Enrolling with us

Who can enrol

Most of the schools in North Canterbury have an enrolment scheme and this determines which school you can enrol with, based on your home address. Have a look at the map on our in-zone declaration form on the right to see if you are within our home zone. Agreeing to the declaration on our enrolment form, and providing proof of address to us prior to your child starting school are a requirement upon enrolling.

When to enrol

Ideally at least a term before your child is due to start school, or as soon as you know you are moving to an address within our home zone.

How to enrol

Firstly, complete our online enrollment form - one per child - and then phone the school and make an appointment to meet with the Principal or one of our Deputy Principals. If you have children already attending our school this meeting is optional.

You will need to bring proof of address, immunisation records, birth certificate and/or student visa along to the meeting with you.

It's a good idea to bring your child with you to this meeting, as they will get a chance to have a look around the school too.

What happens next

At the meeting, we will tell you about our school and how we do things. We'll ask questions about your child and you can ask any questions you have too. You'll go for a walk around the school and will get to have a look at the space your child will be learning in, and meet some of the teachers.

Cohort entry for new entrants

School can be daunting for a new entrant, so we aim to reduce anxiety by scheduling around 3 transition visits prior to your child starting school. The new entrant team leader organises these and will be in touch once you have completed the enrolment paperwork and met with the principal.

From the start of the 2024 school year, we have adopted a "Cohort Entry" process for new entrant students. This means that from 2024 new entrants will join the school at the next cohort entry date after they turn 5. There will be two cohort entry points per school term in Week 1 and Week 6. Check the school calendar or Term Dates page for these dates.

The Education Review Office (ERO) has some valuable information for parents about cohort entry on the website. To find out more, visit: ERO's website page: A guide for parents sending their child to a cohort entry school.

Background Information (shared as part of our consultation)

Traditionally, children in Aotearoa (New Zealand) start school on their fifth birthday or any day after that. Recent changes to the Education Act mean schools can adopt cohort entry: enrolling children in groups on specific days across the year.

Schools are choosing cohort entry to support positive transitions, well-being, and learning.

From 1 January 2020, changes made to the Act (through the Education Amendment Act 2019) took effect so that:

children will be able start school in cohorts but only after they have turned five;
there will be two entry points per term, one on the first day of term, and one at a mid-point during a term.

The benefits of Cohort Entry

Cohort entry helps children to settle easier, and have a successful transition to school.
Starting school alongside other children helps children build relationships while benefiting their social and emotional well-being.
Student learning also benefits as teachers can plan for uninterrupted periods of time.
There can be less disruption and stress for new entrant teachers who can prepare for groups of children arriving on a specific date rather than on an individual and ad hoc basis through the year.
Schools are able to better anticipate student numbers allowing Principals to strategically plan for transitions and welcoming events.
Supports whānau to connect with the school and enable teachers to address parents in a group about important points around schooling and school entry.
Cohort entry can enable new parents to meet each other and make connections.

Coming from overseas

If you are coming from overseas, if you could bring a copy of their last report form, this will help us in deciding where best to place them. If you have any questions about the NZ education system, please just ask.