Regular attendance at school is fundamental to student learning. Students who attend school regularly are more likely to achieve educational success and increase their career and life options.

Everybody benefits from regular student attendance. These benefits include greater student safety, community well-being and a sense of connectedness for all.

All students between the ages of 6 and 16 are required to be enrolled and attending a registered school. Section 29 of the Education Act makes parents responsible for their child’s regular attendance at school. Parent(s) whose child does not attend “commits an offence” under the terms of the Education Act and on “summary conviction” can be fined.

So the onus is quite clearly on parents to ensure their children attend school. The school would like to work in partnership with parents on attendance and this is why we have an attendance policy and procedures to monitor attendance:

1. All students, including seniors, must be at school by 8.29am ready for their period one class at 8.40am. (NOTE SCHOOL GATES LOCK AT 8.30AM) - This is with the exception of Wednesday's, when period one class starts at 9.05am.

2. If your son or daughter is late they should:

• a. Report to the Attendance Administrator.
  
• b. If their school bus is late, they will be issued with a late bus pass. Late bus passes will not be issued for public bus routes.
  
• c. If your son or daughter is late to school/period one without valid reason, a lunchtime detention will be issued.
  

3. If your son or daughter is sick, please phone the school 831-0500 ex 551 or email attendance@masseyhigh.school.nz and send a note when your son/daughter returns to school. We must have the note for filing, as this is a legal requirement.