Starting school is a significant event in the life of a child. The way it is managed requires flexibility as the experience will vary for each child and family. At St Patrick’s School, we aim to work with you, your child and, if necessary, other appropriate personnel (e.g. pre-school teachers, special needs support workers) to ensure the most suitable transition experience for your child.
Becoming acquainted
Prospective students and their parents/whānau are encouraged to visit the school and arrange a tour. Please check in at the office first. We also welcome you along to school community events, such as assemblies, sporting events, information evenings and school liturgies/masses.
Pre-entry class visits
It is advisable that your child has at least two or three pre-entry class visits to familiarise them with their new learning environment, teacher and classmates. We recognise that you know your child and their needs and will be aware of how many visits they will need to transition to school. Your child’s teacher will ring you to organise the visits, but please contact the school early if you require more than three or four visits.
You are encouraged to remain with your child in the classroom in order to observe how the class functions. This will enable you to better support your child with their transition to school.
Occasionally, however, it is more helpful to not remain with your child. In that case, you are required to stay close by on the school grounds.
It is preferable to include at least one morning tea and one lunch time in these visits to introduce your child to the associated routines and play environment. As each school week begins with a prayer assembly in the church, you may also wish to include a Monday morning in the visits. Your child may wear either mufti or their school uniform.
Preparing for school
In order to cope with the challenges of school life, it is important that your child develops
independence in managing themselves and their belongings. You can help with this by ensuring they know how to:
Use the toilet (and urinal for boys) and wash their hands
Blow their nose
Dress themselves
Put school shoes on and off (please avoid shoes with laces unless they are self tying ones)
Manage lunch without help
Recognise and manage their own belongings
Pack and carry their own schoolbag (this needs to suitably fit a book bag, physical education
uniform, jersey and lunch)
Follow simple instructions
Sit and listen for short periods of time (approximately 10 minutes)
The first day
What your child needs:
School uniform
Physical education uniform
Hat (first and fourth terms)
Healthy morning tea and lunch, drink bottle for water (there are also drinking fountains at
school, both inside and outside the classroom)
Please report to the school office well before the school day starting time (8.45 a.m.) to allow for the admission procedure and time for settling into the classroom (chatting to the teacher, organising belongings and stationery, connecting with classmates, etc.). Sometimes parents/caregivers stay for a short time after the bell has rung, while others find their child settles better if they leave fairly quickly. We will let you know if there are any concerns about your child settling.
At the end of the day (2:50 p.m.) your child will meet you outside their classroom, or otherwise as arranged. Please ensure your child and their teacher are clear about what is to happen.
School Entry Assessment
After four to six weeks at school, students attend a one on one interview, known as the ‘School Entry
Assessment’, with Mrs Sutton. This is a wide ranging assessment which gives an early indication of what your child is able to do. You will be asked to come and meet with your child’s teacher to discuss the information gathered and to consider the direction of learning for your child.
Please feel free to contact the office of you have any queries. We look forward to partnering with you to ensure your child receives the best possible start to school.