News & Events

Picture this: It's Wednesday morning, and your teenager says they're "not feeling it today". Maybe they're tired, maybe there's a test they're not ready for, or perhaps they just want to sleep in. It's tempting to let them stay home; after all, what's one day?

The reality is that one day quickly becomes a pattern, and that pattern can have lasting effects on your child's education, friendships, and future opportunities.

The Numbers Tell a Story

Our school's attendance data shows a concerning trend that mirrors what's happening across New Zealand: too many of our high school students aren't attending as regularly as they should be. When we dig deeper into what this means, the impact becomes clear.

Regular attendance means being at school more than 90% of the time, or missing fewer than five days per term. This might sound achievable, but missing "just one or two days each week" quickly adds up to well below this threshold.

What Students Really Miss When They're Absent

Academic Impact

When students miss school regularly, they don't just miss individual lessons; they miss the building blocks that each day's learning provides. Concepts build on each other, and gaps create a domino effect that makes it increasingly difficult to catch up.

Social Connections

School isn't just about academics. It's where friendships are built, where students learn to navigate social situations, and where they develop crucial life skills through daily interactions with peers and teachers.

Identity and Community

This is particularly important for our Deaf and hard of hearing students, who benefit enormously from regular contact with their peers and consistent access to education in NZSL. These daily interactions help them explore and affirm their identity as part of the Deaf community.

The Small Things Add Up

Even something as seemingly minor as arriving late has a real impact. If your child is 10 minutes late each day, that's 50 minutes of missed learning time per week, nearly an entire class period lost.

But it's not just about the minutes. Late arrivals mean missing morning routines, settling-in time with friends, and often the setup for the day's learning. It can leave students feeling unsettled and playing catch-up before they've even begun.

Common Challenges (And How to Address Them)

We understand that maintaining perfect attendance isn't always straightforward. Here are some strategies that other families have found helpful:

Morning Struggles

• Set up the night before: Lay out clothes, pack bags, and prepare lunch
• Create a consistent bedtime routine to ensure adequate sleep
• Consider whether your child is getting enough sleep, teens need 8-10 hours per night

Anxiety or School Avoidance

• Talk to your child about what's making school difficult
• Connect with teachers who can provide support
• Consider whether there are underlying issues that need addressing

Health Concerns

• Distinguish between genuine illness and reluctance to attend
• Maintain regular health checkups to address ongoing issues
• Work with the school if your child has chronic health conditions

How We Can Support You

If your family is struggling with attendance, please reach out. We're here to work with you, not against you.

The Bigger Picture

Regular school attendance is about more than just academic achievement, though that's certainly important. It's about helping your child develop habits that will serve them throughout their lives: reliability, commitment, and the understanding that showing up is often half the battle.

When students attend school regularly and arrive on time, they're not just giving themselves the best chance to learn and achieve their goals, they're becoming active, valued members of their school community.

Remember: every day counts, and every student matters. Let's work together to ensure your child receives the education they deserve.