Welcome New Whānau

Welcome to our school family!

We understand that starting school is a monumental step, filled with excitement and perhaps a few butterflies, for both children and parents. We're thrilled to embark on this journey with you, and we want to assure you that our school is dedicated to creating a warm, nurturing, and supportive environment where every child feels safe, valued, and inspired to learn. We're committed to fostering a love of learning and building a strong foundation for your child's educational success, and we look forward to partnering with you every step of the way.

We know that starting school is a big emotional milestone, filled with a mix of excitement and perhaps a little apprehension for both children and parents. Rest assured, we understand the feelings that come with this transition. Our experienced and caring staff are dedicated to making this process as smooth and positive as possible. We've helped countless children settle into school life, and we're committed to providing a supportive and nurturing environment where your child feels safe, confident, and ready to learn. We're here to guide you and your child every step of the way, ensuring a happy and successful start to their educational journey.

Enrol here

First Day of School

We welcome new entrants throughout the year, celebrating each child's individual start date, often coinciding with their birthday! We understand that joining a class mid-term can feel a little different, so we've developed a thoughtful integration process to ensure a smooth transition. On your child's first day, their teacher will personally welcome them and introduce them to their classmates, taking time to explain the classroom routines and layout. A 'buddy' system will pair your child with an established student, providing a friendly face and helping hand as they settle in. Before your child starts school, they will have 4 school visits and you will have a chance to meet with the teacher to discuss your child's individual needs and answer any questions you may have. We are dedicated to building a welcoming and inclusive environment for every child, regardless of their start date, and we'll work closely with you to ensure your child feels confident and supported from their very first day.

Preparing for School

To help your child transition smoothly, we recommend practicing a few essential skills at home. Encourage independence by having them dress and use the toilet on their own. Foster social skills through playdates, emphasising sharing and taking turns. Familiarise them with school routines by establishing a consistent bedtime and morning schedule. Ensure your child is fully equipped for their first day with a named lunchbox and drink bottle (water only) and by purchasing their school stationery. For your convenience, you can find the complete list and order directly through our recommended supplier: [Office Max Link Here]. If your child is starting in Term 1 or 2, please purchase the full stationery pack. For those starting in Term 3 or 4, a half-stationery pack will be sufficient. This will ensure they have everything they need to begin their learning journey with confidence.

School Readiness

We believe that school readiness extends far beyond academic skills. While we foster a love of learning, we place a strong emphasis on social and emotional readiness. These skills, like the ability to share, take turns, follow simple instructions, and manage emotions, are crucial for a successful and happy start to school. Our teachers create a nurturing and supportive environment that encourages cooperation, empathy, and positive interactions. Through play-based learning, group activities, and social-emotional curriculum, we help children develop the confidence and resilience they need to thrive in a classroom setting. We work to build a strong foundation of self-regulation and positive relationships, ensuring every child feels secure and ready to learn.

School Routines

A typical new entrant day follows a structured yet engaging routine, where learning through play is interwoven throughout the day. The first bell rings at 9:00 am, signalling the start of the day with phonics, often incorporating playful activities, followed by a quick 'brain food' break and handwriting practice. At 10:10 am, children enjoy playtime, followed by morning tea at 10:35 am and reading time. Our reading program follows the BSLA (Better Start Literacy Approach), which provides a systematic and explicit foundation for literacy development. This approach incorporates phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension, ensuring all children are equipped with the skills they need to become confident and successful readers! Another playtime at 11:45 am leads into lunch at 12:15 pm, followed by story time, maths, and the beginning of writing activities, all designed to be engaging and interactive. A further playtime at 1:25 pm allows for more energy release. Afternoon tea is at 1:50 pm, after which children will finish their writing activities, and participate in inquiry-based learning, sport, or art, all areas where play and exploration are encouraged. The school day concludes at 3:00 pm. At our school, we embrace a 'nude food' philosophy, which means we encourage children to bring snacks and lunches without any wrappers. This helps us minimize waste and promote a healthy environment. Throughout the school day, we have four designated food breaks: 'brain food' for a quick energy boost, morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea. Please pack nutritious and wrapper-free snacks and lunches in reusable containers. We appreciate your partnership in supporting our commitment to sustainability and healthy eating habits

Communication

We understand that clear and consistent communication is essential, especially during your child's first year. In the early stages, you can expect regular updates through our school newsletter, which is emailed weekly, and through our Seesaw app and home learning book, where you'll find photos, important dates and classroom updates. For more immediate communication, you can reach your child’s new entrant teacher, Kylie Allen at kallen@wainui.school.nz. Our school office, managed by Ms Mel Ludwig, can also assist with general inquiries at [School Phone Number] or office@wainui.school.nz. To report your child's absence, please call the school office before 9:00 am or text an absence notification through the school mobile phone and email your child’s class teacher. This ensures we can maintain accurate attendance records and ensure your child’s safety

School Visits

To ensure a smooth transition into our New Entrant class, we kindly ask parents or caregivers to enroll their children at least one month before their fifth birthday. Upon enrolment, you'll be provided with a few essential forms, which we appreciate you completing before your child's start date. To finalise the process, please bring your child's birth certificate and immunisation record, or relevant immigration papers if applicable. To support your child's adjustment, we've designed a comprehensive pre-school visit program, consisting of four visits, arranged in partnership with our Principal and New Entrant teacher following enrolment. These visits are carefully planned to familiarise your child with the school environment and foster a positive beginning to their educational journey.

Parent Involvement

We believe that a strong partnership between home and school is crucial for your child's success. Your involvement in their learning journey is highly valued. You can support their transition by reinforcing positive attitudes towards school and engaging in conversations about their daily experiences. We offer various opportunities for you to volunteer, such as helping in the classroom, assisting with school events, or joining our parent-teacher association (PTA). Keep an eye on our newsletter and website for upcoming events and volunteer sign-up information. Get in touch with the PTA by emailing pta@wainui.school.nz

Support Services

We understand that every child learns differently, and we are committed to providing comprehensive support to ensure all our new entrant students thrive. Our dedicated SENCO leader works closely with students who require learning support, tailoring strategies to meet individual needs. We also have a qualified guidance counsellor on site two days a week, offering emotional and social support. Please be aware that counselling services may have a waitlist. We encourage you to reach out to our SENCO leader or school office if you have any concerns about your child's learning or wellbeing, so we can work together to provide the best possible support

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What should my child bring on the first day of school?

A: "On their first day, please ensure your child brings a labeled lunchbox with wrapper-free food, a water bottle, their school stationery pack (if you purchased one), and a change of clothes in a labeled bag. A favorite comfort item, such as a small teddy or blanket, is also welcome, especially in the early days. Please avoid bringing toys or valuables. We recommend dressing them in comfortable, easy-to-manage clothing and sturdy shoes."

Q: How will the school handle separation anxiety?

A: "We understand that separation anxiety is common, and our experienced teachers are well-prepared to support your child through this transition. We encourage a quick and positive drop-off, reassuring your child that you will return. Our teachers will engage them in fun activities and provide individual attention to help them settle in. We will communicate with you if your child is experiencing significant distress, and we will work together to develop strategies to ease their anxiety. We also encourage you to talk positively about school at home and establish a consistent routine."

Q: What are the school's policies on bullying and behaviour?

A: "Our school maintains a safe and respectful learning environment for all students. We have a clear and comprehensive anti-bullying policy, which emphasises prevention, intervention, and support. We promote positive behavior through our school values and classroom expectations. Our teachers use positive reinforcement and restorative practices to address behavioral issues. If bullying or inappropriate behavior occurs, we will address it promptly and involve parents to work collaboratively towards a resolution. Our full behavior and anti-bullying policies are available on our website for your review”