[Scotty69]

Hi could someone answer a question OR 2 for me please, we`re hoping to be in NZ around November when our son turns 5 now if im correct he will start school in November OR best waiting for the new term after summer holidays, we`re just about ready to put in our EOI in the next 2 weeks (FINALLY) and OH is going over in August to look for a job IF OH gets job what kind of visa do we need for our son for schooling as we dont want to pay international fee and also could someone explain what docile is in the schools. Sorry more than 2 questions thank you Natasha

[Familyofmonkeys]

Hi could someone answer a question OR 2 for me please, we`re hoping to be in NZ around November when our son turns 5 now if im correct he will start school in November OR best waiting for the new term after summer holidays, we`re just about ready to put in our EOI in the next 2 weeks (FINALLY) and OH is going over in August to look for a job IF OH gets job what kind of visa do we need for our son for schooling as we dont want to pay international fee and also could someone explain what docile is in the schools. Sorry more than 2 questions thank you Natasha

It might be nice for him to start school as soon as he turns 5 so he could meet some friends before the long summer holiday, but they seem so relaxed about start dates here in NZ it really is optional when you want him to start (as long as before he turns 6).

Here is a link to another thread that explains a bit about decile ratings:

http://www.emigratenz.org/forum/showthread.php?t=17268&page=2&highlight=decile

[lockstock]

Decile is how they categorise the social mix in schools. (They do it in the UK but don't publicise it too much - based on numbers of kids receiving free school meals etc). Here it's a 10 point scale basically denoting the nature of the catchment area or zone. It's done to help decide how schools are funded. Decile 1 is a low-income, socially deprived area school (please take these terms very loosely, it's just to give an idea) - up to Decile 10 which takes students from more affluent neighbourhoods. That is a very simplistic explanation. It's all to do with need and funding - and, of course, statistics.
Some of the best work is going on in decile 1-4 schools. And there's a few dodgy goings on in decile 10 schools, I bet!

As to when to stasrt school, if you're there before the start of the summer holidays it may be an idea to go in for a few days so that he can meet the other children and get used to the idea. (and you can have an idea of what goes on too). Have the summer break and the start the new year like old hands. Good luck!

[Kerry and David]

My son will be 4 when we move over and we have been told that he will start school the day after his 5th birthday. However they break up from school around the 20th December I think for the summer hols so I guess you could wait and start him in the new term if you wished (you dont legally have to start them until they are 6!)

I'm not 100% on the visa question but when we visited schools last week they highlighted that if we had the PR we wouldn't have to pay the international fees so not sure about other visa types - I'm sure someone elso will help.

With regards to Decile rating this is what my book says: Each public school has a decile rating which reflects the socio - economic level of the population. Schools are rated 1 to 10 - a low decile rating reflects a low socio - economic group and a lower decile school gets more goverment funding than higher decile schools to help level the inequity among communities.
Higher decile schools tend to have more successful parent-driven fundraising and will also charge higher fees (donations) which aren't leally compulsory but are important to the schools budget.

Hope some of that helps

Kerry xx

[JandM]

I don't know about the visa issue - no doubt some of the members already in NZ will be along to advise you on that one. I know about your other questions from what's happening with my grandchildren.

Quote from this page: http://www.minedu.govt.nz/index.cfm?layout=document&documentid=7693

A school's Decile indicates the extent to which it draws its students from low socio-economic communities. Decile 1 schools are the 10% of schools with the highest proportion of students from low socio-economic communities. Decile 10 schools are the 10% of schools with the lowest proportion of these students.

Schools with low Deciles tend to get higher amounts of government help of various kinds. If your child goes to a school with a higher Decile, I understand you're quite likely to be asked for higher levels of parental contribution.

I hear that the norm is that a child starts school ON his fifth birthday - the first class is geared to receiving children throughout the year, as they reach the landmark day. Probably your best bet is to contact the school in the area where you're going to be (as soon as you know where that is), and ask their advice on when to send him, to best help him settle in quickly. My feeling would be to advise getting him into the school system as soon as you can, and before the summer holiday, because he'll then have met children in the neighbourhood, and they'll be familiar faces in the shops and playgrounds, over the break - someone to say 'hi' to, and play with. Also, you'll start to know other parents by taking and fetching him.

[Scotty69]

Thank you everyone for the advice, sorry buts its late here in the uk i cant stay awake much longer once again thank everyone Natasha

[IanW99]

If you get a work visa or WTR then you will need to get any children of school age a Student Visa.

If you get PR then they will also get PR so no problems.

With a student visa or PR, they will pay domestic rates.

The only issues come for children who want to attend Tertiary education (university) who have to pay international fees if they aren't resident.

Ian

[Tia Maria]

You will just pay the school 'donation' if you have WTR or PR, but do be aware that some schools will only take you with PR. I'm not sure how common it is but I know of some people who have been refused their first choice school as they didn't have PR (I have no idea why, it seems to be down to the school).

I'd start him in November also, the last few weeks of term tend to be quite fun with trips, discos, picnics etc, so he'll definitely get to make some friends. Also it will be a chance for you to pick up a class list which will have contact details of other parents you can contact about play dates in the holidays.

They often mix up classes the following year, so if he does make a particular friend then make a point of asking for him to be with his friend the next year.

Also definitely agree with JandM about having a presence in the playground in the first few weeks so you can meet some people too. You will be able to sit in on his first few days if you want and then do parent help after that, this will be another way to meet other parents who are doing parent help and who are normally more than happy to fill you in on how everything works.

Cheers

Tia