Attendance

At Rongotai College, we recognise the importance of regular attendance to help our students achieve their potential. 

Our 2025 NCEA results highlighted that success is significantly impacted by attendance; from our attendance data, a clear picture emerges on what it takes to succeed. Data below shows that there were significant differences in average attendance between Year 11 students who gained NCEA Level 1 last year and those who did not. This data is consistent across year levels and over the last three years. For your son to gain the greatest benefit from education offered at Rongotai College,  he must be at school.

In addition to attendance having a direct impact on student achievement, it also impacts on their belonging at school and their ability to thrive. All of our responses exist to ensure the success of our students. Our approach is guided by our values, our vision, the Strategic Plan and MoE requirements.

Our attendance procedures ensure students are accounted for during schools’ hours. This allows school staff to identify and respond to student attendance concerns.

We have a Stepped Attendance Response (STAR) to ensure we are able to identify students and offer appropriate interventions at the thresholds to support students to return to regular attendance.


The Education Act says that parents (caregivers) are responsible for ensuring their children receive a suitable education.  The act requires that parents enrol their children and ensure they attend.

This includes parents making sure their children attend school on time, suitably dressed and in a fit state to learn.

The law enables schools to authorise absence for the following:

  • acceptable medical reasons or an unavoidable cause
  • bereavement
  • exceptional or family circumstances at the school’s discretion.

Any requests for leave should be made in advance of the proposed absence.  Permission may be given by the Principal but consideration will be given to the effect such absence might have on your son’s education, taking into account the boy’s attendance record to date.

What should you do if your son is absent?
As a minimum requirement you should:

  • inform the school via the school’s email ([email protected]) or the 24 hour attendance line (phone 939 3050 then press 1), on the first morning of absence and if possible give the expected day of return
  • keep the school informed, especially if the return date alters
  • seek an appointment with your son’s dean to arrange for work to be sent home, if it is known in advance that your son will be away for some time.

What if your son arrives late?
Generally, lateness is not acceptable.

Therefore, a boy arriving late, after the roll is completed, should bring a note explaining the reason, or have the lateness explained by email ([email protected]) or on the 24 hour attendance line (939 3050 then press 1).  Arriving late will cause disruption to learning.

What about medical appointments?
Requests for your son to be allowed out of school should be sent prior to the date.  He will be released from school in sufficient time to attend the appointment and should return to school if time allows.

Every attempt should be made to arrange such appointments outside school hours.

What about other reasons for absence?
These situations will be dealt with individually by the school on their merits.

It is generally not acceptable for your son to be absent for reasons such as:
work
minding the house
looking after younger children
going shopping during school hours
celebrating his birthday
adverse weather

Who monitors attendance?
The school is responsible for authorising absence and will therefore check attendance regularly.

Unjustified absence for which the school does not give approval will be followed up by the school and may be referred to Truancy Services.  Frequent authorised absences may also be referred.