Find out about BLENNZ – read our vision, history and see who is on our Board of Trustees. Get to know our staff and our partner agencies. We have documentation including our charter, annual reports and our school Term dates.
Referrals to BLENNZ can come from a number of sources. Referrals can be made by parents, whānau, families, teachers, ophthalmologists, health professionals, the Blind Foundation or Ministry of Education and must have parent/caregiver consent.
Technology provides vital tools that support learning, and helps fulfil the expectation that all learners have full access to the curriculum. There is a variety of options available that includes both mainstream and assistive technologies.
COVID-19 Information
Here you can find information about COVID-19 including PDFs and Word documents provided by external organisations. COVID-19 information available for download can be found here.
Why get vaccinated?
We’ve talked a lot about vaccinations in our bulletins lately, but we’re aware that in many school communities there continues to be anxiety about vaccinations – and some may even wonder why vaccines are being emphasised so strongly. As noted, the Ministry of Health have set up a dedicated email you can use for queries about vaccinations and access to vaccination.
Email schools@health.govt.nz with your queries.
Addressing vaccine misinformation in your community
We know there is added pressure as misleading COVID-19 and vaccinations information circulates through social media and the public.
Here are some answers to common questions that may be helpful.
- How does the vaccine work?
- Is the vaccine safe?
- What can I expect when I get the vaccine?
- Why was it developed so quickly?
Working through vaccine hesitancy
Here is a range of resources available to inform people in your community.
Videos
- Dr Ashley Bloomfield, Dr Nikki Turner, Dr Siouxsie Wiles and Dr Vanisi Prescott recently answered questions about the COVID-19 Vaccine.
Articles
Latest Blog Stories
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July 21, 2023Orientation and Mobility provides opportunities for our ākonga to safely explore their environments. We have extended their skills from navigating safe pathways to also planning and managing the ‘how’s’ of... Read more -
July 21, 2023In Palmerston North, RTV and DOM are collaborating to develop a resource that can be used by RTV’s to support DOM programmes in preparation for a learner’s community goals. Our... Read more
Vacancies
We are often looking to employ new staff to join the team at BLENNZ. If you think this sounds like you, visit our vacancies page for more information about positions we currently have advertised around the country.
BLENNZ 2023 School Term Dates
Term 1
- Starts Tuesday 31 January
- Ends Thursday 6 April
Term 2
- Starts Wednesday 26 April
- Ends Friday 30 June
Term 3
- Starts Monday 17 July
- Ends Friday 22 September
Term 4
- Starts Monday 9 October
- Ends Friday 15 December
BLENNZ YouTube Channel
This is where we showcase some of what is happening at BLENNZ. We have a number of videos related to student learning that cover a range of ages and curriculum areas. We also have clips from parents and educators sharing their experiences. It is also a great ‘go to’ space for information about resources and technology.
Websites to visit
Kāpō Māori
PVI
Blind Citizens NZ
Blind Low Vision NZ
Deafblind Association
Inclusive Education
Albinism Trust
Parent to Parent
Ministry of Health NZ
