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Absence and Lateness

In New Zealand, parents must legally make sure that their child goes to school each day under the Education Act 1989.

On-going lateness and absenteeism is monitored by the school. The Principal must regularly report to the Board of Trustees about any absences of concern.

Reporting Absences Procedure

You can contact the school if your child is sick, has an appointment or needs to attend a tangi or funeral either by –

Via the school app Hero
Office email
Text message 027 311 5610
Call 09 378 6883

Let the office know as soon as you are aware that your child needs to be away and for how long.

If your child is absent more than 3 days a doctor’s certificate is required.

If your child is going to have a long period of time off school you must request leave in writing, prior to the date of leave, and gain approval from the Principal. Send your requests via the school office email.

HERO Report Absense

Can I take my child out of school during term time to go on holiday?

No, a holiday is not a good enough reason to take your child out of school, so holidays should be planned outside of term time. Events like a birthday or a special day’s shopping aren’t considered valid reasons for being away from school either.

If you feel that the reason for your child’s absence has the potential to enhance their educational progress, you may choose to write a letter to the principal requesting special dispensation, outlining the educational benefits of such a trip.  It is at the principal’s discretion whether to approve such leave. Send your requests via the school office email.

Lateness

All teachers check for children’s absences between 9.00 – 9.15am using an online application that reports directly to the school office. After 9.00am the responsibility for marking anyone late as ‘at school’ rests with the School Office.

If your child is dropped off after 9.00am, they must report to our office and ‘sign in’ using our daily onsite register app on the office ipad. Failure to follow this procedure will almost certainly result in a phone call to you, from our school office staff asking where your child is. This strict procedure is for your child’s personal safety, ensuring your child has indeed arrived safely at school and is not missing.

Attendance Management Plan (AMP)

Target: Lift regular attendance (90%+) from 73% (2025) to 80% by the end of 2026

  1. Purpose and Strategic Priority

Regular attendance is a foundation for student wellbeing and achievement. At Te Uru Karaka Newton Central School, our goal is for every mokopuna to feel a strong sense of belonging, be fully engaged in their learning, and attend school every day they are able. We are committed to achieving the national target of 80% of students regularly attending by 2030. Our strategic focus connects to our kura values of Whanaungatanga, Manaakitanga, Rangatiratanga and Kaitiakitanga. This plan aligns with the Education and Training Act 2020, the upcoming Attendance Management Plan regulations, and the Ministry’s STAR framework.

  1. Board Responsibilities

The Board of Trustees is responsible for ensuring:

  • Systems are in place to record and monitor attendance accurately.
  • All reasonable steps are taken to ensure students attend when the school is open.
  • A Stepped Attendance Response (STAR) is implemented and reviewed at least every three years.
  • Attendance data and progress toward targets are reported termly.
  • The AMP is published on the school website and shared with whānau.
  1. Principal Responsibilities

The Tumuaki will: Lead and monitor the implementation of the STAR approach.

  • Ensure all staff, students and whānau understand attendance expectations and responses.
  • Investigate unexplained absences and ensure timely, documented follow-up.
  • Report to the Board each term on attendance trends, barriers and interventions.
  • Coordinate support for students with persistent non-attendance, including referrals to Attendance Services where needed.
  1. Shared Responsibilities

Parents and Whānau:

  • Ensure students attend every day they are able.
  • Communicate promptly about absences.
  • Reinforce positive attendance habits at home.
  • Partner with the school to identify and remove barriers to attendance.

School Staff:

  • Record attendance accurately twice daily in HERO.
  • Follow up on absences within two school days.
  • Maintain communication with parents and pastoral leaders.
  • Celebrate improved attendance and recognise student effort.

Students:

  • Attend school every day and arrive on time.
  • Communicate with kaiako or pastoral staff if barriers to attendance arise.
  1. Stepped Attendance Response (STAR)
Threshold Definition Typical Actions Responsible
0-4 days absent per term Good attendance Confirm reasons for all absences. Provide updates through HERO. Teacher
5-9 days absent per term Worrying attendance Contact home within 2 days. Identify causes and supports. Deputy Principal

Principal
10-14 days absent per term Concerning attendance Meet with whānau, develop a Support Plan. Access internal support. Deputy Principal

Principal
15+ days absent per term Very concerning attendance Escalate to SLT and Attendance Service. Multi-agency meeting. Principal
  1. Communication with Whānau
  • Termly attendance summaries.
  • Regular updates in newsletters about overall attendance goals and trends.
  • Immediate communication for unexplained or concerning absences.
  • Support information through hui, website, and enrolment packs outlining attendance expectations and processes.
  1. Using Data to Improve Attendance
  • Analyse HERO data to identify trends and barriers.
  • Monitor improvements following interventions.
  • Evaluate the impact of attendance on academic progress and wellbeing.
  • Collaborate with external partners (Attendance Services, health providers, social workers) as appropriate.
  1. Review and Continuous Improvement
  • The AMP will be reviewed every three years, or earlier if required by regulation.
  • The review process will involve staff, whānau, student voice, and the Board.
  • Findings will inform the annual strategic plan and charter targets.
  1. Summary for Whānau
If your child is regularly attending (0–4 days absence) We will celebrate their success and keep you informed through HERO.
If your child has some absences (5–9 days) We will contact you to discuss reasons and offer support.
If your child has many absences (10–14 days) We will meet with you and develop a plan to support attendance.
If your child has a lot of absences (15+ days) We will work with Attendance Services and other agencies to support their return.
  1. Legislative Alignment
  • Education and Training Act 2020
  • Education (Attendance) Regulations 2026 (forthcoming)
  • Ministry of Education Stepped Attendance Response (STAR) Framework
  • Privacy Act 2020 (for handling student data)

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