Kia koutou katoa

One of the most important things every student can do to achieve  success at school is also one of the most basic: attend school every day on time! Research has shown that a student's regular attendance at school may be the greatest factor influencing their academic success. Alongside achievement, two other important benefits are opportunities and belonging. Opportunities and exposure to activities and learning that add to their personal growth are not missed, just by being present at school. Each student is also learning how to contribute, learning valuable social skills and developing a broader world view by being part of the Queen’s community.

At Queen’s High School our overall attendance rate usually sits around 88% - 90%.  What I would like to point out is that an attendance rate of 90% reads much better than it actually is. This level of attendance means that a student is missing, on average, one day of school each fortnight. There is no safe number of days for missing school. Every Day Counts! We need your support in ensuring your daughter gets to school every day and on time, unless, of course, she is unwell.

An effective way for self-management of attendance is for students and whānau to track their own attendance using the Parent Portal/Student Portal. Our aim is that we work together to raise attendance, achievement and engagement for all students. You are welcome to contact our Attendance Officer, Emma Stevenson, with any concerns by calling 034557212 or emailing reception2@queens.school.nz.

Last week, the Year 9 classes were involved in their Whakawhanaunga Day which included their Year 13 Peer Support Leaders and students from the Year 12 Physical Education class. These students ran activities that are part of the Level 2 Achievement Standard, ‘Evaluate leadership strategies that contribute to the effective functioning of a group’. The reports back from the staff involved in these days have all been the same, the senior students have been fantastic leaders and role models, and they have all been enthusiastic, well organised and inclusive. To all the students involved, thank you for your contribution to the success of these days and well done.

We are now at the end of Week 6 and senior students will be sitting assessments within their classes or have assessments due to be handed in. To support our continued focus on achievement, please check with your daughter that she is on track for completion of any assessments due over the upcoming weeks and encourage her to speak to her teacher if there is any query or issue.

To all of our sportswomen taking part in the South Island Secondary Schools’ Rowing Championships and the Otago Secondary School Athletic Championships this weekend, good luck.

Barbara Agnew

Tumuaki/Principal