Transition

Every child that starts at Manaia School receives a free school uniform t-shirt. This is our way of welcoming children into our school family (whānaungatanga). We want everyone who starts at our school to feel a strong sense of belonging from their very first day. There are no school fees or donations to pay at Manaia School. We also provide free stationery, lunches and when needed, breakfast, jackets and shoes.

At Manaia School we believe that transition should be something that is done for and with a child not to a child. Research strongly highlights the importance of a successful transition process.

"The way [transition] is managed sets the stage not only for children's success
at school, but also their response to future transitions" (Dockett and Perry)

The main aim of our transition process is to ensure that children are given the chance to become familiar with and feel safe and comfortable in their new learning environment before they start at a school. To support this belief we first gain student voice and assess the needs of our transitioning children before they start to transition into their new environment. Our children are then supported to develop the skills and knowledge needed to successfully engage with their new learning environment. Alongside our support for transitioning students we are also working collaboratively with contributing schools to ensure that the best transition practices are taking place for our children.

Transition to School

Manaia School hosts regular visits for the four year olds attending Manaia Community Preschool. Children from Te Kohanga o Manaia have also started coming for visits. Our Junior School teachers provide learning opportunities that
align with the learning in both Te Whariki and the New Zealand Curriculum. Children are given time to explore, form friendships, build confidence and enjoy taking part in our hands on learning experiences.

The educators at both Manaia Community Preschool and Te Kohanga Reo o Manaia play an integral role in our transition process. Their support allows us to build relationships with transitioning children and their whānau.

Transition from School

Manaia School has recently placed a stronger emphasis on the needs that children have as they transition into secondary education. We acknowledge that this experience is different for every individual student and we are
committed to providing children with the skills and knowledge that they require to successfully transition into the next stage of their educational journey.

We arrange yearly meetings with our Year 7 & 8 students to give them an overview of what their school has to offer and answer any questions that children may have. School Ambassadors also accompany the Principal or school staff where appropriate for these visits. Transition, orientation and open days also take place at each school.

Our whanau based practice allows students to form a strong sense of belonging. We make it very clear to our Year 8 students that they may move on to High School, but they will always be a part of our school whanau and can call on us whenever they need to.

Check-ins take place while our students and whanau are transitioning into High School. We also have an open door policy so we are always willing and happy to support transitioning whanau to navigate their way through secondary education.