Thank you for choosing West Gore School for your child. On this page, you will find important information about our school.
|
|
Principal's welcome
|
Welcome to West Gore School!
Starting school is a significant milestone for every child and while this can be a time of mixed emotions, it's exciting to watch the rapid development children make as they transition from home to school. We have carefully developed a specialised learning programme for our new entrants to ensure that this transition is as smooth as possible. Our learning programme covers all areas of the New Zealand Curriculum:
In Te Kākano (our new entrant classes), our teachers work together to respond to the strengths, interests, abilities, and needs of each child. We understand that each child learns in their own way and that children may have different capabilities from day-to-day as well as throughout the day. For this reason, our programme is flexible, allowing teachers to modify learning experiences to ensure all children are engaged and experiencing an appropriate balance of challenge and support. At West Gore School, students learn in their own ways, supported by adults who know them well and have their best interests at heart. Thank you for allowing us the privilege of educating your child. Linda Fraser Principal |
|
What do I need?
Students require the following items:
- School bag - Please ensure this is big enough to fit a lunch box, drink bottle, reading folder, library books, and jersey/jacket.
- Uniform - See the Uniform Brochure in the Documents section of our Parent Dashboard.
- Lunch box and water bottle.
- Stationery - Please look carefully at all the items on the stationery list. A pencil case is not required as items such as pencils, glue sticks, and whiteboard pens are stored by the classroom teacher and used by everyone.
- Spare clothes - It's a good idea to pack some spare clothing, including underwear, in case they are needed.
- Reading folder - This will be used daily for reading books, a reading log, homework book, and library books.
- Red school sun hat - This is compulsory in Term 1 and Term 4.
- Vest - This must be worn to and from school.
- Appropriate shoes - We do fitness daily, so children need to be able to run in their shoes. Unless your child can tie their shoelaces, it's a good idea to have slip-on or Velcro shoes.
- Ensure everything is clearly named.
Tips for a Positive Start
It is important to set up good routines at home and at school.
- Arrive at 8:30 am to allow plenty of time to unpack and settle into the classroom.
- Encourage independence by allowing your child to carry their own bag. Once they arrive, get them to unpack their lunch box and reading folder into their cubby and then hang their bag up on the hook.
- Remember to check the reading folder each night for homework and notices.
- Stay up-to-date by reading our school news, and referring to the information on our parent dashboard.
- Keep in touch with your child's teacher and our school reception staff, and feel free to ask any questions.
Meet Our TEachers
|
It is a real privilege to have the opportunity to teach your child.
This year marks my 12th year teaching at West Gore School. This is a place that is very close to my heart—not only as a teacher and Assistant Principal, but also as a parent. My own children attended West Gore School and truly thrived, which gives me great confidence in the care, teaching, and opportunities we provide for all our learners. West Gore School is a place where children are known, valued and supported to be the very best versions of themselves. I love the strong sense of community and the caring environment we create, where children feel safe to take risks, explore their interests, and develop their passions. With great teaching and a focus on each child’s individual needs and curiosity, our students are encouraged to grow academically, socially and emotionally. I am passionate about working in partnership with whānau and supporting children to flourish during their time at West Gore School. It is a joy to be part of such a special school and to watch our learners develop confidence, resilience and a love of learning. Rachael Flaus Te Kākano Teacher / Assistant Principal |
|
|
It is my privilege and pleasure to introduce myself as your child's first teacher.
Being five years old has a wonder and magic all of its own and our children come to school with so much anticipation of learning to read and write, doing maths, making friends, and being a part of a class and school environment. So much is unknown to them and it's my job to keep the magic alive and to create a safe place for them to thrive in ways they didn't ever imagine. The sheer joy of connection and seeing your child learn is what keeps the passion in me alive. The partnership with whānau is critical to each child's success at school. Each conversation and snippet of information I get from you teaches me a little more about your child and how they learn. Sharing the joy of seeing your child develop and integrate into school life is so rewarding and I look forward to welcoming your child and your whānau to West Gore School. Elaine McEvoy Te Kākano Teacher / Assistant Principal |
|
Help your child get ready for school
Kindergartens, early childhood centres, and everyday home activities are fantastic environments that encourage your child to develop a variety of skills.
Here are some ideas and activities that will help to support your child in transitioning to school:
All children are individuals and learn things at different stages and speeds. Don't be overly anxious if your child cannot do things their peers can do. Remember that development is ongoing and in Te Kākano, we continue to develop these skills.
Here are some ideas and activities that will help to support your child in transitioning to school:
- Encourage them to speak in full sentences.
- Read to them every day.
- Help them to recognise their own name.
- Practise writing their name.
- Teach them how to put on their shoes and socks.
- Teach them how to take off and put on their jersey.
- Practise counting to 1o.
- Practise holding a pencil.
- Draw pictures together.
- Encourage them to ask for help when they need it.
- Learn some basic rhymes together.
- Practise packing and unpacking their own bag.
- Get to know the colours of the rainbow.
- Practise going to the toilet independently.
- Learn to peel fruit and open packets of food.
- Practise using scissors.
- Start learning to follow two-step instructions (e.g. do this, and then that).
- Learn about sharing and practise taking turns.
- Encourage tidying up after an activity is finished.
- Encourage trying new things in a safe and supported environment.
- Talk about manners and practise using them.
- Practise blowing their own nose.
- Reinforce that making mistakes is okay because mistakes help us learn!
All children are individuals and learn things at different stages and speeds. Don't be overly anxious if your child cannot do things their peers can do. Remember that development is ongoing and in Te Kākano, we continue to develop these skills.
school visits
Once enrolment is complete, your child can visit us three times before they start school!
Your child's new entrant teacher will make contact with you two months prior to your child turning five to arrange days and dates that suit you. A letter will then be sent to you with the confirmed dates and any additional information required.
Times for school visits are as follows:
Your child's new entrant teacher will make contact with you two months prior to your child turning five to arrange days and dates that suit you. A letter will then be sent to you with the confirmed dates and any additional information required.
Times for school visits are as follows:
Visit |
Timing of visit |
What to bring |
First visit |
8:30am - 11:00 am |
Something for fruit break |
Second visit |
8:30 am - 12:20 pm |
Something for fruit break and morning tea |
Third visit |
8:30 am - 1:30 pm |
Something for fruit break, morning tea, and lunch |
When you arrive at school for your visit, please make your way to the office and our staff will show you to the classroom.
We are flexible with the times of visits, and children can stay on for playtime or lunchtime if you and the teacher can see they are settled. We can discuss this in the morning of the visits.
Parents are more than welcome to stay for the whole time or part of the time. However, if your child is settled it is a good idea to pop away for a while and you are more than welcome to make a hot drink in our staff room.
School visits are a time for your child to:
Visits are also a great time for you to ask any questions you may have.
We are flexible with the times of visits, and children can stay on for playtime or lunchtime if you and the teacher can see they are settled. We can discuss this in the morning of the visits.
Parents are more than welcome to stay for the whole time or part of the time. However, if your child is settled it is a good idea to pop away for a while and you are more than welcome to make a hot drink in our staff room.
School visits are a time for your child to:
- Meet other children
- Get to know our routines
- See where their cubby is and where their bag will go
- Meet their teacher and get to know them
Visits are also a great time for you to ask any questions you may have.
Te Kākano - 'the seedlings'
Te Kākano, our new entrant classroom, has been developed to suit your child's social, emotional, educational, and physical needs. The environment and structure of the day is designed to make the transition from early childhood education to school seamless for both children and their families. It is an innovative, and collaborative environment where students engage in learning that interests, challenges, and grows them.
In Te Kākano, your child will have one teacher throughout the day, and they will interact with other teachers at varying times throughout the week.
The innovative learning environment in Te Kākano focuses on:
In Te Kākano, your child will have one teacher throughout the day, and they will interact with other teachers at varying times throughout the week.
The innovative learning environment in Te Kākano focuses on:
- Placing the child at the centre of the learning.
- Ensuring each child feels valued.
- Adapting the style of teaching to suit the needs of each individual learner.
- A flexible approach to learning can be adjusted based on individual student strengths and needs.
- Increased levels of engagement.
- Encouraging students to develop their curiosity and creativity.
|
|