Whanau Information Page
Frequently Asked Questions about the Sistema Whangarei Programme.
And other information you didn't know you needed!
What does the program cost?
Sistema Whangarei is free of charge for students. We provide the music, instruments and instruction, and afternoon teas at no cost to families.
Where will classes take place?
Currently, our program operates at The Old Library, 7 Rust Ave., Whangarei.
What days will my child attend classes?
Classes run Tuesday, and Thursday from 3:30pm to 5:20pm at The Old LIbrary, 7 Rust Ave.
and on Wednesdays from 3:30pm to 5:00pm.
We operate for the first seven weeks of each Term.
We have a Holiday Programme in the second week of each holiday break, except for January which is generally the week before Term 1 starts.
Will my child also attend outside concerts?
As part of your family’s commitment to Sistema Whangarei, students are strongly encouraged to attend concerts throughout the school year. We also do playouts at various community events. You will receive these dates as they come up.
Will I need to provide transportation for my child?
Yes. Although Sistema Whangarei works with families who for some reason or other are not able to transport their child. We also encourage carpooling with other families as this helps build community.
How can I become involved with Sistema Whangarei as a parent?
Sistema families are invited to attend programme sessions and performances, accompany children on field trips, meet with program staff, provide food or supplies, and even volunteer in the program.
Please contact Programme Director Sam Winterton 027 434 3967 or Michelle Jones 028 258 20770
or email sistemawhangareioffice@gmail.com or send a request from our 'Contact' page on this website.
Sistema Whangarei is free of charge for students. We provide the music, instruments and instruction, and afternoon teas at no cost to families.
Where will classes take place?
Currently, our program operates at The Old Library, 7 Rust Ave., Whangarei.
What days will my child attend classes?
Classes run Tuesday, and Thursday from 3:30pm to 5:20pm at The Old LIbrary, 7 Rust Ave.
and on Wednesdays from 3:30pm to 5:00pm.
We operate for the first seven weeks of each Term.
We have a Holiday Programme in the second week of each holiday break, except for January which is generally the week before Term 1 starts.
Will my child also attend outside concerts?
As part of your family’s commitment to Sistema Whangarei, students are strongly encouraged to attend concerts throughout the school year. We also do playouts at various community events. You will receive these dates as they come up.
Will I need to provide transportation for my child?
Yes. Although Sistema Whangarei works with families who for some reason or other are not able to transport their child. We also encourage carpooling with other families as this helps build community.
How can I become involved with Sistema Whangarei as a parent?
Sistema families are invited to attend programme sessions and performances, accompany children on field trips, meet with program staff, provide food or supplies, and even volunteer in the program.
Please contact Programme Director Sam Winterton 027 434 3967 or Michelle Jones 028 258 20770
or email sistemawhangareioffice@gmail.com or send a request from our 'Contact' page on this website.
Learn more about our kaupapa in the document below.

The Pillars of Sistema | |
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The Instrument License Process. (How the student receives their instrument)
Restricted License:
* Student must attend the Sistema after school programme for five consecutive weeks.
* After that time, the student may request to apply for their 'Restricted License'. This means that the student will have their name attached to an instrument and no one else will use that instrument while the student is engaged with the programme.
* To receive their Restricted License, the student will have an interview with a Volunteer from Sistema and go through a series of questions to see if the student understands what Sistema is about and what the responsibility of having an instrument entails.
Full License:
* Once the student has their Restricted License, after another five consecutive weeks, the student can request their Full License.
* This means the student will now be able to take their instrument home to practice.
* To receive the Full License, the student and their caregiver will have an interview with a Sistema Volunteer and go through the responsibilities of having their Full License. They will sign a Loan Form and Care Contract. They are allowed to keep that instrument for the duration of the time they are with Sistema. If the student does not attend Sistema for one term they will be asked to return their instrument. They are always welcome to come back to Sistema and pick up where they left off.
Restricted License:
* Student must attend the Sistema after school programme for five consecutive weeks.
* After that time, the student may request to apply for their 'Restricted License'. This means that the student will have their name attached to an instrument and no one else will use that instrument while the student is engaged with the programme.
* To receive their Restricted License, the student will have an interview with a Volunteer from Sistema and go through a series of questions to see if the student understands what Sistema is about and what the responsibility of having an instrument entails.
Full License:
* Once the student has their Restricted License, after another five consecutive weeks, the student can request their Full License.
* This means the student will now be able to take their instrument home to practice.
* To receive the Full License, the student and their caregiver will have an interview with a Sistema Volunteer and go through the responsibilities of having their Full License. They will sign a Loan Form and Care Contract. They are allowed to keep that instrument for the duration of the time they are with Sistema. If the student does not attend Sistema for one term they will be asked to return their instrument. They are always welcome to come back to Sistema and pick up where they left off.