Leave Process Reminders

Absences:

I. Expected Absence:

If you anticipate being absent from school, you must:

1. Use the Student Leave Application Form on our website to seek permission from the Deputy Principal in Charge of Assessment at least ten days in advance.

2. Collect a School Absence/Assessment Form from Student Services to inform teachers of your absence and gather any necessary assessment information. Meeting the conditions outlined on the form is crucial. The completed form must be returned to Student Services in the Sports Education Centre.

II. Unexpected Absence:

Unexpected absences due to illness or bereavement require documentation.

1. On the day of the assessment, obtain a medical certificate from a medical professional, present it to your subject teacher, and then to the Deputy Principal in Charge of Assessment.

2. For bereavement, a detailed letter from parents/guardians is required

III. Absence from Short-Term Assessment Items: e.g. tests, practicals, examinations

1. It is your responsibility to find out if any assessments are scheduled within the period of absence. (See your Course Outlines and Assessment Plans).

2. Absence for family holidays, attendance at music, speech or other extra tuition, routine medical and dental appointments and driving tests will result in a Not Achieved grade being awarded for the standard, and no further assessment opportunity will be offered.

3. If you are absent due to illness, you must obtain a Medical Certificate to be eligible for a rescheduled assessment opportunity or before you are eligible for a further assessment opportunity if offered. Failure to produce a medical certificate will result in a Not Achieved grade, and no further assessment opportunity will be offered. On your return, show the Medical Certificate to your subject teacher and then give it to the Deputy Principal in Charge of Assessment via Student Services.

Each subject’s Assessment Plan, given to you in the first week, shows predicted assessment dates. School activities may require some change in these dates. There will be at least two weeks’ clear notice of any change of more than one week.

Assessment items missed because of individual absence due to sport, cultural activities or family travel may result in Not Achieved grade and no further assessment opportunity offered.

Before the event, it is your responsibility to find out if any assessments are scheduled within the period of absence. (See your subject Assessment Plan). Absences will affect your course completion and opportunities for progressing to the next level of each subject. If an assessment is spread over more than one period and you miss one or more of these periods without formal exemption, you will still be required to use the remaining periods to attempt completion of the assessment. You will be graded on the assessment work you have been able to complete in this time.

4. If you are selected for school, regional or national representative groups, Spirit of NZ, or other approved reasons, you may be able to reschedule your assessments if it is manageable and feasible. However, if the assessment cannot be arranged at another time and no further opportunities for assessment are available, you may be withdrawn from the standard.

IV. Absence During Long-Term Assessments: e.g. Assignments and Projects

1. In all subjects, you will be given dates by which you must have completed the work and handed it into your subject teacher. It is most important that you do not leave this work until the last minute. THIS IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.

2. Extensions for chronic or ongoing illness are at the discretion of the Deputy Principal in Charge of Assessment, in consultation with your teacher/TIC/HOD, and must be applied for well in advance of the assessment due date.

3. All assessment work must be handed to your subject teacher at or before the beginning of the lesson on or before the due date AND time (unless otherwise stated by the teacher). Your teacher will register its arrival.

4. If your teacher is unavailable, you may hand your work to the Deputy Principal in Charge of Assessment or Student Services.

5. If you are away for all or part of the day the assessment is due; you may turn it in early, either by 8.20 AM on the day or any day prior. Alternatively, ALL of the following steps must be followed:

i) The assessment must still be handed in on the due date by 3:20 PM or at the alternative time negotiated with your teacher.

ii) The school must be contacted on the day to inform the subject teacher how you are sending the assessment to the school, e.g. by a parent, boarding staff, another student, courier, fax or email.

iii) You must produce a Medical Certificate or other evidence of approved absence.

e) If unexpected illness or absence occurs, then work to the stage of completion must be handed in on the day.

f) If a project or assignment is not handed in on time, it will NOT be graded, and a Not Achieved grade will be awarded.

g) In the case of an accident, family bereavement, or similar exceptional circumstance, you must contact the school as soon as possible. The situation will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.

As we continue to uphold academic standards and ensure consistency across all levels of education at our school, we would like to remind you of the guidelines regarding absences, particularly for students in the Junior School.

Consistency in Guidelines: Please note that similar guidelines regarding absences apply to the Junior School as they do for the senior levels. All students must adhere to these guidelines to maintain academic integrity and ensure fairness in assessment procedures.

Family Holidays/Vacations: We want to emphasise that family holidays or vacations do not constitute justified absences from school. While we understand the importance of spending time together as a family, it is crucial to prioritise your child's education and minimise disruptions to their learning.

Procedure for Absences: If your child will be absent from school for any reason, please fill out the School Absence Assessment Form on the Students@Dio website. This form helps us keep track of student absences and ensures that missed assessments are appropriately addressed.

Impact of Missed Assessments: It's important to recognise that any missed assessments could affect your child's understanding of a topic and overall academic progress. Therefore, we encourage parents to help their children stay on track by minimising absences and ensuring timely completion of assessments.

We appreciate your cooperation and support in reinforcing these guidelines with your child. By working together, we can create an environment that fosters academic excellence and personal growth for all students.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding absences or assessments, please get in touch with us. 

Absences Reminder

You can advise the school that your child is to be absent by using one of the following methods:

Email – Send an email to absent@wdsg.school.nz

Phone – Call 07 981 5555 and leave a message

You must state your name, your child’s name, their class or year level, and a reason for the absence. If the absence is for more than one day, please also advise us of this in your message. Thank you for your support.