Enrolments

Cohort Entry at Conifer Grove School

Background Information:

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 is 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 would enable new parents to meet each other and make connections.
  
  

Students who start school in Term 1 are classified as Year 1 students. Students who start school from Term 2 are classified as Year 0. This aligns with the Ministry of Education changes to the curriculum expectations. The demands on learners are very high and providing more time in Year 0 enables our students to be well supported and scaffolded into the curriculum demands.

Children are considered Year 1 if they complete the full year, anyone starting after Term 1 would be a Year 0.  This is not an individual school policy.

In New Zealand children are taught where they are at, regardless of their age.  This is their Zone Proximal Development (ZPD). All of our teaching and learning is in groups, where students at the same or similar levels are provided instruction at their level, particularly in Maths and Literacy.

Being a Year 0 is real a bonus because children get an extended time at the beginning of their school time to establish their foundations. These students are often our higher achieving kids going through the years at school.

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.

1. Proof of residing permanently in zone

If you are renting a home in zone:

1. Official Tenancy Agreement / Bond Lodgement (in your name)
2. Current Electricity account (in your name)

If you own a home in zone:

1. Current land rates account (in your name)
2. Current Electricity account (in your name)
3. Proof of Ownership of property

or

1. Sale & Purchase Agreement (in your name)
2. Current Utilities Notice (in your name)

If you are “living with” or “boarding” in zone:

1. Proof of ownership of property (land rates) or Official Tenancy Agreement / Bond Lodgement
2. Current Electricity or Water account
3. Statutory declaration stating living arrangements (from property owner / named tenancy holder and signed by a Justice of the Peace)
4. Copy of caregiver drivers license or passport
5. Meeting with the Principal if required

2) Birth Certificate or Passport (and any relevant visas) – for your child

At the time of enrolment you will be asked to confirm in zone resident status for your family – the School Board of Trustees retains the right to investigate eligibility of enrolment and may require further evidence before enrolment takes place.

The Board of Trustees have the right to withdraw and annul your enrolment should you make a false declaration in regard to your enrolment details and proof of address.

You will then be asked to complete:

1. A School Enrolment Form (an online link will be shared with you)
2. Permission Forms
3. Dental Enrolment Form

All students are required to be dressed in full school uniform on commencement. Uniforms are available for purchase from The Warehouse, Takanini, the school may have secondhand stock and various sizes of uniform items at a discounted price – please enquire at the office.

Enrolment Zone for Conifer Grove School (refer to the area outlined in red on the map + Waiata Shores Development).

Also includes Conifer Grove side of the Great South Road (odd numbers only – between Challen Close and Una Place).

Boundaries are:

Starting at the intersection of Una Place and Great South Road, travel north west along the center of Great South Road (1,219, odd numbers only included) including Waiata Shores to the Papakura Stream Bridge, follow Papakura Stream south west to the coast line, and follow the coastline south then east, towards Conifer Grove Esplanade Reserve. Continue north east to Una Place, and back to starting point.

Enrolment-Scheme

The school is not currently accepting Out of Zone students.