At Hamilton West School we strive to make the transition into school as easy and friendly as possible for children and their families.

New children and their parents / whanau are encouraged to meet with the Principal and Deputy Principal before starting school.

This year we will again be operating a transition to school programme titled STEPPING STONES. The programme offers the opportunity for new entrants and their parents to attend up to ten transition sessions at the school prior to starting school. STEEPING STONES has proven to be highly successful in transitioning children into Ham West School.

New Entrant teachers welcome pre-school visits. These can easily be arranged by contacting the Principal.

All students who live within the home zone shall be entitled to enrol at the school.

Each year, applications for enrolment in the following year from out of zone students will be sought by a date which will be published in a daily or community newspaper circulating in the area served by the school. This will enable the Board of Trustees to assess the number of places which can be made available to students who live outside the school zone.

Applications for enrolment will be processed in the following order of priority:

First Priority This priority category is not applicable at this school because the school does not run a special programme approved by the Secretary.

Second Priority will be given to applicants who are siblings of current students.

Third Priority will be given to students who are siblings of former students.

Fourth Priority will be given to applicants who are children of board employees.

Fifth Priority will be given to all other applicants. If there are more applicants in the second, third, fourth, or fifth priority groups than there are places available, selection within the priority group will be by a ballot conducted in accordance with instructions issued by the Secretary under Section 11G(1) of the Education Act 1989.

Parents will be informed of the date of any ballot by notice in a daily or community newspaper circulating in the area served by the school. Applicants seeking second or third priority status may be required to give proof of a sibling relationship.