Reporting a student's absence for SICKNESS, students ARRIVING LATE and students who need to LEAVE EARLY
It is a Ministry requirement to have a written explanation of a student’s absence. This allows for the correct attendance code to be assigned. When your child/ren is absent from school the school must be notified.
Please advise the school in advance if your child/ren is going to be absent for any reason, INCLUDING arriving late or leaving early by either:
- Emailing absences@kingsway.school.nz, OR
- Phone the absentee line 09 427 0900 and enter 1 to leave your absentee message. Please state your name, your child/ren’s name and class and reason for absence, OR
- Use the KingsWay School APP. To download the app for free on iPhone or Android search 'Kingsway School' in the app store, or click this link http://is.gd/ZV8q3m.
If you email a teacher, please also copy in absences@kingsway.school.nz so we can ensure the attendance is marked as soon as possible. Not reporting your child's absence either before or on the morning of their absence will result in an email being sent via our student early notification system and if necessary a phone call to follow up. This is a safety measure. An answer phone is available 24 hours a day – leaving a message saves our office staff considerable time as we follow up all unexplained absences. If the absence is for more than one day, please advise this in your message.
Arriving LATE to school or LEAVING EARLY
Absence explanation notes are available at the school office for you to complete if your child/ren is late to school or must leave early. These can then be handed to the front office staff.
Please note: The Ministry defines an ‘unhealthy pattern of lateness’ as: “When a student has been late for 2 or more times over 2 consecutive weeks”. It is very important that students arrive on time for school with enough time to prepare for the day. Regular latecomers are monitored and liaison with families will be initiated.
Children who become UNWELL whilst at school
If your child/ren becomes unwell whilst at school, he/she should see the nurse who will assess him/her and decide whether he/she can be treated and return to class, or need to be collected and recover at home. Your child/dren’s safety is important to us and we need to be aware of his/her whereabouts. If not in class, he/she should not arrange with caregivers directly to go home.
We appreciate your assistance in ensuring this process runs smoothly and supports our students appropriately.