“Strong learning foundations and a sense of identity and belonging can   contribute to transition [to school] being a successful experience.”
(Education Review Office 2015)

 Sharing a boundary with Birchwood School allows for regular visits to school, supporting children’s eventual transition to school.
We have a transition to school group, the ‘Kura Club’, which children become part of approximately a term prior to beginning school.
Once part of the Kura Club children

• Visit the Birchwood school library with kaiako on a weekly basis. There they participate in planned small group experiences to support school readiness, enjoy a story with the school librarian and choose a book to read at home for the week.
• Are expected to join the kindergarten morning mat time.
• Are encouraged to be rangitira/leaders of the daily karakia/blessing and the kindergarten pepeha.

• Participate in targeted literacy activities as part of morning mat time.