We monitor the daily attendance of students to: 

• ensure their safety both in getting to school, and in accounting for them in an emergency

• identify students with achievement, engagement, or other issues

• meet our legal responsibilities

Parents and guardians also have legal obligations to ensure their children attend school. The school expects parents to:

• notify the school if their child is going to be absent by phone (06 8388306), text (027 2055583), or email (office@sjwairoa.school.nz) by 9 am.

• try to arrange appointments etc. outside school hours or in holidays

• work with the school to manage any attendance issues.

Absences are usually unjustified unless the student is too sick to attend school, or has suffered a bereavement. 

Any child absent from class without a known reason will be followed up by a phone call from the office staff. The school roll is taken after 9am and again when children go back in to class after lunch at 1:15pm.

Sometimes a student might be out of class but should still be marked present, such as when attending a medical appointment. Holidays should only be taken during school holidays.

Leaving School During The Day

Students may not leave the school during school hours except by special arrangement – for example, a parent request (verbal or written) for the student to attend a medical appointment. The student must sign out at the office.

Unacceptable Absences

Attendance is monitored through our student management system (SMS), and parents are notified of absences and/or patterns of absences. The school follows up on unacceptable levels of absence (10 half-days per term) and may refer the case to the Attendance Service.