We know from our observations (and research supports this) that effective and positive transitioning to school can have a lasting impact on a child’s success at school.
We know that every child comes to school with different levels of readiness; socially, emotionally and academically.
Some children are very ready for school when they arrive at 5 years of age, others take longer to settle.
All children entering school for the first time are placed in a New Entrant class.
There are currently three entry classes at Manurewa Central School.
Each class will have a group of students with a range of levels of readiness for school, learning needs and abilities. Each class is a single cell learning space with an experienced teacher and class teacher aide support.
The class will focus on building relationships with families, transitioning into the school environment and readiness for formal school learning.
Academic learning - reading, writing and mathematics - will be a part of each day in this learning space. Each child’s initial formal assessments will be carried out by the class teachers after approximately 6 weeks at school, and teachers will share and discuss the outcomes with parents.
Children will remain in this class with the class teacher for their first year at school.
Our aim in each New Entrant learning space is to keep the ratio of children to teacher as low as possible and focus on foundation programmes that support and strengthen school learning.
The New Entrant learning spaces are located in the centre of the school.
We believe a New Entrant class is an excellent way to cater for each child’s individual learning and development as well as celebrating their transition to school.
Pre-school visits will occur on Fridays with a minimum of 2 Friday visits recommended prior to starting school.
We have a flexible schedule of two to three pre-school visits recommended for our New Entrants, to help introduce them to their teacher, familiarise them with the classroom environment, and the pattern of the school day.
School visits will occur on a Friday 9.00 – 11.00am.
Parents/caregivers are invited to meet with the deputy principal at the main school office who will then walk with you to meet the class teacher and students.
Parents are welcome to stay until they can see their child is able to be left with the class teacher. We ask that you prepare morning tea for your child and return to pick up your child at 11am at the end of morning interval.
The purpose of the school visits is to familiarise the parents/caregivers and new entrant with the school and begin to form a relationship with the class teacher and other students in the class.
These visits will give your child an opportunity to adjust to school and the new learning environment on his/her own and to practise being independent at school.
Families who have pre-enrolled will be contacted about one month prior to their child starting, to set up these visits.
Please contact the school office to arrange your visits.
Please direct inquiries regarding enrolment to the office:
Manurewa Central School
Telephone 64 9 269 0250
email: officemanager@mancent.school.nz