Current Attendance Requirements for Primary Schools in New Zealand
We would like to inform you of the latest attendance requirements for primary schools, as outlined by the Ministry of Education. These guidelines are in place to ensure your child’s continued learning and well-being. Please take note of the following important details regarding attendance expectations.
Attendance Requirements:
- Minimum Attendance: The Ministry of Education expects students to attend school for at least 90% of the school year. This means that students should be present for the majority of the school term to ensure their academic progress and engagement.
- Reporting Absences: If your child is unable to attend school due to illness or other legitimate reasons, please notify the school as soon as possible. We request that you provide an explanation for any absences via the HERO app. If you have any difficulties in accessing HERO, please let the office know.
- Unexplained Absences: The Ministry requires schools to follow up on unexplained absences. If your child is absent without prior notification, we will contact you to ensure your child’s safety and well-being.
- Taking Holidays During School Time: While we understand that family holidays are important, the Ministry of Education recommends that parents avoid taking holidays during the school term. Holidays during school time are disruptive to a child’s learning and may negatively impact their academic progress. If a holiday during school time is unavoidable, please notify the school well in advance and provide a request for approval.
- Truancy and Attendance Support: If your child experiences ongoing attendance challenges, please contact the school. We are here to work with you and offer support, such as additional learning resources or guidance on how to improve your child’s school attendance.
- Educational Support for Absences: For students who miss school due to illness or other reasons, we are committed to supporting them in catching up on missed work. Our staff is available to provide resources or assistance to help your child stay on track with their learning.
- Legal Obligation: Please be reminded that under New Zealand law, parents are required to ensure their children attend school regularly. Schools are obligated to address ongoing attendance concerns and may work with truancy services if necessary.
Why Regular Attendance is Important:
Consistent school attendance is crucial for your child’s academic and social development. Missing school can lead to gaps in learning, making it more challenging for your child to catch up with their peers. Regular attendance also supports the development of important skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
We appreciate your cooperation in helping us meet the Ministry’s attendance expectations and supporting your child’s education. If you have any questions about attendance or if you need assistance, please feel free to contact the school office.
Thank you for your continued partnership in your child’s education.