New Entrant Transition to School

Our Transition Programme


Rainbow Club - You and your child will meet as a group with other children starting school at the same time. You will learn about the school day, your class space and get used to being in our school space. These run on Wednesday afternoons for 3 weeks. Bridie Horn, Transition Lead, will be contacting you to inform you about Rainbow Club dates and times via the email address you have provided the school. 


Class Visits - Your child can come and spend some time in the classroom as part of their transition to school. Most children have around 1-3 visits, however this can vary depending on your child’s needs. You will book in class visits during Rainbow Club. Please note that you will need to stay on the school grounds while your child is visiting. However we do encourage you to leave your child with us while you go to the staffroom, to foster independence. 


Enrollment - In the couple of weeks prior to your child starting school you will receive an enrolment pack. Carol in the Office will also contact you around this time to book in an enrollment meeting with Nick Raynor, School Principal. 


We will receive transition information and Learning Profiles from your child’s ECE Centre regarding your child’s interests, strengths, goals and achievements to help us really get to understand your child and support their smooth transition to school. This is also the time that we will make contact with any other agencies that may be supporting your child, if appropriate. 


Starting School

A typical school day


9.05 Roll, Wā Whānau, waiata

9.10 Whole class maths

9.20 - 10.15 small group math lessons (during this time children not working with the teacher will be choosing their own play based learning). 

10.15 - Big Book and morning kai (food)

10.30 - 11am Outside play


11am - 12.45 Literacy (during this time children not working with the teacher will be choosing their own play based learning). 

12.45 - 1pm Lunch Kai

1pm - 1.30 Outside play


1.30 - 1.45 story (and finish kai)

1.45 - 2.45 Other curriculum areas depending on unit focus



Room 8a and 8b

8B is the back classroom closest to the senior playground. 8A is the classroom space closest to the Library. Both classes share the middle creative & role play spaces, as well as the large outdoor play space. 


Uniform

Children wear the Nayland Primary school uniform which can be purchased from The Warehouse in Nelson. We also have good quality second hand uniforms available to purchase.  Please contact Carol at the office if you have any questions regarding this. Please name ALL items of clothing. 


Stationary

Starting 2025, the school will purchase the majority of school stationary and deliver it to the classroom teacher. There will be a reduced stationary list given to you during Rainbow Club or at the office. 


School lunches

Please ensure your child brings their own drink bottle and lunch to school each day. This will include at least one healthy snack for their morning kai. Please name their lunch box and drink bottle. 


School lunches can also be ordered through the KINDO app. There will be information regarding this and lunch order options in the school newsletter and Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/naylandprimary/

Class teachers - 2025

The teachers in Room 8a and 8b are Hayley White 8A and Loren Richards 8B


You will be informed of your child's class closer to their start date. 

Room 8A

Kia ora!
My name is Whaea Hayley, and I am thrilled to be teaching in Room 8a in 2025, especially in the new entrant space. I am passionate about helping our youngest learners settle into school life, teaching them to become confident self-managers and creative, capable learners at our kura.

A little about me: I am a proud mum to three wonderful children, two of whom attend Nayland Primary School. In my spare time, my husband and I love exploring the beautiful places Nelson has to offer with our tamariki—whether it’s trips to the beach or enjoying the outdoors. As a sporty, nature-loving family, I enjoy bringing elements of the outdoors and hands-on learning into my teaching whenever I can.

I am so excited about the year ahead and can’t wait to get to know your children, supporting them as they grow and thrive on their learning journey.

Room 8B 

Tēnā koutou katoa,

I am Loren Richards and I will be one of the teachers in Room 8 2025.

I grew up in Nelson and I am a proud 4th generation to this magical place. I have lived in Stoke since I was 9, going through Stoke School, Boardgreen then Nayland College. I am super excited about getting to teach in my community. 

As a family we love the outdoors, spending time mountain biking, paddling around the bays or just going for one of the many beautiful walks together. 

I enjoy teaching all subjects but have a love and passion for art, maths and creating learning opportunities outside of the classroom.

I am excited to meet you all and get to know your child and family as the year progresses.

loren.richards@naylandprimary.school.nz 

Dual Cohort Start Dates - 2025

Term 1 Week 1 - Wednesday 5th February

Week 6 - Monday 10th March

Term 2 Week 1 - Monday 28th April

Week 6 - Monday 2nd June

Term 3 Week 1  - Monday 14th  July

Week 6 - Monday 18th August

Term 4      Week 1 - Monday 6th October 

Week 6 - Monday 10th November