ENROLMENT

When should I enrol my child to go to school?

Your child can start school or kura in New Zealand between age five and six. All children must be enrolled at school by their sixth birthday.

When your child has started at school or kura, they must go to school every day. This is a change from the earlier rule, where regular attendance was required only from age six.

Enrolling early helps the school or kura with their planning. As soon as you've decided on a school or kura get in touch with them to enrol your child, arrange a time for your child to start and arrange some visits to get your child used to school or kura.

School Information

We are a small and friendly, community based school from year 1-6. 

The classes are led by competent, up to date professionals who care for the wellbeing of their students. Due to class sizes, students have continual access to teachers, who adapt and modify the learning to meet the needs of all individuals.

‘Reaching new heights together.’

Education outside the Classroom

Halfway Bush School prides itself on offering experiences to our students. With smaller numbers, a proactive PTA and a school sponsor, we are lucky to get all our students out & about. Excursions are linked to the learning focus and/or other events happening such as beach education or overnight stays. Our school is a regular participant of Polyfest with both Pasifika and Maori focus.

For examples of our ‘getting out and about’ attitude view our school Facebook page.

School camp - we provide a bi-annual summer camp at a very reasonable price.

Ka ora, ka ako - Healthy School lunches

Halfway Bush School is part of the NZ government’s school lunches programme to provide nutritious lunches to all students. Lunch is provided every day. 

Physical Education

Swimming lessons are provided each year, generally in Term two, at Moana Pool. The cost is covered by our school sponsor.

Sports are offered termly as voted by the students. Recently we have had miniball, futsal and touch teams.

Stationary 

Stationary is provided for each child and is generously donated by our school sponsor Omexom. Children will also be provided with a drink bottle and a sun hat to use while at school. 

Enrolment Checklist

Welcome to Halfway Bush School

Before your child’s first school visit…

• Make an appointment to meet with the Principal, Mr Brian Filipo (Phone 476 3207) or email office@hwb.school.nz.

• Collect a Welcome Pack from Mr Filipo or the School Office.

• Fill out the Pupil Enrolment, Hearing and Vision Consent, and Internet Agreement forms.

• Attach a copy of your child’s birth certificate to the enrolment forms. Passport and Visa details will also be requested if your child was not born in New Zealand.

• Return all forms to the school office. 

• Arrange school visit times with Mrs Bliss, our New Entrant teacher.

During your child’s school visits…

• Discuss how your child is settling into school with Mrs Bliss

• Ask Mrs Bliss about any questions or concerns you may have.

On your child’s first school visit…

• Bring your child to meet Mr Filipo between 8.30 and 8.45

• Take your child to their classroom before 9.00 ready to begin school

We hope that you and your child will find starting school a smooth, positive and safe transition. Please let us know if there are any more ways we can ensure this happens.

Foundation Skills

5 year old 

These are the skills that will help your child have a successful start to their schooling.

Physically

• Carry own bag

• Be able to put on own shoes

• Hold a pencil/crayon 

• Toilet themselves (some children may require an extra set of clothing for the first term)

Organisational

• Place own bag on hook

• Get lunchbox in and out of bag

• Put clothing away

Curriculum learning 

• Orally Identify sounds in words (c-a-t) 

• Know some sounds to letter connections 

• Count to 10

• Identify numbers to 10