Children head back to school

26 January 2015

Children head back to school

More than 10,000 five-year-olds head off to class for the first time as New Zealand schools open for the New Year from today.

Schools will be reopening this week and next week.

“Across the whole of this year an estimated 63,870 five year olds will begin their primary schooling for the first time,” says the Ministry of Education head of sector enablement and support Katrina Casey.

“Altogether, a total of 744,100 students will be heading back to school from Years 1 to 13.

“There are plenty of things parents can do to support their children to achieve well at school. For example it’s important to ensure there’s a quiet area at home for homework, and that you make time to listen to your child’s school-related concerns.”

“For the more mature students tackling NCEA, the start of the school year is a good time to sit down and set some well-defined goals for the year ahead. Make a commitment with your child that you’ll both check in on their progress on a regular basis to assess progress and milestones,” says Ms Casey.

What can parents do to help their children achieve well at school?
• Your child’s teacher or the school principal is always available to talk about your child’s progress, either on the phone or at the school, just phone and make an appointment.
• Ensure there’s somewhere quiet for your child to do their homework and help them to establish good homework routines.
• Stay in touch with what your child is learning and what is going on at school and listen to their school-related concerns should they have any.
• Find out when parent-teacher meetings are held and try to attend these so you get to hear what’s going on from those teaching your child.
• Prepare questions in advance of parent-teacher meetings.

What can parents do to help their children heading into NCEA?
• Set realistic goals and expectations for what your child wants to achieve and make sure these are their goals and expectations as much as your own.
• Have regular catch-ups where you discuss progress and achievement with your child matched against the goals and expectations that you both set earlier.
• Ask your child what support they need to achieve their goals – if they need extra help have a chat to their teacher, ideally with them present.
• Find out when the school holds NCEA information evenings and attend these.

We also have a Back to School Tips graphic available for download, which your are welcome to use on your news website: www.education.govt.nz/news/back-to-school-tips/

ENDS

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