A-Z INFORMATION

The school monitors absence and any unexplained absences are followed up. It is beneficial to us if you explain the reason for the absence, as this helps us to keep track of what is going on. Mandatory weekly reporting to the Ministry take effect in Term 1 2025. 

Please inform the school of any absences before 9am so we know where every child is.

If your child is late to school, please ensure they sign in at the VisTab at the office when they arrive.

How to inform us if your child is absent:

● Mark an absence on the HERO app.

● Phone (03) 212 8523 (You can leave a message on the answerphone).

● Email office@bluff.school.nz 

If a child is collected from school during the day, please let their classroom teacher know and ensure your child is signed out using the VisTab at the office.

Please note our office is only manned until 12.30pm.

We have an assembly each Friday morning after our whole school karakia to celebrate the mahi (work) of our children throughout the week. Parents and whānau are welcome to attend this. Photos of certificate recipients are published on our school Facebook page.

The Ministry of Education expectations at schools in New Zealand for attendance is a regular attendance rate of 90% per child per year. At Bluff School attendance is recorded and if an irregular attendance pattern forms then whānau will be contacted in writing through attendance letters and reports. 

Mandatory weekly reporting to the Ministry take effect in Term 1 2025. 

The Attendance Service is always available should whānau need support in this area, please make contact if you would like to use this service.

See Behaviour page

It is important to us at Bluff School that children are fuelled for learning. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. We realise that families are busy in the morning and we provide breakfast for children in the multipurpose room from 8.20 - 8:55am every day.

We are forever thankful to the whānau for their support with this programme.

New Entrant students are given a book bag as part of our Duffy Books in Schools Scheme.
These bags help to protect resources from spills in school bags.

Years 6, 7 and 8 students will attend our annual camps.
These will be held in a variety of locations and parents/caregivers are asked to cover the cost of these. Fundraising will be undertaken to help with the cost of camp. We do, however, need to have a contribution from parents/caregivers to make these trips possible.

Please ensure that:

● Appropriate dress for learning or physical activities is managed independently by your child.

● Your child is wearing appropriate footwear - gumboots are good to wear to school on wet days

but not for sports. Shoes with higher heels are often not suitable for running or daily exercise

times. Slippers for indoor wear in the winter are sometimes useful.

● Please ensure that your child has an appropriate jacket for wearing outdoors on any day that

looks like it could be unpleasant.

As all schools are, we are very serious about focusing on learning and doing our best to integrate local and engaging topics. We are incredibly lucky to be in a community that is unique and very supportive of us.

We love any involvement by our community with our students, so if something we are doing appeals to you, or if you have time, please do come and let us know how you would like to be involved.

Concerns and Complaints Policy

Bluff School has a responsibility to provide a safe environment for students, staff, and the school community under the Education and Training Act 2020 and Health and Safety at Work Act 2015. Concerns or complaints can be about an employee of the school, a board member, a parent or caregiver, a student, or any other person or matter within the responsibility of the school. Concerns or complaints can be raised by staff members, parents, caregivers, students, the wider school community, and members of the public. See our procedures:

• Raising Concerns and Complaints

• Assessing and Responding to Concerns and Complaints.

We meet our legal and ethical obligations when responding to concerns and complaints, including meeting the principles of natural justice and protecting the safety and wellbeing of all involved. We:

• promote a school culture where it is safe to raise concerns

• treat people fairly and seek to protect their mana and dignity

• ensure that those involved have the opportunity to be heard

• ensure that decision-makers are unbiased and outcomes are not predetermined

• include cultural considerations as part of our decision-making

• maintain privacy and confidentiality

• take steps to resolve the matter

• implement measures to prevent further concerns or complaints of the same nature

• keep good documentation.

Privacy and communication

At Bluff School, we expect all parties involved to respect privacy and confidentiality. This includes not publicly sharing information about the matter (e.g. on social media). See Privacy Policy.

We follow our privacy policies at all times when responding to concerns and complaints. This includes:

• limiting access to information about concerns and complaints to those who need to know

• maintaining confidentiality to help prevent victimisation

• informing all participants in advance if a school meeting or phone call is to be recorded, and telling everyone how the recording will be used.

Subject to privacy, confidentiality, and any other ethical and legal requirements, we keep people involved informed about our concerns and complaints procedures, including expected timeframes and confirmation of when the matter is closed. We inform the person who raised the matter of any actions we take, as appropriate, while protecting the privacy of all involved. It is likely that we will inform any person complained about at an early stage to ensure fairness and meet the requirements of natural justice. It may not be possible or appropriate for the school to advise the person who raised a concern or complaint of a final outcome.

We expect everyone involved to allow the school to follow our procedure and not communicate with each other until next steps are agreed and/or notified. This applies at all times, both in and out of school. If the matter is serious or sensitive, it may also be appropriate for the school to limit communication about the matter.

Unreasonable concerns and complaints

Bluff School considers all reasonable and legitimate concerns and complaints in good faith. However, we may determine that a concern or complaint is unreasonable and it is not appropriate for the school to take action. If required, the school may take legal advice or involve an external agency or mediator to help resolve the matter.

Record-keeping

Bluff School keeps a register of concerns and complaints. This includes recording employment-related matters. Generally, only concerns and complaints that come to the attention of the principal or board are recorded in the register. The board regularly reviews the register to analyse any patterns or identify measures that could be taken to ensure the school is a safe environment.

We ensure details about concerns and complaints recorded in the register (including any investigation, resolutions, and resulting actions) are stored securely and confidentially. We acknowledge that individuals involved may wish to access this information. See Personal Information.

Information is held securely for the appropriate length of time in accordance with our records retention policies. See School Records Retention and Disposal.

As a school, we have taken up the Government Donations Scheme, so we do not ask for donations throughout the year. Parents are expected to get their child’s stationery, pay for optional ski trips and provide a contribution towards Year 6-8 camp.

The Duffy Books in Homes scheme encourages reading and a love of books.
Students are able to choose up to five free books a year. As a Duffy School, well-known role models who also have a love of reading visit our school to present books to students each term and to share with the students how they set and work towards their goals. Each year the Duffy Theatre Production visits our school to perform their drama show to the students.

Emergency procedures are practised each term. 

If you are in the school when this occurs you are expected to follow staff instructions.

The Assembly Point is the tiger turf, which is on the NW corner of the school grounds.

We are very fortunate to be part of the Ministry of Health’s Fruit in Schools initiative.

This means fruit is delivered to school, which allows every child to have a piece of fruit every day.

Hearing and vision personnel visit to conduct tests at certain age levels. Parents will be informed about this before it happens. 

The Health Nurse visits the school regularly to check up on any health problems. 

Parent helpers are always welcome, particularly in the junior school. Assistance can be invaluable in helping with individuals and small groups, preparing materials and helping in the general organisation of the classroom. 

If you are interested in being a parent helper please contact the principal. Note – parent helpers don’t necessarily have to be parents. Anyone who is interested will be most welcome provided that they are able to make some regular commitment and willing to undergo a police vet. 

HERO is Bluff School’s main form of communication with the school whānau. Please download the app and ensure we have your correct email address at all times so not to miss updates. HERO is updated regularly with notices and newsletter. Whānau are responsible for keeping updated with all

High Vis Vests are to be worn by children travelling to and from school. The benefit of wearing a High Vis Vest is to ensure students are visible when waiting for the bus, walking or biking to school. Your child will be provided with a High Vis Vest Usage Agreement that needs to be signed and returned.  

Nanny Fran’s Puna Ako (Homework club)

This runs Monday to Thursday from 3pm - 4.30pm and is funded by Awarua Whānau Services. This is run on our school site but is not co-ordinated or run by us as a school. There are limited spaces available, please talk directly to Nanny Fran if you would like more information about this.

Home learning is an extension of the school programme and supports, enhances, and consolidates teaching and learning while remaining aligned with our school’s Strategic Goals and Learning Targets and it provides a positive link between home and school.

Bluff School endeavours to ensure all students have access to this and ask whānau to support this in the home.Home Learning will be daily from Monday to Thursday and should take no longer than 15mins,

School wide there are three areas of focus. 2 areas will be the same for every child while the third area will be specific to targeting and supporting individual learning needs.

1. Basic Facts - your tamaiti will come home with practice each day.

2. Home Duties - your tamaiti will have to complete a range of tasks each day at home.

3. Targeted activity for learner

Basic Facts align with our Mathematical learning area focus.

The Home Duties align to our values of manaakitanga (Caring), Kaitiakitanga (Protector) and begins to build ngakau aroha (Empathy) withinour tamariki at kura and in the home also. The targeted activity aligns with Bluff School’s Strategic Goal of striving for excellence in everything we do.

The following items are prohibited at school: radios, ipods/earpods, cell phones, expensive toys, pocket knives and jewellery (except for watches and ear studs/sleepers), make up/nail polish. 

Kiwi Can is a life skills and values programme delivered to the whole school by trained Kiwi Can leaders.

There are two components to the Kiwi Can programme: one class lesson per week for the whole year and a Community Project.

Kiwi Can is linked to the New Zealand Curriculum and its key competencies. Lessons have been shown to develop greater communication skills, social interaction, cooperation and displays of kindness and caring in the students.

The school identifies and develops programmes/strategies to address the needs of children/groups of children. 

Parents are involved in the development/implementation/evaluation of programmes. Whenever needed, expert advice, guidance/support is sought from outside providers. 

The children have access to the library when necessary. Books are borrowed for a two weekly period. Please ensure your child really looks after the books while they are at home as they are expensive to replace. 

Students are encouraged to check the lost property area if clothes are lost. Parents/whānau are welcome to come and fossick through this at any time - it is located in the shared space by the office.

Naming clothes is a good idea as it avoids confusion. At the end of each school term, any unclaimed clothes are given to charity.

Heat ups - lunches to be heated must be wrapped in tinfoil or baking paper (no gladwrap). They need to be labelled with your child’s name and classroom and placed in the tray in your child’s class. From there, they will be collected and taken to the pie warmer to be heated.

Ka Ora Ka Ako - Free School Lunches
We have free school lunches that are provided every day for each child in the school. The children are able to decide whether they would like to eat their packed lunch from home or the school lunch provided. We will provide a menu on Hero and our school Facebook page as we receive it from our providers.

Please ensure that if you are sending money along with your child, that it is clearly labelled with your child’s name and what it is for. In most instances, money goes through the office.

This is our primary source of contact with parents to let everyone know what is going on.
This is shared with you fortnightly on Hero. If you require a paper copy, please let the office know.

We also have a school Facebook page where we put up other information and posts about what has been happening at school. You do not need a Facebook page of your own to view ours.

It can be found at www.facebook.com/bluffschool

Term 1
Tamariki Check In - whānau “check in” to meet and greet with the teacher on how their child has started the year and become familiar with the classroom routines.

Term 2
Week 9 - Mid Year written Reports 
Week 10 - Tamariki Check In to discuss report

Term 3
Tamariki Check In - whānau “check in” with the teacher on how their child is tracking in the third term.

Term 4
Week 9 - End of Year written Reports
Week 10 - Tamariki Check In to discuss report

Several times a year we run school events such as, sharing nights, BBQ’s etc.
These are usually run at 5.30pm and do not go longer than an hour. Our aim is to encourage whānau into the school and to mmake these as laid back as possible.
It is great for our learners to have whānau and the wider family come along to these - everybody is welcome!

We have the services of a social worker (who works for Barnardos) for a few days a week.
She is available to work with children who need assistance in dealing with a whole range of topics, from changes/relationships at home, grief and loss, social or self-esteem issues, behavioural concerns.

Please let us know if you would like your child to use this service and we will see what we can arrange.

You can purchase a stationery pack for your child from Warehouse Stationery in Invercargill.

You will need to state your child’s school and class and then they will supply you with the stationery pack.

We do not encourage students to bring to school any valuable or costly toys and possessions. The

school accepts no responsibility for lost or damaged items for student’s personal belongings.

Sickness at School

All parents are required to give emergency telephone numbers in case their child becomes sick while they are at school. Please make sure these contact numbers are kept up to date as it is difficult when a child needs to go home and we are unable to reach anybody.

Medication

If medication is needed at school, this must be handed to the office and a form signed to allow staff to oversee giving the medication if that is required.

Sun Safe

We strongly encourage the wearing of appropriate sun protection (glasses, sunblock) on hot days. As per our school guidelines children must be wearing their pōtae (sunhat) when playing outside in

Physical Health
Terms 1 and 4.

A Public Health Nurse who has experience in community health, visits the school twice a

term. Our Public Health Nurse can be contacted through the school or directly on 211 0110.

Dental Care - A dental therapist visits for a few weeks a year. Notice of this will be in the school newsletter when appropriate.

Vision/Hearing testing - We have vision and hearing testing for 5 year olds and Year 7 students.

Mental and Emotional Safety

In all areas of the school we maintain an emphasis on raising self esteem, developing friendships, eliminating bullying, encouraging collaboration, respecting difference and disability and developing skills to resolve disputes. These attributes are best fostered with positivity that focuses on students’ strengths.

If you have any concerns about issues at school regarding emotional safety, please feel free to come in at any time to see us about it. We work really hard to ensure that all issues we are aware of are dealt with in a timely manner.

Our school willingly fields teams in a variety of sports, however, this is dependent on the number of players and coaches. If you are willing to help please don’t be shy! There is an additional cost for joining these teams.

- We have netball and basketball teams entered in local competitions.

- Rugby is organised by Bluff Rugby Club.

- Softball is organised by Port Softball Club.

- We have an annual inter school athletics day for junior and senior students.

- We have an annual inter school cross country event for junior and senior students.

- The regular class physical education programme focuses on skill development and physical

fitness.

We use outside regional sports officers to give students further opportunities and exposure in

sports.

We are part of an Active Southland initiative to develop sport and wellbeing at Bluff School.

School hats are compulsory during Terms 1 & 4. 

The wearing of sunhats is compulsory at interval, lunchtime and PE sessions. Sunscreen is provided free of charge.

Swimming tuition at the Bluff Swimming Pool is provided in Term 1 for all students.
Adult assistance with supervising small groups of students in the pool is appreciated.

We encourage the development of ICT skills. Students have access to the internet and a variety of software and hardware. We are very fortunate to be well resourced with laptops, Chromebooks,

iPads and other technology equipment.

As per the government's mandate of “phones away”, our cell phones and other personal digital devices policy states that tamariki are to hand their device into the office at the beginning of the day, where they will be stored securely until 3pm.

We are a water only school.
Students can only bring water to school to drink throughout the day. There is a water fountain located at the school.