xhqpfinjk2e8y6cqabivxvbtithu5836vzocgmsp9c5pchbkogrwrvmcsgnlg8p6gydduwoyt95xypzmjl8tzdfs50d96zacevjv3jboa3umydacueejaaoiupgmjrzpNew to us or just looking for a refresher? Here you will find supporting information and links to essential documents about how we work.

Please read our Protocols of Participation  carefully before registering with us, as it explains in detail  how our resourcing model works, how programmes of learning are organised, and student support that is necessary. All participating schools are required to uphold these Protocols and sign an MoU to acknowledge this during the registration process. Our Protocols are reviewed and updated every year, so will need to be checked every time you register.

Our Teaching and Learning Structure

Our school year is broken down into two 15 week semester blocks:  Semester 1 classes begin mid Term 1 (week 5 or 6) and finish at the end of Term 2.  Semester 2 classes run from the start of Term 3 to midway through Term 4.

Your learners are welcome to re-register for different programmes at the mid-year semester rotation (this requires further funding contribution) or can remain in the same class for the whole year.  Short 5 week ‘taster’ programmes are offered for most languages (whole class only). Occasionally there may be programmes that have a different cost or timing model. These will be identified in our annual prospectus.

Most classes are aimed at the Y6 – 8 age group. Younger children are welcome to participate but will need closer supervision and support by their home schools.

We usually work with small groups of students from each school and our average class size is 12 students from 3 to 4 schools. We can also tailor programmes to whole classes. 

Schools will need to commit at least an hour a week for learners to participate in online programmes. Real time sessions are scheduled weekly to run for approximately 30 minutes through ZOOM web conferencing. Independent learning activities take place in Google Classrooms or SeeSaw.  

Introductory Online Session

If you would like to find out more please email us to request an introductory online session. We introduce the kaupapa of learning with the VLN Primary School and our learning environments to you and your learners. This is an opportunity to find out how what we do could fit into the bigger picture of your school’s learning programme.

Steps to getting started

Whether you have participated with us before, or are considering joining us for the first time, follow these steps to get ready for learning online.

Step 1: Read our Protocols of Participation – outlines costs.

Step 2: Register your school using our online Registration Form
You will also need to complete a Student Details Registration Spreadsheet – which is linked in the Registration Form.

Step 3: Take time to read our Virtual Classroom Setup Guide 

This guide is informed by over a decade’s experience in online learning and offers essential tips and tricks to help your school set up a successful online class. Having the right audio equipment is critical and information on a range of highly recommended and affordable technology is included in the guide.

Step 4: Introduce online learning to your learners with our Student Intro.
This presentation is designed to introduce learners to all they need to know in order to be successful in their online learning adventure.  Schools may use this resource themselves onsite, or we will be happy to run through it with your learners (see Step 5 below).

Step 5: Participate in an introductory online session with us.
These are scheduled at the beginning of each year for all new schools and learners and on request at other times.

Timeline

Feb Week 3: Registrations close for Semester 1
       All schools (even returning) must complete a registration form first, and a student detail           spreadsheet.

Feb / Mar: Introductory sessions scheduled by VLN Primary
       For new schools and those requiring a refresher – to ensure learners are prepared to participate.

Feb Late:  Draft timetables sent to schools.
       We try to accommodate timetabling based on the registration form information – please provide detail of times that are not suitable.

Feb Late: Final timetables / connection details are sent out.

Mar Week 5 or 6: Semester 1 programmes start.

Mar / Apr: Invoices are sent to schools.

Term 3: Semester 2 programmes start.

October: Registrations for the next year open.

Mid November: Reports, participation certificates and special awards sent out to schools. Semester 2 programmes finish.

Essential Documents and Links:

Contact us today with any questions or queries: primary@vln.school.nz