Our People
Principal's Welcome
Kia Ora Koutou and Welcome to Blockhouse Bay Primary School.
I feel privileged to be Principal and proud to be part of the on-going success that the school has always been famous for. Blockhouse Bay Primary is my fourth Principal's position, with stints at Waikino, Mangawhai Beach and Woodhill making up nearly 30 years as a Principal. Previous to that, I taught my own class in Waihi and South Auckland schools. My main professional goal is to create the conditions that allow our talented teaching team to operate at the highest possible level, ultimately delivering an outstanding primary school education to our children.
I believe that it is our responsibility to educate the whole child. Reading, Writing and Mathematics are very important and the children at Blockhouse Bay Primary School do particularly well in these areas. It is also our role to prepare children for life which is as important as preparing them for making a living. A well-rounded curriculum is critical for providing children with the skills to live in the real world. Children learn best when they enjoy being at school and providing a range of learning contexts and opportunities is something that we always strive for. Our goal is to produce outstanding young people who will be confident life-long learners and will have the skills to reach their potential and truly soar.
We encourage all parents to be actively engaged in all aspects of school life. This ranges from being aware of how to help your child's education, to helping at our fundraising events run by the enthusiastic team that make up the school's FAB- Fundraisers at Blockhouse Bay.
I look forward to working with you all to create the educational environment that our children deserve.
Neil Robinson, Principal
Our Students
Our students are passionate about our school, caring for others, learning and being the best they can be - all while having fun!
Watch this video to find out more!
Our Staff
Our staff bring a wealth of knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to help our learners experience the very best our school can offer. Using their diverse skills and interests, teachers collaborate to create programmes and experiences which will excite and motivate learners. Our experienced support staff ensure the smooth running of the school and are always available to help with any questions or concerns.
Our Board of Trustees
Our Board of Trustees (BOT) operates to reflect the goals and aspirations identified for the benefit of our learners. We do this by listening to the community, reviewing results achieved and through the requirements of government policy.
The Board sets the overall direction of the school, policies, plans, goals and budgets, then we review our results against these policies. The board is not involved in the day to day management or operation of the school as this is the responsibility of the Principal and staff under delegated responsibility.
Board meetings are open to the public and members of the school community are always welcome. Our Board members are Nick Dempsey (Chairperson), Rosie Williams (Treasurer), Neil Robinson (Principal), Annunica Gallaher, Tarawhati Williams, Simon Mahoney and Sally Kilpatrick (Teacher Representative).
Board members can be contacted via the school office.
FAB (Fundraisers)
FAB - Fundraisers at Blockhouse Bay include supportive parents, friends and teachers who come together to plan fundraising events and activities to provide or update extra equipment, resources or special activities for the students in the school.
In past years we have raised funds for playgrounds, shade sails, an all-weather turf, computer technology, a new learning and play space including a fale and to refresh the playground markings. Currently we are aiming to provide the funds to upgrade the school pool.
Follow us on Facebook to keep up to date with the latest news, events.
To become a friend of the F@B email fab@blockhousebay.school.nz with the subject heading 'friend'. We will be in touch with you!
Our Teams
Our classes are grouped in five teams; Pōhutukawa, Kōwhai, Rimu, Tōtara and Kauri. Year levels in each team may change from year to year depending on the number of children at each level. Pōhutukawa is where your five year old will start school and Kauri is where they will finish in Year 6, ready to soar off to the next stage of their learning!
Each team has four or five classes, known as Manu Groups and each Manu group has a Manu teacher (class teacher). Two Manu groups learn alongside each other.
You can find details here:
Our Community
At Blockhouse Bay Primary School we enjoy a wonderfully diverse community. At our last count 54 different languages were spoken by our tamariki (children) who have a wealth of knowledge of their culture and beliefs to share with one another.
Community celebrations are at the heart of this and we gather to share such events as Matariki, Chinese New Year, Diwali, Holi, Eid, Easter and Christmas. We regularly hold community events to celebrate learning such as an Art Show, Sculpture Trail, Makerfair, Show or Dance Festival. Student's learning is presented and celebrated by all in the community.
Sport is also central to our community. Whether Inter-school Field Days, Athletics, Cross Country, Swimming Carnival or Gymnastics, our whānau gathers to support and celebrate the effort, sportsmanship and achievement of our tamariki!
