Just to add my 10 cents worth, my 3 kids all started off at Raumati Beach Primary in 2005.Beth had 6 weeks in Year 7 and then the whole of Year 8. She is now in Year 9 at Kapiti College. Meggie had 6 weeks in Year 4 and is now in Year 6 and Robert had 6 weeks in Year 1 and is now in Year 3.
So they all started school in the middle of Term 4 and I have thankfully had no problems whatsoever.New kids are starting at school almost daily from all over the world, UK , Germany, Russia, Hungary etc etc so is really not a big deal.My middle daughter was very quiet and shy initally , however she has thrived at Raumati.
I work as a Teachers Aide at the school and am constantly impressed with the commitment of everyone , teachers , parents, office staff etc etc.
Be warned the expectations of parent help is much higher than in the UK so come prepared to attend a few school camps before too long!
The relationship between parents and the school is far more relaxed than in the UK, parents often wander in to school (remember no locked gates!) whether to watch an assembly , help out with sports, do a bit of gardening,or even join their kids for lunch in the playground! Some parents even join us for coffees in the staff room!
Anyway , back to the original question , my daughter has been at Kapiti College fro almost 1 term and we are very impressed so far.On the open evening many of the teachers gave us their home phone and cell phone numbers so we can contact them if there ever is a problem.Everyone was so accessible and had the time to chat.It was a far cry from our experiences of a High School in the UK!
Lastly just watch catchments areas as Raumati Beach is in the process of iniating one due to the ever increasing roll.
Very best of luck and please contact me if you have any other questions.
Regards
Denise