Attendance
At Mahurangi College, we believe that regular school attendance — 90% or more — is essential for helping young people achieve their goals. Being at school gives students the best chance to learn, grow, and build the knowledge and skills they need to pursue their dreams.
We fully support the government’s goal of raising student attendance to over 90%, because the evidence is clear: regular attendance is closely linked to academic success, social connection, and overall wellbeing.
If you're finding it difficult to get your child to school, please reach out — we’re here to help. Every child deserves a full and enriching education.
Legally, students are required to attend school every day unless they are unwell. While we understand that whānau holidays or extra-curricular activities may seem like valuable experiences, they are not considered justified reasons for being absent during term time.
However, we also recognise that not all absences are the same. Life can be complex, and there are times when students are away for reasons beyond their control — such as long-term illness, mental health concerns, bullying, or financial hardship.
If your child is facing challenges like these, please talk to us. In the first instance, please contact your child's Head of Year.
We’re here to work alongside families to remove barriers to attendance.
There are many forms of support available that can help make it easier for your child to come to school. While we do have systems in place to encourage regular attendance, our primary aim is to support whānau and reinforce just how important it is to be at school consistently.
Regular attendance sets the foundation for lifelong learning, strong relationships, and a positive future.
FAQ'S
GENERAL ATTENDANCE
Does Mahurangi College follow MoE guidelines/definitions for attendance reporting? Yes. Mahurangi College has implemented the MoE definitions of attendance and non attendance, and the MoE categories for attendance reporting. The codes are included at the bottom of this page.
What is considered ‘regular’ attendance? The MOE deems 90%+ as ‘regular attendance’. Our attendance requirements here at Mahurangi College align with this rate.
What is defined as attendance? Attendance is a student being present at school; or present on a school approved trip, camp or other activity; or enrolled in alternative education.
What is defined as non attendance? Non attendance may be either justified (e.g. illness/medical, explained and approved) or unjustified (e.g. unexplained, explained but not approved, holidays). It is important to note that justified absences are still considered non attendance and will impact a student’s attendance rate.
What is an ‘explained and approved’ absence? (J code) The absence is due to reasons such as: family emergencies, bereavement, representing in national events, or approved (by the principal) exemptions. The ‘J’ code is used. Note however, that this absence still impacts a student’s attendance rate, because they are not in class. These absences should be rare.
What is an ‘explained but not approved’ absence’? (E code) The absence is due to reasons that don’t meet the school's policy, such as: the student didn’t want to attend a sports day.
What does ‘attendance rate’ mean? This is the actual ‘at school, in class’ percentage. This rate is used in determining whether students qualify for certain events such as the senior ball. Please note that percentages on SchoolBridge may not be as accurate as the official Kamar record (Schoolbridge syncs from Kamar at various intervals so there can be a slight time delay). Students access Kamar through the portal.
Do you award prizes for 100% attendance? While perfect attendance is admirable, we don’t want students who should be at home when they are genuinely unwell coming to school. For that reason, we don’t incentivise perfect attendance.
How much leave can a principal approve? Up to a maximum of 5 days, for events such as weddings, tangihanga, graduations. This includes overseas leave. Generally, this leave will be recorded as J - explained and approved. Note however that even with this approval, a student’s attendance rate is impacted.
To what extent are individual circumstances considered? Each student’s individual circumstances are considered when making decisions about support, consequences and further referrals. This may include: health issues, family circumstances, attendance history, balance of justified vs unjustified absence, and attendance trajectory (improving or worsening).
What are the impacts of non-attendance? Non-attendance has a variety of effects on students, both academically and socially. Absenteeism can increase social isolation, including alienation and lack of engagement with the school community and peers, leading to emotional and behavioural difficulties. There is a clear correlation between attendance and academic achievement.
What are the requirements for the ball? Students are required to meet the 90% attendance rate expectation in the year of application to attend the ball.
Which school activities have an attendance requirement? The ball, AIMS, zone days, Mount Roskill and Hauraki exchanges, tournament weeks, prefect applications. The requirement ‘nudges’ students towards regular attendance.
Who do I contact if I have a question or concern about my child’s attendance? Please contact your child's Head of Year. They can help you if you have a question or concern about your child’s attendance, or you notice an error with your child’s attendance data.
