At Kawerau South School, we believe attendance is about belonging, learning, and thriving. When your child is here, they are part of our school whānau and building the foundations for their future. We use a "mana-enhancing" approach. This means we focus on removing barriers that get in the way of school, not on consequences.
Daily Procedures
Reporting Absences: Please notify the office by 9:00 AM if your child is away.
The Best Way: Use the HERO App to log absences directly - it’s the fastest way to keep us informed.
Why the Reason Matters: We are required by the MoE to code every absence (e.g., Medical, Tangi, or Explained). Providing a specific reason helps us ensure your child's record is accurate.
Curiosity Checks: If we notice a pattern (like missing several Fridays), your child's teacher will reach out for a check-in to see how we can help.
Whānau Hui: If attendance falls below 80% (approx. 10 days a term), we will invite you to a hui to create a plan together.
The Return: When your child comes back after being away, our first priority is reconnection. We want them to feel welcome and settled.
Contact Us: If you are finding it hard to get your child to school, please reach out to your classroom teacher or our Pastoral Team early - we are here to help.
Full Policy: For a detailed look at our procedures and responsibilities, you can view our full Attendance Management Plan (2026) here.