“Keeping Ourselves Safe” (KOS) Programme for Years 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4

Kia Ora Whānau,

Students in Years 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 will be taking part in the “Keeping Ourselves Safe” (KOS) Programme which is run in conjunction with NZ Police. Below is some information on what this programme covers.

We will be holding a parent information session on Friday 16 June in the Hall, from 2.00pm to 2:45pm. You are welcome to come and hear first hand from Constable Bryan and Constable John what this programme covers, and have them answer any questions you may have.

What is the Keeping Ourselves Safe School Programme?
Keeping Ourselves Safe is a comprehensive child abuse prevention programme for schools. Its purpose is to:
teach students a range of safe practices that they can use when interacting with other people, both online and face to face.
teach students how to recognise the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships, and encourage students who have been or are being abused to seek help.
prevent abuse by making parents and teachers more aware of their responsibilities to help students avoid abuse.

What does the programme cover?
The learning activities in Keeping Ourselves Safe are arranged in focus areas. Research suggests that an effective programme should include learning experiences from each of the focus areas. The focus areas are:
Focus Area 1: I am unique, He taonga ahau: For safety reasons students need to know their name, where they live, and the names of the people they live with. When they can verbalise their feelings confidently, they can report times when they feel safe and unsafe.

Focus Area 2: My body is my own, Nōku tōku tinana: Students understand the names of body parts and that no one should touch their genitals unless it is for health reasons. They consider touch that they like, touch that hurts and touch that is confusing.

Focus Area 3: Unwanted behaviour and touch, Kore e hiahiatia te whanonga me te pā kino: Students need to be able to say “no” confidently, move away, and report what has happened. They learn the difference between good secrets and bad secrets and know how to tell.

Focus Area 4: Adults who help, Ngā kaiāwhina pakeke: Students learn who they can trust to help them. Together with the people they live with, students develop safety rules and strategies to help them keep safe.

What role does the Police take?
Our local Constables help facilitate and run a number of the lessons. The classroom teachers run the others.

If you have any questions about the programme please contact your child’s teacher.