Attendance protocols for absence, lateness and leave
ABSENCE
When young people attend school regularly, they stay up to date with their learning and their academic development. Just as importantly, they stay connected to their friends, develop resilience, and feel that they belong. Missing school makes it harder to catch up, both academically and socially.
The Ministry of Education defines “regular attendance” as being at school more than 90% of the time. That means missing no more than five days in a term. Missing just one day every two weeks adds up to four weeks away from learning over the year. Over time, those missed days really affect a young person’s learning progression and social development.
If a student is going to be absent for the day, a parent / caregiver should let the school office know BEFORE 8:30am on the day of the absence. It is the parents’/caregiver’s responsibility to communicate this absence using the SchoolBridge app to notify the College every day a student is absent. Click this link to access the Ministry of Education’s stepped response to Absenteeism.
If a student is absent during the first two classes of the day and no notification has been received by the school, an automated text message will be sent to parents / caregivers to inform them of their child’s unexplained absence.
The student must notify the school explaining the absence to their Homeroom teacher as soon as they return to school, in addition to the phone call as this is a legal requirement set out by the Ministry of Education. Click this link if you would like to access Sancta Maria Catholic College Attendance Management Plan 2026.
We have a SchoolBridge App that enables parents and students to report any absences. Download the SchoolBridge App on your device to be up to date with College events and news.
This app can be downloaded free on your mobile device by clicking this link
Alternatively, you can download it using the App Store or Google Play by clicking the following links:
SchoolBridge on the App Store (apple.com) or Get it via Google Play (Android)
On the App you can find all school contact details, daily notices and newsletters, as well as report a student absentee (with one click), plus you can access KAMAR (our Student Management System) where you can track your child’s academic results and, where relevant, NCEA progress. Useful links on the App include our website, Microsoft 365, Facebook page, and Schoology access (for students).
LATENESS
School Procedure
In the first instance, please use SchoolBridge App to report any lateness to school. Students arriving late must report to the Student Centre to obtain a Late Pass. Students will not be allowed into class without this Late Pass.
If lateness persists, parents/caregivers will be contacted by their Kaiurungi, and a meeting will be arranged with parents/caregivers to discuss options to get students to school on time.
LEAVE PASSES (incl DAY TIME APPOINTMENTS)
No student may leave the school grounds during the day including morning tea and lunchtime without a valid reason and without following the procedures.
If you wish to take your child out of school during school hours, Parents/Caregivers are required to use the SchoolBridge App to report an absence. When collecting your child, please come to the Student Centre to sign the student out.
Please note: Students are not allowed to phone or text home via cell phone. All calls should take place from the Student Centre.
ILLNESS OR INJURY DURING THE SCHOOL DAY
If your child becomes ill during the school day, then they must report to the school’s medical room. The school medic will make an assessment and if required she will contact the parent/caregiver to organise a pickup from school. Students are not allowed to directly phone or text home. If you are asked to collect your child, Parent/Caregivers are required to act with urgency and come into the Medical Centre via the College Main Reception.
NON-MEDICAL ABSENCE NOTIFICATION DURING TERM TIME
All absence notifications for non-medical reasons (e.g., family holiday during school time) must be made in writing to Mr Lawrence Naicker, Assistant Principal (Wellbeing and Pastoral Care) L.Naicker@sanctamaria.school.nz at least two weeks prior to the event. With 12 weeks holiday annually, the College does not support leave within term time. There is a strong correlation between attendance and achievement. After school supervised study sessions, to catch up on missed work, will be required from students.