Blockhouse Bay Intermediate: A Culture of Respect, Safety, Learning, Collaboration and Fun
1.
2. 1 BLOCKHOUSE BAY INTERMEDIATE
a culture of respect,
safety, learning,
collaboration and fun
3. Kia Ora, Faka’a lofa lahi atu, Talofa lava,
Ni hao, Annyeong, Namaste, Salam, Beunos
dias, Un nyung and welcome to Blockhouse Bay
Intermediate.
We know that the two years your children spend at Blockhouse Bay
Intermediate will be challenging, affirming and most importantly fun.
While starting any new school can be a time of uncertainty and change,
at BHBI we aim to get to know your child well before they walk in
the door. Our wider community of learners involves a philosophy of
inclusive and respectful partnerships with our neighbouring schools.
Successful transitions are key to your child’s learning journey.
Our school lives and breathes a culture of respect, safety, learning,
collaboration and fun. This means we value and model strong
citizenship and what it means to walk tall in our globally connected
world. BHBI is an exciting and innovative place to learn. This
means your child will develop new skills, new independence, new
appreciation for community and new understanding of how they
learn and how best they can engage and lead their own learning.
All the while supported and nurtured by a professional, caring and
dedicated staff to be confident, independent young adolescents with
an appreciation for their community.
This prospectus is a quick guide to give you an overview of who
we are and why we are the choice of Intermediate for our wider
community.
To find out more about our school I welcome you to explore our web
page, search us out on social media or meet with us in person to
answer any questions that you may have about your child’s time with
us.
Michael Malins
Principal
BLOCKHOUSE BAY INTERMEDIATE 2
Principal’s Message
4. Principal’s Message ............................................................. 2
Learn About Us .................................................................... 4
Learning at Blockhouse Bay Intermediate ................................ 5
Raising Achievement for All ................................................... 6
21 Century learners ............................................................. 7
The Arts .............................................................................. 8
Sporting Life ........................................................................ 10
Rich Cultural inclusiveness ..................................................... 12
Expectations ........................................................................ 13
International School Enrolments ............................................. 14
What happens now - Enrolment ............................................. 15
Uniform............................................................................... 16-17
School hours and contacts .................................................... 18
Map ................................................................................... 19
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Contents
5. Established in 1959, Blockhouse Bay Intermediate provides exceptional learning
opportunities for students aged 11-13 years old.
Our highly qualified teachers along with our student focused learning approach
ensures we value the whole child and their family on their learning pathway.
Intermediate is a special opportunity to nurture and grow our emerging adolescents
and strengthen not only academic excellence but also their social, physical and
emotional resilience in preparation for the years ahead.
Blockhouse Bay is home to many cultures, our inclusive practice, sporting
opportunities, digital learning focus and international student programme and
homestay exchanges ensures our children appreciate their connection as global
learners and their role as emerging leaders in our community.
All students are encouraged to engage in the rich opportunities afforded them.
These include;
• Engaging in authentic learning opportunities developed from the New Zealand
Curriculum, while reflecting our unique people, our cultures and our place in our
global community.
• Making new friends and building strong connections to carry them forward.
• The chance to try out a wide range of learning and sporting opportunities outside the
class.
• Deepening their appreciation for the environment and how they can positively
influence sustainable environments.
• Learning and engage in new languages, cultures and exchange opportunities with
our sister schools.
• Being active leaders of their own learning and drivers of their own success.
• Being treated with respect and dignity as future leaders of our community.
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Learn About Us
6. Blockhouse Bay Intermediate builds on the strong foundations established at primary school in the areas of literacy, numeracy, inquiry, arts, sport and digital technologies. Our
teachers develop a deep appreciation for each child’s stage of development in regards to the curriculum and can tailor each child’s programme to support and accelerate them
within an inclusive and interactive learning environment.
Children are taught to respect and celebrate each others differences and to encourage each other to strive for excellence. We understand that we all learn in different ways and
we provide many opportunities to explore diverse learning experiences which include Integrated Inquiries that evolve strong foundations in;
• SCIENCE INQUIRY (Including education for sustainability) • TECHNOLOGY (Design, Soft and Hard Materials)
• ENGLISH AND LANGUAGES (Te Reo, Mandarin, Korean) • ARTS (Dance, Drama, Music and Visual Arts)
• MATHEMATICS
Underpinning our learning lies Social Sciences and an emphasis on promoting an appreciation of our place in a rapidly changing global community. Growing active learners
who understand having a purpose in life requires having a life of purpose.
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Learning at Blockhouse Bay Intermediate
7. At Blockhouse Bay Intermediate we are proud of our academic focus. As
an important hub in the wider community we are driven to provide equity in
access to resources to ensure we best prepare our young adolescents for their
future. Each child will be provided with a range of educational opportunities to
extend, challenge and enrich their learning during their time with us.
• Each child has their own learning pathway and they know where they come
from in their learning, what they are learning now and where their learning
is taking them to.
• Learning is visible, both within the learning spaces and online.
• Parents can engage with their children’s learning through safe online learning
apps.
• We provide a strong Gifted and Talented programme that works closely with
you the family.
• Our Pounamu Room is our learning support centre dedicated to raising
achievement for those most in need of support.
• Extension across curricula for those that excel in individual areas. Both
Academic, Social and Sporting.
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Raising Achievement for All
8. In todays changing world technology is no longer an “add on” to learning. Devices are as integral to our learning as the pen and pencil. At BHBI our curriculum and learning
is tailored to learning within and beyond the classroom. As with any space for learning, we actively teach positive behaviour for keeping ourselves safe within our digital
footprint.
Students can engage and collaborate online through safe, shared spaces that are managed and overseen by their teachers. Parents are able to receive real time updates and
share their child’s learning through Apps on their own device.
We provide BYOD along with the schools own multi platform devices that can be utilized by all students across the school and across the cloud.
• Sharing and celebrating our learning with you the parent is central to a successful partnership.
• Preparing our children for future schooling ensures they are well prepared for their next step and beyond.
• Global connections extend our learning across communities and across countries.
21 Century Learners
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9. Blockhouse Bay Intermediate is a school for performing arts. The performing arts
are highly valued and the opportunities for our students abound. All students at
Blockhouse Bay Intermediate School gain an appreciation for various forms of the
arts through the classroom music, dance, drama, & art programme providing for
practical and creative skills and the integration of subjects such as mathematics,
language, physics and history along with such social skills of co-operation and
taking on responsibility.
Our students are encouraged to be part of a range of specialised groups offered at
Blockhouse Bay Intermediate, which includes:
• School Production / Variety Show • Concert Band / Orchestra
• Gifted & Talented Art Programmes • Bay Schools’ Music Festival Choir
• Glee Choir • Rock Band
• Ukulele Group • Bollywood Dance
• Community & School based Art Murals • Hip-Hop Dance
Regular performances such as the end of term performance evenings, end of term
Star Awards, school assemblies as well as out in the community are held throughout
the year, allowing students the opportunity to showcase their effort and progress.
In addition to music in the classroom, all students are offered the opportunity to study
an instrument through our After-school Music Programme. The half-hour lessons take
place once a week, usually in small groups with our team of highly experienced and
qualified tutors.
Lessons are available in the following instruments:
• Saxophone • Clarinet
• Flute • Trumpet
• Trombone • Keyboard/ Piano
• Guitar (Acoustic and Electric) • Bass
• Vocals • Drum Kit
The Arts
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10. We believe children of Intermediate age need an active and balanced school life. We know that children this age settle into learning if they start the day with twenty minutes
of aerobic rotations. Sport and Physical Education is an extremely important part of the culture at Blockhouse Bay Intermediate. During the two years at our school students will
be able to experience a wide range of sporting opportunities. We are extremely privileged to have committed staff members and the wider community who are passionate
about providing rich sporting opportunities for our students.
Sporting Life
Fitness Programme
A school wide fitness programme operates three times a week at the
start of the day for 20 minutes. The programme includes a wide range
of fitness activities with the objective of improving students’ aerobic
fitness. All students, for hygiene reasons, are required to change into
the school PE uniform for the fitness activities.
School Whanau Competition
Throughout the year we have three whole school events which whanau
compete for:
Swimming Sports, Cross Country and Athletics Day.
Each whanau has a very proud history in all events.
Inter - School Sporting Events
A wide range of sports are offered.
These sports include:
Soccer, Cricket, Orienteering, Hockey, Volleyball, Netball, Rugby,
League, Badminton, Touch, Table tennis, Athletics, Gymnastics, Softball,
Basketball, Cross Country.
Students are selected for these teams after trials and they compete
in either regular competitions organised by sporting organisations or
in the intermediate schools western or interzone competitions. Teams
prepare for these events during lunchtimes and before and after school.
Sports Camps
The school competes at a sports camp at Totara Springs in Matamata. This camp
takes place in Term Two. 40 students are selected for these camps and students
participate in 28 sports over the week.
Blockhouse Bay Intermediate is a member of AIMS (Association of Intermediate
and Middle Schooling) and we compete at the AIMS nationals in Tauranga in
September. We send several teams to this week long tournament depending on
the strength and ability of our teams. Over the last two years we have sent girls
and boys soccer teams, netball and individuals competing in a range of sports
including Tennis, Badminton, Golf and many more.
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12. At Blockhouse Bay Intermediate we pride ourselves on our Inclusive education practice.
Ensuring all students are made to feel welcome at school and are able to take part in all aspects
of school life. Diversity is respected and school-wide practices and classroom programmes
respond to students’ different needs, skills, interests, cultures and backgrounds.
Underlying our Kiwi identity lies the New Zealand Curriculum. Strengthening the special
character of our school curriculum lies our diverse local community. Growing our culture is
charged to our diverse mix of teachers. Knowing each learner and respecting their unique
whakapapa places your child, your culture and your hopes and aspirations for their future at
the centre of a successful educational experience.
• Pasifika and Maori benefit from regular community hui
• Kapa Haka and Pasifika cultural group
• Home support learning club
• School wide teaching of tikanga Maori and Te Reo
• Academic success celebrated and awarded
• Te Reo week is an important celebration as part of our calendar
Rich Cultural Inclusiveness
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13. Blockhouse Bay Intermediate is large and dynamic school that runs smoothly because of well structured rules and
expectations. We have high expectations and all people in our school are asked to respect our people, our places
of learning and the tools that help us learn. The school believes in a positive approach to discipline.
By ensuring that
• rules and expectations are clear
• teachers and children have clear procedures to follow to ensure behavioural management is consistent throughout
the school.
• staff are positive, firm and consistent
• children achieve success from academic, cultural and sporting programmes
• and that children are engaged in constructive play at Break times:
Children internalize standards of behaviour and become self disciplined through consistent management of behaviour
by parents/caregivers, their peers and teachers through reference to the principles of Restorative Justice as well as
School Wide Positive Behaviour for Learning.
This in turn creates a school environment that is a pleasant, safe place for all.
Expectations
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Blockhouse Bay Intermediate welcomes enrolment applications from
international students. We currently have a mix of students from across
the world enjoying a first class education at BHBI. We provide a strong
history of excellent and inclusive learning opportunities for our international
visitors. We have a dedicated staff committed to ensuring a smooth
transition occurs for you and your child.
• Download an application form from our website
www.bhbint.school.nz/international
Email or post your application to the school.
• We will want to meet with you and then issue a provisional offer of a
place along with a receipt.
• Documents are completed, signed and fees paid your place is secure.
• Passports for the Student, Parent, Caregiver checked. Medical and travel
insurance finalized (we can help you here).
• The Code of Practice for the Care of International Students will be
explained.
• We will now offer you a place on receipt of fees and this offer is confirmed
in writing.
• Immigration comes next. Evidence of a visa application needs to be
provided within a week of our offer being accepted.
• A school tour will be organized along with a uniform and stationery
pack for purchase.
• Class placements are made.
All other information and guides can be found on our website at
www.bhbint.school.nz/international
International School Enrolments
15. After discussions with the Ministry of Education, Blockhouse Bay Intermediate
School accepted the need to implement an enrolment scheme to manage roll
growth. This scheme came into effect in 2008 and was necessary because
it is Government policy that additional classrooms and teachers will not be
provided while there is spare capacity in the other local schools.
In Zone
All students living in the home zone are entitled to enrol at the school at any
time. Enrolment packs are available from the school office in term three. A
school zone map and in zone street list is on our school website
www.bhbint.school.nz under enrolment information.
Out of Zone
As required by Section 11F of the Education Act 1989 and the instructions
issued by the Secretary under Section 11G(1) of the Education Act 1989,
applications for enrolment will be processed in the following order of priority:
1. first priority must be given to any applicant who is accepted for enrolment
in a special programme run by the school: (this does not apply to our
school)
2. second priority must be given to any applicant who is the sibling of a
current student of the school:
3. third priority must be given to any student who is the sibling of a former
student of the school:
4. fourth priority must be given to any applicant who is a child of a former
student of the school:
5. fifth priority must be given to any applicant who is either a child of an
employee of the board of the school or a child of a member of the board
of the school:
6. sixth priority must be given to all other applicants.
If there are more applicants in the first, second, third, fourth of fifth priority
groups than there are places available, selection within the priority group
will be by a ballot conducted in accordance with instructions issued by the
Secretary under Section 11 G (1) of the Education Act 1989. Parents will
be informed of the date of any ballot by notice in a daily or community
newspaper circulating in the area served by the school.
What Happens Now - Enrolment
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16. The school uniform is seen by the school, Board of Trustees
and community as the major form of identity and belonging
to Blockhouse Bay Intermediate.
The development of pride in belonging to the school is
fostered through the wearing of the school uniform.
• The school uniform and PE uniform is compulsory.
• Correct school uniform should be worn to and from school.
• Correct school uniform or PE uniform should be worn at
school.
• All items of uniform should be named.
• A school sun hat and cap are available for students to
wear. We strongly recommend that students wear either
during the first and fourth terms.
Students are responsible for their own clothing and should
take care to avoid loss. The Warehouse New Lynn carries a
full range of uniform items. Ph 827 6939.
If a student is seen to be deficient in any item of uniform, or
is wearing an additional or alternative item, a supervising
teacher is entitled to ask for an explanatory note. A “uniform
pass” will be issued for a suitable period of time during
which the deficiency should be rectified.
Ear studs (plain gold / silver stud per ear is allowed) and
watches are allowed but no other jewellery (rings, bangles,
necklaces) is permitted as it can be dangerous or a hazard,
especially when playing sports or while at technology
classes. No nail polish, make up or body piercing. Lines or
designs shaved on your head, mohawks or hair colouring
are not permitted at school.
Uniform
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17. Boys Uniform
• Navy shorts
• Teal polo shirt with school logo
• Navy knee-length socks
• Sweatshirt (with school logo)
• P.E T-shirt (navy and teal with school logo)
• PE Shorts
• PE sports shoes (optional)
• Black leather lace up formal shoes, able to be polished, with black
laces. No skate-style shoes or trainers.
• Brown or black leather roman sandals with a back strap buckled
at the ankle and worn up. (Optional in summer, but shoes must be
worn to technology classes) No reefers or jandal type sandals are
permitted.
• Term 2 & 3 only, school trousers are optional.
• Term 2 & 3 winter jacket can be worn to and from school.
Girls Uniform
• Teal polo shirt with school logo
• School uniform skirt (no shorter than knee length)
• Plain white ankle socks with a fold over top
• Black leather lace up formal shoes, able to be polished, with black
laces. No skate-style shoes or trainers.
• Sweatshirt (with school logo)
• PE T-Shirt (navy and teal with school logo)
• PE sports shoes (optional)
• Black tights may be worn during the winter.
• Brown or black leather roman sandals with a back strap buckled
at the ankle and worn up. (Optional in summer, but shoes must be
worn to technology classes) No reefers or jandal type sandals are
permitted.
• Term 2 & 3 only, school trousers are optional.
• Term 2 & 3 winter jacket can be worn to and from school.
• Hair ties navy blue or black (hair must be tied back for technology
classes).
• Head scarves navy blue or black (worn for religious reasons only).
Uniform
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18. The school day commences at 8.35am. All students
should be organised and ready by that time.
School finishes at 2.55pm each and every day unless
prior notice is given. For example, students may be
dismissed 2.15pm after an end of term assembly on
the last day of term, or students may be dismissed at
1.00pm early on days when parent interviews are
held.
Buses leave from outside the main entrance by
3.05pm each day.
All children should be out of the school grounds by
3.30pm unless they are required for sports practices
or other activities.
If a student is absent please ring or email the school
so that the teacher can be informed on 626 6414 or
office@bhbint.school.nz When the student returns to
school please send a note explaining the absence.
If a child is being removed from school for a period
of time, please write to the Principal, Michael Malins,
well in advance informing him of your intentions. A
letter from the principal will be sent to you approving
this leave.
There are only 197 days in a school year and every
one of these is important. Regular and punctual
attendance is imperative. If a student is late for school
they need a note from home or they need to be signed
in at the school office by the parent or caregiver.
The School Day
8.35am Start of School
8.45am - 9.05am Assembly or fitness time
9.05am - 10.05am Block one (Tuck Shop open)
10.05am - 10.25am First interval (Tuck Shop open)
10.25am - 11.35am Block two
11.35am - 11.50am Second interval
11.50am - 1.00pm Block three
1.00pm - 1.05pm Lunch eating (Tuck Shop open)
1.05pm - 1.45pm Lunch time
1.45pm - 2.55pm Block four
We have a tuck shop that is open twice each day
serving healthy snacks and lunches.
School Hours and Contacts
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