Starting school is a big milestone for both children and whānau. At Kahurangi School, we want this transition to feel positive, calm, and successful.

Our transition visits are designed to help your child become familiar with school, feel comfortable in the classroom, and begin building relationships before their first official day.

We understand that every child is different and will be ready in their own time. These visits help us get to know your child and support them to start school with confidence.

The purpose of transition visits

The aim of these visits is to help your child:

• Feel comfortable and settled in the school environment
• Get to know their teacher and classroom
• Begin to understand school routines
• Build confidence about starting school

Our hope is that these visits set your child up for a smooth and positive start to their school journey.

How the visits usually work

We usually plan two to three transition visits.

The visits run from 8:30am to 10:00am.

We include time before the 8:50am bell so that you can meet and talk with the teacher before teaching and learning begins. It also gives your child time to settle in, as arriving once the class is already underway can feel overwhelming for some children.

These visits take place on a normal school day. This means that once learning is underway, the teacher will be focused on the class and may not be available to talk during the visit.

Staying with your child

We ask that you stay at school during your child’s transition visits.

• On the first visit, we usually ask that you stay in the classroom with your child.
• On the second and third visits, we encourage you to pop in and out of the classroom. This helps us see how your child manages short periods of separation and how they are settling.

Some children take a little longer to feel comfortable with you leaving, and that is absolutely fine.

You’re very welcome to bring a book or something to do and make yourself a tea or coffee in the staffroom. We know it can feel like a long time to sit and watch.

Booking transition visits

You can choose whether these visits:

• Take place over two to three weeks, or
• Happen on consecutive days

Visits can be booked by popping in, phoning, or emailing our Office Manager:

Margaret Hudson
Office Manager
office@kahurangi.school.nz

Please note: transition visits will be booked after you have met with the Principal and the enrolment paperwork has been completed.

A final note

If you have any questions about transition visits or your child starting school, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re very happy to talk things through.