Attendance

Attendance is absolutely essential for student achievement in a schooling setting. It has been identified as one of the main factors influencing student achievement.
 
It is through a student’s attendance and active participation in class that they have the opportunity to engage with their teacher and other students to learn.
 
The evidence clearly shows that for a student to achieve they need to be in class. In 2009 the attendance rate for all students gaining Level 1 in Yr 11 was 9% greater than for those who did not achieve Level 1. 
 
While we appreciate that there are genuine reasons why an absence is justified, it still means that the student is not in class. Some acceptable reasons for absence include:

Genuine illness
Medical or dental appointments
Bereavement
Cultural or sporting representation
(see full list below)
 
The Board of Trustees has put a great deal of effort into ensuring teachers have the equipment to do their attendance registers electronically. This means we are able to track students more thoroughly. 
 
We do need the support of the community to ensure students turn up on time for class.
 
Removing students from school because of any of the following is unacceptable and undermines the partnership between the home and school. (These excuses have been given in the past).

• It is their birthday.
• Airfares are cheaper in term time.
• They deserve a treat.
• Looking after ill family members.
• Religious festivals.
• Hair appointment.
• Parents work schedule.

 
(Many of these activities can take place after 3.10pm)
 
If you have queries concerning absences please contact your child’s Dean.
 
Lateness is also unacceptable. Students should arrive at their assembly or form class by 8.40am.   Students need to be in class at that time to get details about school activities for the day and to communicate with their form teacher or Dean.
 
Where a pattern of lateness or non-attendance is noted you will receive a letter notifying you of the absences and the requirement for your child to attend an after school detention to make up the missed time. 
 
TERM DATES 2012
 

Term 1	Wednesday 1 February –Thursday 5 April
Term 2	Monday 23 April – Friday 29 June
Term 3	Monday 16 July – Friday 28 September
Term 4	Monday15 October – Friday14 December

 
Parent Support
 
 1. For all absences please phone the absence line on 6270600, ext. 729 or email absence@lynfield.school.nzspecifying the reason for the absence.
 

•  Absence from assessment activities:When a student misses an assessment test or deadline due to illness or circumstances beyond their control they may apply for the achievement level to be recognized with a grade.

A written request, which includes a detailed explanation of the circumstances and a doctor’s certificate in the case of illness, must be handed to the Head of Department with 5 days of the missed assessment activity.
 

•  If a child is being removed from school for a period of time please write to the Principal well in advance informing him of your intentions. 

 

• Dropping students off after 8.40am means they are late.  

 

2. It is important that your address and contact details are up to date on our school system.  Please phone or email any updated details to our Deans’ Reception on ext. 731 or   skohler@lynfield.school.nz

 
 3. If you have any questions regarding monitoring student attendance please do not hesitate to contact Leisa Munro, Deputy Principal, ext. 706, or lmunro@lynfield.school.nz 
 
 
 LYNFIELDCOLLEGE
 

Justified / Explained Absences

• Cultural or sporting representations at regional or higher level
• Illness (including hospitalisation)
• Medical/dental appointments
• Bereavement
• Exceptional Family circumstances – may include travel for special occasions (application should be made to the Principal) / may be sensitive and involve other agencies
• Vehicle breakdown/train/bus delay/car accident/natural disaster
• Citizenship Ceremony
• Ballet/music/speech exam
• Drivers Licence
• Bullying (follow up)
• Accident before school – may include injury to an animal

 
_____________________________________________________
 
Explained (but unjustified )
No explanation – defined as T (Truant)

• Being an interpreter for family
• Religious festival
• Looking after ill family members
• Babysitting
• Part-time job commitments
• Parents work schedule
• Holiday
• Birthday
• Unresolvable wet clothing
• Non-school cultural/sporting event
• Hair appointment
• Visa / passport / consulate business
• Taking exams overseas
• Moving house
• Going to the airport