Attendance
Welcome to Our Attendance Community
At Bathgate Park School, we believe that every day counts. Regular school attendance is vital for the success and wellbeing of our tamariki. Attending school every day supports our tamariki to build the strong foundations they need for both their learning and social development. When our students are here every day, they build the confidence, friendships, and habits that set them up for a lifetime of success.
Partnering for Success
We view attendance as a true partnership between home and school. Our goal is to work alongside you to ensure your child achieves their full potential. This is Angitu, the last A in our A.R.O.H.A. values. We know that life can occasionally present barriers, and we are committed to an empathetic, "no-blame" approach. Whether your child is thriving or facing challenges, we are here to support your whānau every step of the way
Why Every Day Matters
Attending school regularly—which we define as being here at least 90% of the time—gives your child the best possible chance to succeed.
Consistency: Ākoka are able to build on their learning day by day without gaps.
Wellbeing: Regular attendance helps ākoka feel settled, connected, and less anxious about their schoolwork.
Future Habits: Being on time and present builds the reliability and "can-do" attitude that will serve them well into high school, the workforce and adulthood.
How We Support You
We promise to keep the lines of communication wide open. This includes:
- Providing regular updates on your child's attendance so there are no surprises
- Celebrating and acknowledging improved or excellent attendance together.
- Offering a helping hand through our Learning Support Coordinator or external agencies if getting to school becomes difficult.
Quick Guide for Parents & Whānau
We want to make managing your child’s attendance as easy as possible. Below is a quick summary of how we can work together to ensure our tamariki are safe, settled, and ready to learn.
If your child is going to be late or absent, please notify the kura as soon as possible. If we do not hear from you, by the afternoon, they must be marked as truant (T). You can let us know about a lateness or absence through any of the following channels:
- Text Message: Send a quick text to the school mobile 027 3322 394
- Phone Call: Call the school office directly. (03)4553421 or cell 027 3322 394
- Email: Send an update to our administration email office@bathgatepark.school.nz
- Parent Portal: Once our SMS parent portal is operational, you can log absences directly there.
Setting Your Child Up for Success
Small habits at home make a big difference in how your child feels when they arrive at school. Here are a few ways to support them:
- Morning & Evening Routines: Consistent routines help children feel organised and prepared for the day ahead.
- Digital Wellbeing: Switching off devices early and keeping them out of bedrooms encourages the restful sleep needed for learning.
- Planning Ahead: Where possible, please arrange medical appointments, family trips, or holidays during school holidays or outside of kura hours.
- Positive Attitude: Celebrate your child’s progress and use rewards to encourage them to get to school on time each day.
When You Need a Helping Hand
We know that sometimes going to school can feel difficult for a child, which can be stressful for the whole family. If you are having trouble getting your child to school:
- Talk to us early: Reach out to your child’s teacher or the Principal as soon as concerns arise.
- Access Support: Our Learning Support Coordinator (LSC) can introduce you to support people and external agencies designed to assist families.
- Collaborate: We are happy to meet and explore the reasons for absence so we can create a tailored attendance support plan together.
Helpful Links
Education Review Office (ERO)
Attendance: Getting Back to School
Ministry of Education
Student Attendance: When your child should be at school
Stepped Attendance Response – STAR
What is the relationship between attendance and attainment?
Health New Zealand
Knowing if Your Child is Well Enough to go to School
Legal Framework
Education and Training Act 2020