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Finding school in the new place
How about the new school for my child?
The first thing to consider is: whether you want your child to join a private, independent school or local government schools.
You can ask your child’s current school to recommend some schools in the area you are moving to.
Contact schools, ask them to send some information to you, or arrange to visit there in person.
Use the internet for school listings.
Collect as many recommendations as possible- this is often the best way to make a decision.
Things to consider
It’s best to take your child to the proposed schools and let them have a share in deciding the school. By visiting the schools, your child will have a better feel for it.
You want to observe what the students are like and the general operation of the school. So make your appointment with the principal during school hours.
Pay attention to the comfortable level of the students in the class. Observe if they are attentive or bored. You can learn a lot of things by observing an ongoing class.
Find out if the school has any particular emphasis on any sport or music etc. If the school is famous for football and your child has passion for it, then it might be a good idea to enroll your child in that school.
Take a look at the facilities such as the library and the sports arenas.
I found a school for my child: what now?
Find out from the new school what their enrolment requirements are. Most schools require specific medical and previous school records before you child can begin. Make sure all records all sent properly.
If your child is taking any medication, or has any special needs, let the school know.
Make a list of needed school materials and purchase as soon as possible. The more time your child has to get acquainted with their new items the more comfortable they will feel when using them.
Find out if a uniform is needed, if there is one; make sure your child has one on for the first day of the school.
A few days before their first day…
Go shopping and let your child pick out what they’d like to take for lunch. Having some control of the situation will make them feel better.
Organize your child’s means of travel - purchase any necessary bus passes or concession cards.
How will your child get to school? Show your child the route and make sure that he/she can go and get back by themselves.
If you’re able to, it is best to pick your child up from school yourself. Make arrangements to meet at a specific place and make you have a clear plan of what to do if you are late.
Introduce your child to the teachers and make sure he/she is comfortable with that person. It’s very important that your child feels comfortable; a familiar face can make the transition easier.
Some additional pointers
Find out how often the school conducts parent-teacher meetings, the more you can discuss the progress of your child, the better.
If your child is in their last years of primary school, find out which secondary school most of the students will go to, and arrange to enroll them there. Without reason, avoid sending them where they will have to make a new group of friends yet again.
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