ABSENCE

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 of day students (Years 0 to 13) 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, etc. 

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 parents’ note does not provide justification.”)

If students choose to be absent from school to attend sports training or sporting events they will be marked as 'E' (explained but unjustified) unless they are representing New Zealand or the Otago region at the event, in which case they will be marked as 'J' (justified absence).

APPOINTMENTS (Blue Slips)

Appointments should not be made in school time, except in an emergency. Only urgent appointments may be attended in school time.

Permission for leave from school and for urgent or unavoidable appointments is obtained from the Office. A written request for leave from a parent or guardian, or from the Director of Boarding in the case of a boarder, must be shown or given to the Office preferably on the day before the leave or appointment, or before school on the day concerned. A 'Blue Slip' (exeat pass) is then issued by the Office.

You are not permitted to leave class without a 'Blue Slip'. You must show your 'Blue Slip' to your teacher as you excuse yourself from class and hand it in to the School Office as you sign out. Sign in at the School Office on your return.

School term dates are printed in the school calendar. You will not be allowed to depart from these dates except in circumstances considered exceptional by the Principal. 

DRIVING LESSONS

Driving lessons are not permitted in school time (8.40am - 3.15pm).

LATENESS TO SCHOOL AND CLASS

For unexpected lateness to school, report to the office before going to class.

If you arrive in class after the second bell at 8.40am has rung you are late. This is recorded and consistent lateness will be followed up.

All classes must start promptly on the second bell. This means that you have your books ready by the first bell and start moving to classrooms so that classes can start on the second bell.

PRIVATE SPEECH AND DRAMA/MUSIC LESSONS

Only one private lesson a week in Speech and Drama or Music with a private tutor engaged by the College may be attended in school time, up to Year 10.

Private Speech and Drama/Music lessons may not be taken in Religious Studies lessons or in the Year 10 Units which include Religious Studies. Students in Years 11 to 13 may not be excused from the Year 11 to 13 Units which include Religious Studies lessons.

Any 'catch-up' or extra Speech and Drama/Music lessons are not to be held in school time. You are required to catch up on the work that was covered in the school period missed, to find out the homework set and to do it.

PRIVATE TUTORS

You will not be permitted to attend private lessons or tutorials off the premises in school time (8.40am - 3.15pm).