Starting school in NZ is a worry for many expat parents, and their children. Mastering a new education system has its own unique challenges - who better to offer expert advice than a teacher, who has been an expat herself and now supports families moving to New Zealand? Our Queenstown Advisor, Amy Snow, has this advice for international families relocating to New Zealand.
1. Understand the NZ curriculum
Spend some time familiarising yourself with the New Zealand Curriculum - it is a very generalised document and non prescriptive in the primary sector.
All schools have to adhere to this document whether they are private or state run but will differ in their special character or localised curriculum. For example, one state secondary school may have a great drama and music department and be known for supporting these areas. A privately run secondary or primary school may have a religious component in their programme.
2. Visit schools
When you have decided on the area/ town/ city that you would like to live in, spend time researching each school and arrange visits. You and your child will get a really good feel for the school when you are onsite. Take notes and ask lots of questions- try to spend some time in the classroom area and at break times. Notice student behaviour and how the students transition. It is at these times that you will really see how the kids are interacting with one another.
If your child has educational needs that need to be met specifically, ask about the SENCO (Special Needs Coordinator) in the school and how they would be able to support your child.
3. Keep an open mind
Each member of your family can have very different personalities and learning styles so one school may not be a perfect fit for all.
New Zealand state schools can be varied in their quality and some are exceptional. When we arrived in New Zealand, we came from a private school British curriculum and were keen to offer our children the same experience in New Zealand. One of our daughters suited a private option but the other suited a more relaxed state school with skiing and outdoor education opportunities.
New Zealand schools can vary quite a lot - uniform or not, no shoes or shoes, wild hair and bull rush or chess lunch time clubs.
4. ‘Best’ school recommendations
Real estate agents use school zoning as a great marketing tool! Be prepared when you are looking at properties that the school they are highlighting is really the one you want to go to. Spend some time researching local school zones before you meet the agents.
5. Knowing what to expect reduces stress
It can be really hard for your child to adjust to a new school. Once you have approved enrollment with your chosen school, arrange through the school a "playdate" or "friend meet" where you catch up with another parent (great for you to meet new people too) and meet onsite in the playground. This interaction will help your child to visualize themselves at school and orientate where all the facilities are AND provide a potential go to person if they need support.
This is harder to do in secondary schools as your teenager will not want you anywhere near them.. but secondary schools will often suggest a buddy in the first week or an older student to act as a mentor if needed. Inquire about this.
Other ideas are to prepare a social story with pictures of the school, practise the journey to school, find out what lunches that Kiwi children usually take (ask these details at your school visit if you are unsure) and know what the teacher likes to be called (this varies from Miss Amy to Mrs Snow to Miss to Amy to Whaea Amy.)
Discuss with your kids what they will wear on a school day, where they will eat (usually outside, sitting on the ground), how some children will take off their shoes to play, pick up times etc.
A great teacher will connect with your child before they start either with an onsite visit or by phone and this is when you can ask lots of questions.
6. Communicate with teachers
Do not be afraid to communicate with your child's teacher and expect them to reply within 72 hours. If you have concerns or worries or questions it is okay to make contact. Often issues or misunderstandings can be resolved really quickly. Your initial means of communication is by email and then by asking for a meeting.
Mobile Relocation connects you with what you need to thrive in New Zealand. Contact us today to talk about how we can carry your relocation burden.
Bridget is a New Zealander who has lived and worked as a diplomat in Singapore and India. After experiencing all facets of the relocation experience, she founded Mobile to work with private individuals moving to NZ and leading local and international businesses bringing in offshore talent. bridget@mobile-relocation.com
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