The School has an extensive Guidance Network to provide support and guidance to all pupils.
The Guidance Network, co-ordinated by the Guidance Counsellor, is based on a House System that seeks to provide a turangawaewae or place to stand with confidence, for all pupils throughout their time at School.
Each House Group has a House Teacher who is responsible for the overall guidance and pastoral care of pupils in that House Group. At the head of each House is a Dean who assists the House Teachers with the pastoral care of their groups:
The House System is designed to support pupils with a wide variety of matters such as relationships with teachers or other pupils, careers advice, subject selection, and help them focus on their studies. The four Houses also provide the basic structure for School sports and other competitive activities. Inter-House competitions in Athletics, Swimming, Winter Sports and Cross Country are highlights of the School year. The House Shield is awarded annually to the House who gains the most House Points during the year. Each House elects two House Captains (boy and girl) to lead the House in these activities under the guidance of the Dean of House.
Parents/caregivers requiring appointments with any of the following people, or with any staff member, should make them through the School Office.
House Teachers and Deans
Pupils seeking individual support or guidance, should talk with their House Teacher or their House Dean. At the beginning, and throughout the year, Deans will provide pupils with individual ‘academic’ guidance e.g. subject choice, NZQA level/credit goals. Parent Caregivers are encouraged to make contact with the House-teacher or Dean should they want assistance/advice about their child.
Medical Conditions
If a pupil suffers from any medical condition, this must be made known to the School at the time of enrolment or as soon as the condition develops.
Caregivers of children who may need prescribed medication while at school must provide the Board (via the School) with:
a written consent for a non-medical staff member to hold responsibility for administering the medication
a clearly labelled supply of the medication.
Children sick or injured for lengthy periods will be provided with a homework programme where appropriate. This will depend on the content of the course and the difficulties of continuing without the presence of a teacher.
Absence from School on medical grounds for more than three days will require a Medical Certificate from a Doctor.
Sick Bay
A pupil who becomes sick during the day should report to the School Office. The Office will contact parents/caregivers and
Emergency Procedures
There are established procedures in place for both personal and physical emergencies at the School. Instructions within the Buller High School Management of Emergencies and Crisis Plan are designed to safely manage any emergency situation and evacuation of the School buildings. Staff and students are briefed at the beginning of each year on the types of emergencies they may face, and the procedures which are to be followed. Fire and earthquake are the two most likely major physical emergency scenarios, and drills are held four times each year to ensure these situations are managed efficiently.
