Attendance Management Plan 2026

Attendance Management Plan                    

At our most recent Board of Trustees meeting, the Board formally approved our new Attendance Management Plan, which follows the STAR (Stepped Attendance Response) approach. This framework is designed to ensure we respond consistently, proactively, and supportively to student attendance, with clear steps for parents, the school, and the Ministry of Education.

This plan aligns with the new national attendance expectations required for all New Zealand schools by 1 January 2026. The STAR framework outlines four tiers:
GOOD, WORRYING, CONCERNING, and SERIOUS CONCERN, each with clear actions for whānau and the school. You’ll see a summary of these stages in the graphic attached. Our goal is simple: to ensure every learner attends school regularly, feels supported, and has every opportunity to succeed.

Why Attendance Matters                    

Regular attendance is one of the strongest predictors of a child’s progress, confidence, and sense of belonging at school. Even a few days away each term can add up and impact learning, friendships, and routine.

We kindly ask parents and whānau to make every effort to ensure children attend school every day they are well. Please avoid taking holidays during school time, as these absences are recorded as “unjustified” and can quickly move a learner into the “Worrying” or “Concerning” categories under our new plan. Term breaks are designed so that families have dedicated time to rest, travel, and reconnect outside of the school year.

Working Together                    

The STAR approach emphasises partnership. When absences begin to increase, we work alongside families to understand the reasons, remove barriers, and put supports in place early. The Board and staff are committed to ensuring that our school environment is welcoming, inclusive, and responsive so that all ākonga feel confident coming to school each day.

We appreciate your support as we implement this important plan. By working together, we can help every learner thrive.