Now that we have re-established the importance of punctuality in the school, we are pleased that the vast majority of students are arriving to school on time. Whanau time as an important part of the day where information about upcoming events can be shared with students. It is also an opportunity for students to participate in pastoral activities with students from other year groups within their whanau class. Please remember, 8.45 is the time when everyone needs to be in their whanau class. Any time after this – e.g. 8.46 – is late!

Punctuality is a valuable life skill. At Tauhara College we are committed to helping our students develop this skill. The motivation behind this is a commitment to care for our students and to help them develop as global citizens. We will be aiming to provide continual positive reinforcement for those who are punctual.

In order to help guide those who need reminding of punctuality, the following consequence will be introduced from next week. If a student is late to whanau class three times (or more) over a two week period without a justified explanation from home, then they will have to do litter duty. This of course may have to be evaluated and amended if a student is late on more than three occasions during one week!

Litter duty will run during the first half of lunchtime on scheduled days. Equipment for picking up litter will be provided, and a teacher will escort students around a designated area.

The school operates a Restorative Justice system. Litter duty provides a benefit to the school – this will help ‘pay back’ some of the inconvenience caused by students being late.

If students do not attend a litter duty, this will then be seen as a breach of school rules, and they will then be required to attend a lunchtime detention. This will elevate the seriousness of the situation.

Continued lateness will result in a hui with members of the whanau to see if there are ways that the school can help support the development of this valuable life skill.