrooms. In this sort of environment each child is known by all the staff and children in the school. The way we operate our school means we often have our senior children and other classes interacting with the younger children, so there is a nurturing atmosphere in the school. Your child’s learning needs are quickly known and understood by both the class teacher and senior management (Principal and Deputy Principal) because we are a small school. This also means we can ensure support and communication with the home is established as soon as needs are identified.

You and your child are invited to come and experience a taste of life in a New Entrant classroom, Tupu, at Lake Rerewhakaaitu in preparation for starting school.

We recommend two to three school visits in the upcoming weeks leading up to your child starting school.

• School visits are held on Fridays from 9.30am - 11.30am.

• Please bring along a snack and water bottle, so they can join their new classmates at morning tea.

• Caregivers MUST stay on the school property during preschool visits and sign in at the front office.

Depending on the individual you may like to build up to this length of time.

Please make contact with Ms Arnott (Tupu Teacher) vickia@lakerere.school.nz to arrange visits.

Why are school visits important?

School visits are important for the following reasons.  They help to familiarise your child with the routines of the classroom and school. They help your child to become comfortable with the school environment.  They help to make the transition to school positive experience.

Please bring your child’s school bag, hat, a snack and a drink so your child can have morning tea with the school children. Parents must stay with children during school visits.

Teach your child the practical skills they'll need

Before your child starts school, it's helpful if they can:

• do up their shoes
• put on and take off their coats
• go to the toilet and wash their hands
• blow their nose
• unpack and hang up their bags where they are asked
• recognise when they are thirsty and get a drink of water
• ask for things they need.

Help them get ready to learn

They may find it easier to participate in the class if they:

• can sit on a chair at a table for a short time to complete an activity
• are comfortable being away from you
• know how to take turns, and wait for things
• know the names of colours
• know the letters of the alphabet
• know the numbers 1 to 9
• can hold a pencil correctly and use scissors
• can write their name
• are able to hold a picture book and turn the pages carefully.

The First Day as a New Entrant

This is an exciting day in a child’s life. It only happens once. It is really important that all goes well and that your child has a happy and enjoyable day. It can be emotional day for parents. We understand this and want it be a memorable day for all. We recommend that parents bring their child into the classroom on the first day. Feel free to take photos, but please check with the teacher before publishing any with other children first. Present going to school as something positive that your child should be excited about. Some children will bounce into school and be totally independent, while others may need support. Don’t hang around any longer than necessary. New Entrant teachers are skilled cuddlers and consolers. We will contact you if your child is upset.

Supporting Your Child

Oral language is very important as it is the foundation of all literacy. It is a good forum for children to share their learning and a way for them to be show how clever they are if reading and writing is taking a while. We encourage you to talk, talk, talk with your children. Encourage discussions and questions around their creative play and also while you move through your daily family routines. Read and listen to stories together, explore rhyme and rhythm through poems and fun songs.

Teach them independence:

• packing their own bag  

• dressing themselves  

• choosing own clothes  

• coming into the classroom

Allow them to take risks when learning new things. They will get things wrong but that is just part of the learning journey.

Celebrate and enjoy their successes.

Develop,encourage and celebrate their interests and strengths.

Model respect and collaboration to your child.

Stay positive and promote their self esteem.