The government has set a goal of 80% of students attending school regularly and more than 90% by 2030. Is that you or your teen?
To achieve this they have introduced the Stepped Attendance Response Plan (STAR) to ensure no teenager is left behind. Here at Burnside High School we have seen a positive increase in attendance over the past year, but we know there is more work to be done.
We need everyone to support this initiative please, as it is a pretty simple equation: high attendance delivers higher grades.
Attending school regularly ensures that we can support each student to achieve academically, access extracurricular opportunities and build positive relationships. A day away not only impacts your teen’s learning but affects others in class, particularly when working on group projects or collaborative tasks.
To achieve this we need to work collectively to set high standards for students to arrive at school on time, everyday and with the correct equipment ready to learn. We understand that for some whānau and students at times this can be difficult, so we have reviewed our attendance policies and systems to ensure we maintain open communication between school and home.
In line with the new Ministry of Education Stepped Attendance Response plan we have created the following structure that is in effect now.
0-4 days absent: School fortnightly reports: These reports contain attendance data (as well as their engagement/effort in classes). Please ensure these are reviewed when received, as they are the first step in our collaboration to support students to succeed. If you have any concerns please contact your child’s dean directly.
5 days absent: You will receive an email/letter from us. This is an opportunity to make the dean aware of any barriers that your teenager has with attending school. Together we will create a plan to make sure your teen can attend school regularly and remove or reduce barriers to attendance.
10 days absent: You will receive notification from your child’s dean. You will also be contacted by our Attendance Mentor, Jo Chapman, and given the opportunity to discuss the current barriers to regular attendance. Any support/s we can put in place internally and externally of school will be arranged. Together, we will create a Whānau Action Plan. Jo Chapman will continue to monitor and support your teen until they return to regular attendance.
15 days absent: You will be asked to attend school and meet with your teens Deputy Principal in person, alongside your teen, to discuss the challenges you are facing as a whānau. Other agencies may be asked to attend this meeting.
Continual absence: You will receive a formal letter from your child’s Deputy Principal that informs you that if your child’s attendance does not improve your child will be referred to Attendance Services (if under the age of 16). This service supports teenagers and their families who have not attended school for a while.
Reporting an absence
If your teen is going to be absent, for any reason, it is essential that you let us know as soon as possible, to avoid an unexplained absence.
It is important that you phone the school, send us an email or message us to confirm your teen’s absence and provide us with the reason. We acknowledge that there are genuine reasons students may occasionally be absent. We require the following from you:
*Your name
*Your child’s name and student number
*Reason for absence (saying ‘away today’ is insufficient)
*When your child is likely to return
School phone number: 03 3588383
Email: Absences@burnside.school.nz
Text: 0220436951
Please help us to ensure your teenager gets the very best education.
If you have any questions about this information please contact your dean. Thank you for your understanding and support.
