At Te Ao Mārama we value relationships first. Relationships are number one. We are asking for our whānau support to ensure your child attends school on time.

We highly value our Whānau times in both the morning and the afternoon. The time from 8.40am to 9.00am is where your child’s Whānau Teacher connects with their Whānau Group, checking in to see how they are feeling that morning, teaching and building connections and skills for your child’s Social and Emotional Wellbeing and that of their peers.

We have noticed that there are a high number of learners missing Whānau time regularly due to lateness. When a child misses this crucial part of their day it has a large impact on the rest of their day and their ability to be engaged in their learning to the best of their ability. They miss valuable social connections with others and the important skills and knowledge that is taught. Walking into a classroom that is already humming and ready to move on with their day is also a very unsettling start to a child’s school day.

As a team we regularly monitor attendance for each child. Research tells us that continued absence has a direct impact on a child’s learning and ability to achieve personal success. Currently we have some children who have a high percentage of absent (or arriving late) days this year. Repeated absence starts to add up.

• 80% attendance equates to 8 weeks of missed school (nearly a term)
• 90% is still 20 absent days (approximately a whole month)
• One day a fortnight in a child’s schooling life for years 0-10 is an entire year missed of school

As a school we are legally required to report to the Board of Trustees first and foremost and the Ministry of Education if there are ongoing concerns around a child’s lateness or absence. Our community is of the utmost importance to us and we highly value and respect the partnership between both school and home. If there is anything that we can do to support your family with ensuring your child is on time, then please do not hesitate to contact your child’s Whānau teacher or alternatively our team in Kiwi (Office). 

If we are concerned about your child’s absence your child’s Whānau teacher will be in contact with you to check in.

He aha te mea nui o te ao. He tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata What is the most important thing in the world? It is people, it is people, it is people.