Regular school attendance is mandatory in New Zealand for students aged 6–16. The Government have a target of 90% attendance, which equates to 90 days a term out of a 100-day term. The Ministry of Education has direct access to school attendance records. They expect schools to address issues related to poor attendance. The school is here to assist if parents/caregivers have any barriers which restrict their child’s attendance. Please contact the school office if needed. Lateness is also recorded and is an issue, as late arrivals miss important start-of-the-day messages, and they take a while to settle. We must teach our children the importance of being punctual. Justified vs. Unjustified: Absences like sickness are generally accepted. However, term-time holidays are considered unjustified. Principals may approve special leave for up to 5 days. Impact on Learning: Higher attendance is directly linked to better attainment and improved student wellbeing.