A reminder of the School's absence process.

Informing the School of an Absence

We have had a large number of students signing out of school during the day for appointments this term, without the parent/caregiver having advised the school of their intended absence.

If your child is going to be absent for any reason, please notify the school through the school app, ring the school absence line on 375.5004, or email learn@kaiapoi.school.nz. If they have an appointment during the school day, please advise the actual leaving and approximate return time. Information on how to download the school app can be found on our school website: www.kaiapoi.school.nz/parents-useful-info/ 

PLEASE NOTE: WE CANNOT RELEASE A STUDENT FROM SCHOOL WITHOUT A PARENT OR CAREGIVER ADVISING THE SCHOOL OFFICE.

Attendance and Punctuality

Successful students have high attendance, many at or close to 100%, and they are always on time.

Kaiapoi High School adheres to the Ministry of Education guidelines of 85% as a minimum attendance requirement.

Please note: Classes start at 9 am on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday and at 8.55 am on Wednesday. Students who are not in class by this time are recorded as 'late'. Any lateness is a disruption to the start of class and shows a lack of respect to both teachers, who are beginning their lesson, and to other students. Respect is a core value of Kaiapoi High School.

Attendance is monitored every period, student absences are followed up, and an email is sent at the end of the school day to parents of students who have an unexplained absence or lateness. Tutor teachers and deans will follow up on unexplained absences. If the school and/or family require extra support for attendance, a referral will be made to the School Attendance Service. If difficulties persist we refer to ROCKON. This is a multi-agency approach to supporting attendance at school. In the worst-case scenario, the ROCKON process can lead to parents being prosecuted for non-attendance. We have prosecuted in the past.

We look for parental support in promoting high attendance. Parents can access attendance data on the parent portal. Please advise us if your son or daughter is absent from school for any reason.

The Ministry of Education's definitions are:

Explained absence: An absence for which an explanation is received by the school outlining the reason for the absence.

Unexplained absence: An absence for which no explanation is received.

The decision about whether an absence is ‘justified’ or ‘unjustified’ is determined by the school:

‘Justified Absences’ include:

• Explained absences for short-term illness/ medical reasons (a medical certificate may be requested for a prolonged illness), medical appointments, school-arranged work experience, class trips, students sitting school examinations, exam/study leave
• Unplanned absences such as bus breakdowns, accidents, road closures, or extreme weather conditions
• Absences due to national/local representation in a sporting or cultural event in NZ or overseas
• Absences due to bereavement, visiting an ill relative, or exceptional family circumstances
  
• When a student is stood down or suspended
  
• Attendance at a Secondary Tertiary Programme, e.g. Trades Academy, CTC, Ara, and STAR courses.

'Unjustified Absences' are when no reason has been notified, or an absence where no justifiable explanation is received, or the explanation does not fall within the school’s protocols for justified absences.

Please note:

1. A parent’s note does not necessarily provide justification.

2. A family holiday is treated as an explained but unjustified absence.

3. After 20 consecutive days of continuous unjustified absence, our school is required to remove a student from the roll and make a referral to the Non-Enrolled Truancy Service.