Blackrock, the country’s first and oldest early childhood education centre was the first to kick off the 2023 academic calendar for schools in the Cook Islands opening on Monday.

The Blackrock Api'i Potiki ECE (Early Childhood Learning) preschool opened a week earlier than most for their students to help cater for the working families.

 “Most of our parents are working and we are very conscious of the fact that they need somewhere for their kids to go,” said the principal Stephanie Forbes, who has been teaching at the school for 18 years.

As of yesterday afternoon 41 kids had registered with Blackrock, there is room for only four more vacancies.

The preschool hours are Monday to Friday, 8am - 2pm, for children aged 3 - 4 years, kids can start at a younger age if they have been potty trained, said Forbes.

Forbes is looking forward to spending more time the kids, “watching them grow and develop while they are here with us,” she said.

If anyone is curious about what Blackrock is like, they are welcome to visit the centre anytime, said Forbes.

From today more schools will open to students with others to make a start next Monday.

St Joseph’s Primary School students will  head back to school today, and tomorrow Thursday 26 January, Apii Nikao, Apii Te Uki Ou as well as Apii Takitumu students will start.

Apii Avarua is still open for new enrolments, parents can visit the office with the required documentation to register your child.

The school will re-open on Monday 30 January with a full assembly at 8am, everyone is to attend in full uniform which are available to buy at Tuki’s.

Apii Avarua’s school fees are set at $20 for one child from a family and $30 for two or more children from a family.

Next Monday 30 January, the Imanuela Akatemia students at Ngatangiia will officially start their school term.

For Tereora College, all students who will be in Year 12 (Level 2) this year are asked to attend the course confirmations with the Managers of Curriculums today Wednesday at the Princess Anne Hall from 1pm - 3pm, it is important that all Year 12s (Level 2) are present.

New students who would like to enrol at Tereora are required to bring with them their latest NCEA results. Next Monday, all Year Levels at Tereora will be at school in full uniform from 8.20am -3pm.

On the island of Aitutaki, Araura Primary School will open tomorrow to the students on Thursday 26 January for Year 11, 12 ,13 students only, and on Friday for Year 7, 8, 9, 10 students only. School will start at 8am and students are asked to wear mufti on these two days.

Full school uniform will be required to be worn starting next Monday, boys school shorts will be available for purchase next week for $20.