The first day at school is not always a memorable one to many.

With only a few days left before the new academic year begins, it would help to take the newcomers a walk through the process.

With the school zoning policy some newcomers may, unlike their older siblings, be left out in their new environment as the policy’s five-kilometre application will separate them.

While resuming students can still start at their usual school despite the distance, new starters might need to start on their own at the school within their vicinity or within the five-kilometre radius.

What if the school is a total new environment?

Take for example a set of siblings of Indo-Fijian descent living in Wainadoi, along Kings Road.

All these years majority of them attend Vashist Muni Primary School in Navua.

This new normal will be different to beginners.

Wainadoi is outside the five-kilometre zone, so the newcomers do not qualify to join their older siblings– the nearest school within their zone are Naboro Primary School and Ro Camaisala Primary School at Nabukavesi.

One set of siblings, two different schools.

This can have dramatic repercussions when it comes to ‘Parents’ Day’ and absenteeism to mention two.

Then some will say they have no choice because education is free.

At the start there should have been a bottom-up approach, where parents are consulted, information collected, discussed, and analysed by a group of educators, counsellors, and social workers.

Gaps can be identified and have opportunities for improvement carried out.

School zoning is a terrific policy because it allows parents to monitor their children, improves teacher/parent relationship in working together for the child’s advantage and saves time and extra expenses.

To the child, it is less exhausting because travelling is always time consuming.

It eliminates late arrivals and safety is guaranteed.

Then there should be allowance for parents who work in urban centres who can afford to have their children attending schools in urban areas.

These parents do not qualify for transport assistance and could be charged school fees.

For those who prefer and can afford to pay should be allowed to enrol their children outside the five-kilometre zone, with regulations.

They must attend every school meeting including class meetings.

They must abide by the constitution of the school according to the expectation of school authority or management.

There should never be any collusion between parties to deny the child enrolment opportunity to the institution of their choice, provided they achieve the requirements of the school.

The ministry responsible should access the situation to see that every child enjoys the learning environment they are in.

Feedback: karalaini.waqanidrola@fijisun.com.fj