Everyday Matters
In Term 1, only 67% of students were considered to be 'attending regularly' by the Ministry of Education's thresholds (missed fewer than 5 days in the term). This translates to almost 200 students not attending regularly.
Illness
We understand that things happen and people get sick. Please take a moment to look at the attached poster which provides clarity on when someone is too sick to attend school.
We know that not attending school impacts achievement, so strongly encourage students who have been absent from school to seek guidance from their teachers on what they have missed and how to catch up. This could be as simple as copying some notes from a friend, or completing work set via the Google Classroom platform.
Sometimes, students are unable to be at school, but are well. In this instance, we strongly encourage them to make contact with their teachers via email to seek guidance on what they can do from home in order to keep up.
Planned Absences
We know how tempting it is to take up offers and deals to travel during term time, however, our position as a school is that extended trips should occur during holiday breaks. Additionally, it is unreasonable to expect teachers - on top of their ordinary workload - to provide work, or support students to catch up after extended periods of planned absences during term time.
Similarly with appointments and other events - these should be made outside of school hours, or with as little impact on school hours as possible. A dentist or doctor's appointment should only require an entire day off in special circumstances.
This year, we are open for 191 days, which leaves 174 days for trips, appointments, and birthday celebrations.
Absences Add Up
