i i ia BU UNUp sacle WHERE THE JOURNEY BEGINS 1) August 2015 Dear whanau, Filly, we would like to start by apologising for the Way information has been spread around the bus issue and the fimeiines on the information that has come out. We understand there is lot of emotion, confusion and mixed understandings around this and have had meeting about what is going on In.an attempt to clarify the facts: The rules from the MINISTRY are that any Year 7 and 8 stuclenis from Bluff who travel on the Ministry's bus to town are ‘ineligible’ students. The MINISTRY state that any ineligibles can only travel on the bus if they pay o fare, do not affect the ride of eligible students, and get signed permission from the schools they are bypassing. Any Year 7/8 studenis living in Bluff going to Verdon would therefore require the signature of St Teresa's. Any Year 7/8 students living in Bluff going to state high schools (any other high schoo!) would require the signalure of their local state schoo! (Bluff School). This is c nationwide MINISTRY expectation. This is not just a Bluff issue, This has not been initiated by ‘our school, of anyone in it. The board's position is: The role of the school board and govemance system is to act in the best interests of the schoo! ‘and to support the school they govern To sign a letter that supports kids leaving our schools a vote of no confidence in what our school can offer. We believe that our schoo! does a great job with all our kids and that we are fortunate to have skitful teachers and support staf We would Iike fo think that the community and families would support the board in the best interests of the community as we have enjoyed in the past, and as we have seen the community do when supporting the pool and the poice. This is not about schooling choice ~ itis a ministry rule around transport. Bluff School Board of Trustees