NEW ENTRANTS
Transition to School
New Entrant Classroom
We have a marvellous open learning space with doors that opens out onto a deck and two spaces for small group learning.
Our New Entrants complete guided literacy and mathematics lessons with their teacher and have opportunities to mix with the rest of the Junior School for Inquiry, P.E. and Arts. In this way, children develop connections and friendships with many children.
‘Adventure time’ is a daily opportunity to play with, and explore, a range of activities. Favourites, such as play dough, water tray, blocks, cars, puppets, construction and craft, are provided for learning through play. This less structured time helps children transition to school more easily.
Music, talk, waiata, karakia, movement and poetry are actively promoted as part of our daily learning; we recognise that communication is an essential skill for all students to master and support our children to become confident communicators.
Partnership Families and Early Childhood Centres
The New Entrant teacher visits Early Childhood centres each term to meet with children and their Early Childhood teachers in a familiar setting.
The Early Childhood centre provides information regarding each student, their strengths, interests and ways in which Ruahine School can support the transition to school. This is the same document shared with parents as children complete their Early Childhood education.
Parents are invited accompany their child on their first few transition visits.
Reporting to Parents in the First Year of School
Regular posts are made via our Seesaw portal, which is a private invitation only site (similar to Story Park). You can see current photos, learning, and received notices and/or messages. This site allows you to message the teacher and even send photos to share at school.
Parents and the teacher meet after 6-10 weeks to talk about how children are settling into school and to consider any questions and concerns. Of course you are always welcome to make a time to chat with the teacher, often you can catch Mrs C after school!
When your child is 6 years old, the teacher meets with parents to discuss progress in the key areas of literacy and numeracy and to talk about ways that parents can support this learning at home.
Twice yearly reports are sent home. There is a parent/child/teacher interview mid-year and a report goes home at the end of the year.
