ABOUT BALFOUR SCHOOL
WHO WE ARE
Balfour School is a small, rural, family orientated school located in Northern Southland. We benefit from making the most of the natural world and local environment and use geographical and agricultural features in our learning programmes.
Beaches, native bush, lakes and snow covered mountains are all just a short drive away and we enjoy school camps exploring, snow skiing, tramping, fishing, boating and learning about the history of Otago and Southland.
We are caretakers for our local Glenure Reserve in the Hokonui Hills and we take care to nurture and learn from this special area.
We are well resourced and supported by our amazing whanau and community through a variety of fun, family events which are advertised through our newsletter.
Our Board and Home and School Committee are committed to support the funding of our school to ensure small class sizes, Teacher Aid support and up to date resources.
We have four classes that range from Year 0-6.
Class sizes are small and each classroom learning environment is supported by a Teacher Aide. Each student receives a quality, multifaceted programme from our dedicated Teaching Staff. The focus is on core subjects but our resourceful Teachers plan inquiry units inspiring curiosity and extending learning outside the classroom.
Our grounds are something special with a variety of manmade and natural areas of play and include a huge field and swimming pool. We have an orchard, vege garden and propagation shed to extend children's learning experiences.
We believe that nurturing positive relationships with students, whanau and community builds connections that promote academic growth. Our school values are embedded in our learning programmes and we recognise and celebrate the diverse cultures in our school.
MISSION:
To be the best that we can be for ourselves, our whānau and our community while building an understanding of our environmental footprint.
VISION:
Our whānau and our tamariki will be happy and engaged in learning and our school.
VALUES:
Be Respectful - Manaakitanga
Be Positive - Ngākaupai
Be Honest - Pononga
Be In Control - Tino Rangatiratanga
OUR STRATEGIC PLAN
Read our Strategic Plan for 2024-2025 here.
To read a comprehensive outline of our Strategic Plan for 2024, click here.
To read a copy of our school Annual Report for 2023 click here.