Holy Family Catholic School is an integrated Catholic school catering to years 1 - 8.
Our school has an enrolment scheme with a maximum roll of 225 children. Children who have a connection to the Catholic faith have preferential enrolment and there is a 5% allowance for children who do not have such a connection.
Enrolment status is determined by the Parish Priest according to criteria set out in the Handbook for Boards of Trustees of NZ Catholic Integrated Schools, a copy of which can be accessed here.
At Holy Holy Family Catholic School new entrant students turning 5 will start in Cohort Entry.
Cohort Entry Procedures
Two Cohort Entry dates per school term are determined by the Ministry of Education.
What are the benefits of Cohort Entry?
Cohort entry helps children settle into school life and routines better.
The Education Review Office found the following benefits of Cohort Entry:
Supports the emotional well-being of young children as they start school in groups, sometimes with friends from early learning. For some children, this meant they felt like they belonged at school, were less anxious, and settled quickly into school routines.
Supports learning for new children as teachers can teach without the constant interruption of new students arriving any time during the year.
Helps whānau connect with other whānau and the school as school visits and activities can be scheduled so parents can come together in groups.
Helps schools to plan children’s transitions from early childhood to school, making the experience better for children and whānau.
Interestingly, NZ is the only OECD country that allows new entrants to begin school on any day of the week as part of a school start programme.
My child turns 5 the day after the cohort entry date. Can they begin a day earlier with the cohort?
Unfortunately not. Children in New Zealand can’t start school until they are 5 years old.
Will this affect my ECE funding (20 free hours)?
No, children can remain at their ECE until the cohort entry date after their fifth birthday and they will continue to receive funding to attend ECE until they start school.
It is important that parents communicate with their child’s early learning service so they know the child’s school enrolment date. Please refer to the cohort entry dates on our school website.
Will my child start as a Year 1 or Year 0?
The starting position for classification is that students whose birthday is before 01 April will be classified as Year 1.
Children whose birthdays fall before start of the 2nd cohort (1B) will be classified as Year 1 students and go into Year 2 the following year. Parents of children whose birthdays fall between the start of the 2nd cohort (1B) and before April 1st will be identified for consultation and follow-up. This is to determine whether it is more beneficial to the child they have a longer period of time at school, or can competently cope with being classified as a Year 1 (see above).
Children whose birthday is after 1st April are Year 0 for the remainder of the year and become Year 1 students the following year.
Any enquiries about enrolment are most welcome. Please contact the school office for information or to speak to the principal.