Starting School / E timata ana ...

If you are interested in enrolling your child/children at Otari School please contact the school office on 475 3018 or office@otari.school.nz.
Starting School
"The first day of school"
I wonder if my drawing,
will be as good as theirs.

I wonder if they'll like me,
or just be full of stares.

I wonder if my teacher,
will look like mom or gram.

And I wonder if my puppy,
will wonder where I am.
Author: Aileen Fisher

I think the poem above captures a little bit of the apprehension and 'wonderings' new five year olds have. Hopefully together we can be voices of assurance and calm, helping our new entrants to feel settled and happy within a short time.

Children are entitled to at least two visits prior to starting school. The best way to arrange these visits is by contacting the classroom teacher. These visits are important as they allow your child to get to know the teacher and the other students, while also familiarsing themselves with the classroom routines and expectations. It also provides you with an opportunity to talk to your child's new teacher and exchange important information.

I like to meet all new students and their parents. Please make sure you have an opportunity to meet with me before your child starts school.

The best preparation for any child starting school is to help them feel as positive as possible about the school and the teacher. We would like all new entrants to feel happy about starting school, although we do understand that for some children starting school can be a difficult transition. We also know that with sensitivity, patience and time, children will eventually feel settled at school.

Starting School - Helpful Information

Making friends, establishing solid relationships with the new adults in their lives and getting to know what school is all about are the main priorities for the first few weeks. We do not expect all five year olds to be at the same place socially, academically or emotionally. Every five year old knows he/she can do lots of things successfully, and we are keen to build on this important learning.

With the support of positive, encouraging adults your child should feel happy and settled within a very short time, and will know they are a valued member of Otari School.

Here is another poem. While it concerns a first day at kindergarten, it captures the first day of school feelings many parents have, acknowledging that it is not only the child who is dealing with apprehension when they first start school!

First Day of School Poem - by Georgy

She started school this morning,
And she seemed so very small.
As I walked there beside her
In the kindergarten hall

And as she took her place beside
the others in the class,
I realise how all to soon
Those first few years can pass

This little girl so much absorbed
In learning how to write
It seems as though she must have grown
To girlhood overnight.

My eyes were blurred, but hastily
I brushed the tears away
Lest by some word, or sign of mine
I mar her first big day.

Oh how I longed to stay with her
And keep her by the hand
To lead her through the places
That she couldn't understand.

And something closely kin to fear
Was mingled with my pride.
I knew she would no longer be,
A baby by my side.

But she must have her chance to live,
To work her problems out,
The privilege to grow and learn
What life is all about.

And I must share my little girl
With friends and work and play;
She's not a baby anymore -
She's in kindergarten today.

Please don't hesitate to come and see me if you have any concerns or questions regarding your child's enrolment at Otari School.

Clifford Wicks