You are expected to attend all sessions when school is open, except in cases of illness or for other special reasons, or for an authorised appointment.

Parents are requested to notify the School Office by School App, telephone or email (absences@columbacollege.school.nz ) by 9.00am on the day concerned of the student’s absence / late arrival to school.

The Ministry of Education does not approve of student absence for family holidays and overseas travel and any such absence is registered as ‘G’ (Holiday during term time). When a student is on a New Zealand or overseas holiday during the school term the absence is unjustified. A parent’s note does not provide justification.

Appointments should not be made in school time, except in an emergency. Permission for leave from school is obtained at the Office. A written note is required for leave from a parent or guardian, or from the Director of Boarding in the case of a boarder, and must be shown or given to the Office preferably on the day before the leave or appointment. A ‘Blue Slip’ is then issued by the Office.