18 August 2023

Subject: Introducing Cohort Entry for 5-Year-Old Children

Kia ora,

On behalf of the Board of Trustees of Kenakena and Paraparaumu Beach School, we
are writing to inform you about an important development in the Paraparaumu Schools’
admission process. We are considering implementing cohort entry for 5-year-old
children starting from the beginning of the academic year 2024.

We believe that adopting cohort entry will bring numerous benefits to our students and their families, as well as our schools and your ECE as a whole. Cohort entry refers to the practice of having children of a similar age group start school together at set intervals throughout the year. In this regard, we are planning to offer two entry points per
term, specifically during weeks 1 and 6.

By introducing cohort entry, we aim to provide a smoother transition for children
entering school, promoting a sense of belonging (Whanaungatanga) and familiarity within their peer group. This approach offers a supportive environment for children to form friendships and build social connections with their classmates from the beginning of their educational journey. It also allows for a more structured orientation process, enabling our kaiako/teachers to focus on the specific needs of each cohort and their engagement in learning. A streamlined transition gives teachers more time to teach.

Additionally, cohort entry facilitates the development of stronger relationships between
parents, whānau, and the school community. By entering school alongside other families, parents and whānau can share their experiences, exchange information, and
establish connections that may continue throughout their child’s educational years.

Before proceeding with the implementation of cohort entry, we value your input and
feedback on this proposal. We kindly request that you share this information with the
parents and whānau connected to your Early Childhood Centre, encouraging them to
provide any insights, concerns, or suggestions they may have – click here to provide feedback. Their feedback will play a crucial role in shaping the final decision and  ensuring the success of this initiative.

Should you or any of the parents/whānau have any questions or require further
clarification, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are more than happy to address
any concerns or provide additional information.

We appreciate your cooperation and assistance in disseminating this information to your community. The deadline for feedback is Friday 20th October 2023. We look forward to receiving valuable insights from parents and whānau as we strive to enhance the
educational experience for our students in Paraparaumu.

Additional information can be found on the Ministry of Education website – Click Here
Thank you for your continued support and partnership in nurturing the growth and
development of our young learners.

Ngā mihi nui
Bruce McDonald and Jess Ward
Principal/Tumuaki
On behalf of Board of Trustees Kenakena School and Paraparaumu Beach School