New to School
Is your little one turning five soon? Join the Windy Ridge whānau and give your child the perfect start to their learning journey.
Cohort Entry
New 5 year olds start at the beginning of each term, in cohort entry. Cohort entry involves a group of similarly aged new entrant students starting school together, rather than individually. Students must be 5 years old or above to start school, beginning on the closest start date to occur after their fifth birthday. Cohort entry helps children to transition more positively into school, build relationships with their classmates and supports a smoother entry to school life.
Transition to School
At Windy Ridge School we operate a transition to school programme designed to help your child achieve a smooth and enjoyable start to school. We welcome all new entrant children to visit for two Tuesday mornings, in the weeks leading up to their start date, allowing them to get a ‘taste’ for what school will be like. We recommend all children take part in both visits allowing them to form relationships with their teachers and classmates which supports them as they begin school. Whānau are also invited to an adult ‘orientation’ information session. The dates for visits can be found below.
On their first visit you and your child will be welcomed into their learning space, meet their teacher/s and take part in the mat session and activities. You are welcome to stay or if your child is comfortable you can use our whānau room for a cup of tea or coffee. On their second visit children are welcomed into their learning space and whānau are then guided around the school and have an opportunity to learn more about the teaching and learning programmes at Windy Ridge School with a member of the leadership team.
