Enrolling at our Great School

Enrolment

Our school offers many fine facilities including a Hall, Library, ICT suite. playing fields, adventure playground, a "forest" and food garden, netball and basketball courts, various recreational spaces such as the Quiet Area and a great swimming pool.

These facilities enable us to enrich our curriculum with a wide number of programmes including

Gymnastics, Choir, Kapa Haka, programmes for gifted and talented students, school productions and variety shows, environmental awareness, private musical instrument tutoring, before and after school coaching of soccer, rugby, netball and miniball, soccer clinics and swimming classes.

We welcome your interest in the school and would love to meet with you at anytime to discuss your child's future, show you through our facilities and answer any questions you may have.

Please click here to access our enrolment form and look through the Getting Started page.

How to Enrol at Our School

Prospective Parents Information Evenings

These are held each term. If you have pre-enrolled you will receive an invitation to these evenings. Other prospective parents are welcome to attend. Just ask our secretary, Dianne, to send you an invitation.

School Class Experience Visits

Tuesdays 9:30 - 10:30 parents are welcome to visit the classroom and spend time with the class.

Enrolling in Person

Parents are welcome to make an appointment to meet the principal, Mike Lewis, and tour the school.

Enrolments may also be made by post, fax or email.

After Enrolment

In order to complete an enrolment, the following are required to be sighted. Please bring the following with you when coming to the office to complete an enrolment:

• Birth certificate (for 5 year olds)
• Passport for students coming from overseas
• Immunisation records

We will give you an information pack on the school and assign your child to a class. We will then set up a buddy for their first days and issue a stationery list. Stationery may be purchased at the school or from a local supplier.

Enrollment Inforamtion

It is important that you complete all the Enrolment Forms before your child commences care. These forms provide important information for your child’s carers. All information will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. It is important that you notify us of:

• All persons that may be picking up your child.
• Emergency contacts.
• Any allergies or medical conditions.
• Any court orders that relate to your child.
• Any special circumstances that may affect their care e.g. cultural diversity, special needs, unique family situations.

In Case of Emergency

Should an emergency situation arise the Principal (or their nominee) will make every effort to contact the parent/guardian to advise them of the situation. However, if the parent/guardian cannot be contacted then the Principal (or their nominee) will take any action necessary to protect the child or call for medical assistance if required. Any medical attention sought will be at the expense of the parent.

Prospective Foreign Fee Paying Students

Students need to sign a separate contract and hold a guardian visa and medical/ travel insurance. Please contact the school for more information or read the Foreign students section on this website.

Assembly

All parents/caregivers are welcome to visit and participate in our school assemblies. These are held every Friday afternoon in the school assembly area between 2:15 - 2:45 pm.

Reporting to Parents

Student progress is reported in a written report to parents/caregivers in June and December. Parents/caregivers interviews are held twice a year. School newsletters will be sent home every week, or as required. The newsletter keeps parents/caregivers up to date with the many events that are always happening in and around the school.

What Shoul I Do Now!

Before 5

Children settle quickly to school life. It is even easier for them to settle if they can visit the school beforehand and spend a short time in the classroom. Our school holds special pre-entry visits for pre-schoolers on TUESDAYS between 9:30 -10:30 am. Please ring the office 06 856 6840 to let us know you are coming for a visit. If it is not possible for you and your child to visit on Tuesday mornings, please call us to make another time.

The school also holds information evenings for parents of New Entrants each term. At these meetings staff discuss the daily programme, how we cater for different abilities and levels of progress and day to day management. You will also be welcome to ask questions and chat informally with staff. If you have not pre-enrolled, call the office or email office@ongaonga.schoolzone.net.nz for an invite to the next meeting.

On Enrolment

Many people pre-enrol the term before their child enters school. However it is also possible to enrol on the day a child enters school. Please bring with you:

* proof of date of birth and

* any record of immunisation.

You will be given an enrolment pack and a stationery list, as well as permission forms for Dental and Health checks. These checks are free.

Transition to school is an important milestone and most children manage this change easily. Parents can help by showing they are proud and pleased with this progression.

If your child becomes nervous, tell them you are leaving soon but will be back after lunch and then leave in a matter of fact way. We will ring you if your child seems distressed or if you request a call. In 99% of cases your child will be settled and having a great time while you are at home or at work, worrying!

If problems persist, we will work out a plan together to help your child become confident and settled at school.

If you find the separation difficult, we suggest you have a support plan for the first day. Most parents find having other pleasurable things to do and friends to do them with, helpful at such times. Above all celebrate this great achievement and milestone in your child's life. You have done a great job!

Most New Entrants tire easily in the first few weeks at school. Change is always stressful and school life is busy. We understand if your child needs a short day or a day at home in those first few weeks as they adjust to school life.

You will be welcome as a parent help when your child has settled. Please talk to your child's teacher about this.

Hints for Parents of 5 year olds

• Children need a named school bag, lunch box and drink container.
• The school can supply stationery or you can obtain a list of requirements and purchase supplies elsewhere
• Encourage your child to take responsibility for their belongings
• Read to your children daily
• Encourage your child to learn their address, phone number, to write their name, recognise colours & count to 10
• Become familiar about a safe route to school and where to go for help
• Promote sharing and caring for others
• Please write your child's name and phone number in their school bag

For Older Children Enrolling

• If possible, bring stationery and school reports from the former school
• Encourage discussion of how to cope with change
• Encourage new friendships

We are a friendly school and work hard to help your child feel happy and confident in their new environment. We will provide a buddy for your child while they get settled and find new friends.

Please contact Principal's Secretary on 06 856 6840 or email if you have any further enquires.