At Waimea College, our goal is for every student to maintain an attendance record of 90% or better.

With Covid throughout our community, supporting your teen's attendance at school will be a challenging task, however it is even more critical during these testing times. Regular attendance gives teens a sense of belonging and helps ensure they grow strong networks for support and friendship across the College.

There is a strong link between regular attendance and academic outcomes: The more your teen is at school, the better they will perform academically.

You need to know that when you send your teen to school they are where you expect them to be, so we can ensure they are safe and accounted for.

We ask that you support us by communicating any absences to the College at the earliest convenience so we can monitor and support your teens regularly.

To contact us with any absences that your teen may have from time to time, please contact the Attendance Office by email on attendance@waimea.school.nz or on 544 6099 Ext 811.

If your teen is absent and we haven’t had contact from you, we may send a text message to advise you and we will also follow up with your teen through their Form Teacher.

Attendance Detentions

It is our expectation that our students take responsibility for following up absences. Failure to provide a valid reason for an unexplained absence, supported by a parent, caregiver or member of staff, may result in a detention being issued.

Lunchtime Detentions:

• Students will be given a grace period of 3 days to clear unexplained absences.
• After the grace period, a lunchtime detention may be issued for the following Thursday.
• Students will be informed of their detention on the day by their Period 4 teacher.
• Students on detention will be given time to eat and use the bathroom before their Period 5 class.

After-school Detentions:

• Failure to attend a lunchtime detention, without a valid reason, may result in an after-school detention being issued.
• After-school detentions will take place on Tuesdays from 3.20 pm - 4.00 pm.
• Parents/Caregivers will be notified of any after-school detentions at least 24 hours prior.
• Bus students or those that are usually picked up from school will need to make alternative arrangements as required.

 We thank you in advance for your support.