Starting school is an important milestone in a child’s life and like you, we want the transition from preschool to school to be a positive, fun and successful one for everyone.
We value the experiences and knowledge the children bring to school.
We value establishing strong and reciprocal relationships with our parents, so together we can support your child in their learning and wellbeing.
We encourage our children to have a can-do attitude and to be prepared to try new things. This can do attitude helps children to activily participalte in learning and to develop resilience to cope well with the new challenges that school brings.
Learning
At Te Mata our learning is based on current research and best practice. It involves Purposeful Play, Structured Literacy, life skills and academics across the curriculum to ensure they have a solid foundation and a love of learning.
To start, we will spend time helping your child to settle into the routines of school, make friends and learn new things. It is an exciting time and we will share their journey with you via Seesaw.
We foster the love of learning and play, and work hard to give every child the best start possible so that they feel safe and happy.
Starting School
We encourage all our children to start on their 5th birthday or as close to this date as possible as this sets children up for success.
Children's year groups are based on their age and birthday, not their start date.
Important life skills to help children
There are several things that help a child settle into school life successfully. These are self-help skills such as being toilet trained, being able to manage their own clothes, shoes and belongings, blowing their nose and being able to manage the packets and wrappings in their lunch box.
School Visits
Our school visits are usually planned for the week prior to your child starting at school. We typically offer one visit however more can be arranged should your child require this. A few weeks prior to your child turning five, the New Entrant teacher will contact you to arrange a date for the visit.
Visits are on Wednesday mornings from 8.45 until 10.30 am and parents are invited to stay and to join in with the class learning.
It is a legal requirement for you to stay with your child. As it is their special time, it’s preferable to come without little ones. We encourage your child to wear their school uniform on their visit.
Parent Evening
In the term prior to your child starting at school, you will receive an invitation to come along to a parent only meeting. This is your opportunity to meet with the Principal and the classroom teacher, a time to ask any questions you may have and to meet other parents of the children starting at a similar time.
If you have any questions or would like to come and see us in action, please contact our school office as we would love to help you.
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