[Kalla]

hi guys

I apologise if this question has been asked before. I did search, just couldn't find anything.

Just trying to figure some things out. My son will turn 4 this September and we'll be in NZ in the next couple of months. So presumably he will start a kindergarton once there but what age to kids start proper school in NZ? Am I correct in thinking it's 5 years old.

Does the school year start in January? If that is the case, then when will he start? Does he start January after he's turned 5 or does he start the september in which he turns 5?

Thanks - it's confusing getting my head around the school system (only just managed to do this for the UK and now there's no point - moving!!!)

[YouMeAndThree]

He can start the day after his 5th birthday - it's not term based at all. Very odd compared to what we were used to. DD2 is in year 1 and there are constantly new children joining.

[JandM]

And here's where to find out the term and holiday dates. http://www.minedu.govt.nz/theMinistry/EducationInNewZealand/SchoolTermsAndHolidays.aspx

As soon as you know exactly where you're going, it would be a good idea to research local kindergartens, because there is a shortage of places in some areas, and it's usual to get your child's name on the list asap.

[peebles16]

Yep they will start day after 5th birthday and generally schools have new entrant classes. Our youngest will start in July and will probably be in new entrants for the next 2 terms moving up to Year 1 proper in February :yes

Just to echo JandM point about pre-school placements best to check out what is available where you plan to live as waiting lists can be very long :(

Best of luck
Karen

[Fretraer]

i'm glad we will be back this year since my daughter is going to be 5 in November.
Here in the US she has to start kindergarten at 6 and then first grade at 7.
i wasn't liking that at all.

[BlueDevil]

Fretraer. FWIW we moved here from the US with a 4 (now 5 y/o). The new entrant year (age 5) experience is pretty equivalent to a preschool experience in the USA. I don't think it's that different really, based on our friend's experience and ours.