Absences | Ngā Ngaronga

Please let the kura know each morning if your child will be absent.

You can report an absence by:

• phoning the kura on (09) 406 8830

• emailing office@waiharara.school.nz

Please also advise the bus driver if your child normally travels on the kura bus.

Prompt notification helps us ensure every tamaiti is safe and accounted for. When we have not received an explanation for an absence, the kura will contact the parent or caregiver as part of our usual attendance procedures.

We understand that tamariki may occasionally need to be away from kura for important or urgent whānau matters. We ask whānau to use their discretion and to keep the kura informed.

Attendance Management Plan | Mahere Whakahaere Taetae Mai

Te Kura o Waihārara Attendance Management Plan

View the Attendance Management Plan

This Board-approved framework guides how our kura prevents, identifies, responds to, monitors and reviews student attendance.

At Te Kura o Waihārara, attendance is about more than simply being present. It is about belonging, connection, hauora and ensuring every tamaiti has the opportunity to learn and thrive.

We work in partnership with whānau to uphold mana, strengthen relationships and support the success of every ākonga.

The plan outlines how we respond to attendance patterns in a respectful, proactive and consistent way, grounded in our kura values of Ako, Kaitiakitanga and Rangatiratanga. It aligns with Ministry of Education attendance requirements and the Stepped Attendance Response.

The Stepped Attendance Response (STAR) is a Ministry of Education framework that guides how schools respond when patterns of absence begin to develop.

It supports schools to:

• set clear expectations for regular attendance

• identify concerns early

• respond consistently and appropriately

• work alongside ākonga, whānau and support agencies

• provide increasing levels of support as absences accumulate.

Every state and state-integrated school is required to have an Attendance Management Plan. The plan must take account of the STAR framework and reflect the needs of its own kura community.

At Te Kura o Waihārara, our Attendance Management Plan outlines the actions we take when an ākonga reaches 5, 10 or 15 days of absence within a term. These absences include both explained and unexplained absences. Required responses are recorded in the school’s student management system.

Our response may include:

• checking in with the tamaiti and whānau

• identifying barriers to attendance

• developing practical and individualised support

• working with attendance services or other agencies when needed

• monitoring progress and reviewing the support provided.

Our approach is grounded in Ako, Kaitiakitanga and Rangatiratanga. Attendance concerns are addressed through early communication, mana-enhancing relationships and partnership with whānau.

Te Kura o Waihārara is part of the Duffy Books in Homes programme, which helps tamariki build a love of reading and their own collection of books at home.

Each term, tamariki receive a brochure and choose free books with the support of their whānau. The books usually arrive near the end of the term and are presented at a special assembly. At times, visiting authors, athletes and local role models join us to celebrate reading and encourage our ākonga.

Whānau can support this kaupapa by:

• helping tamariki choose books that interest them

• reading together at home

• visiting the local library

• showing that reading is something everyone can enjoy.

Duffy Books also provides special books for positive recognition, younger siblings’ birthdays, and whānau promotions. These books help us celebrate effort, kindness and a growing love of reading.

At Te Kura o Waihārara, positive behaviour, resilience, and wellbeing are strengthened through Kaupapa Māori, Hauora Māori, everyday expectations, and targeted support programmes that uphold the mana of each child.

This includes programmes such as Mana Potential and Mauri Oho, which support tamariki to grow in confidence, strengthen their identity, build positive relationships, and develop strategies for managing challenges in healthy ways.

We take concerns such as bullying seriously and respond in ways that seek to restore safety, dignity, wellbeing, and mana. Our goal is for every child to feel safe, valued, supported, and connected at kura.

At Te Kura o Waihārara, we believe tamariki thrive when they are surrounded by strong, respectful, and caring relationships. Our kura values of Rangatiratanga, Ako, and Kaitiakitanga, together with the principles of Tika, Pono, and Aroha, guide the way we support learning and behaviour.

Students are expected to follow the learning and safety expectations of the kura, show respect and care for others, and take responsibility for their choices. When concerns arise, our approach is restorative and focused on preserving the mana of all involved. We work alongside tamariki to reflect, repair harm, and restore relationships.

If behaviour impacts learning or safety, whānau will be contacted so that we can work together on the best way forward.

Concerns and Complaints

At Te Kura o Waihārara, we value respectful communication and strong relationships with whānau, hapū, and iwi. If you have a concern, we encourage you to raise it early so that we can kōrero together and work towards a positive solution for our tamariki.

Please speak first with the classroom teacher or staff member most closely involved. Many concerns can be resolved through early, respectful conversation.

If the matter is not resolved, or you would like further support, please contact the Tumuaki / Principal to arrange a time to meet.

To protect teaching and learning time, we ask that concerns are raised outside of class time and not in front of tamariki.

If a matter becomes a formal complaint, a written complaint can be made after these first steps have been followed. A copy of the kura complaints policy is available from the school office.

We ask that all communication with kura staff remains respectful and safe at all times. Our goal is always to work together in a way that upholds the mana of everyone involved and supports the wellbeing of our kura community.

Do whānau need to pay school fees at Te Kura o Waihārara?

No. Our kura does not charge school fees or ask whānau for regular donations.

From time to time, there may be optional costs for particular activities, trips or events. Whānau will always be informed in advance, and support can be discussed with the kura if needed.

Te Kura o Waihārara supports the hauora and learning of tamariki by providing healthy food and drink during the school day.

Through Ka Ora, Ka Ako, every ākonga receives a healthy, nutritious lunch each day. The name Ka Ora, Ka Ako reflects the understanding that when tamariki are healthy and well, they are better able to learn.

Fresh fruit is also available, and breakfast support is provided through the KickStart Breakfast programme.

Our kura promotes healthy choices and is a water-only school. Filtered, chilled drinking water is available throughout the day.

Whānau are welcome to provide additional healthy snacks for their tamariki if needed.

Te Kura o Waihārara – School Lunch Menu – Term 1 2026 

Te Kura o Waihārara – School Lunch Menu – Term 2 2026 

Te Kura o Waihārara – School Lunch Menu – Term 3 2026 

Te Kura o Waihārara provides free school transport for eligible tamariki within our local area.

Our school bus collects and returns tamariki from designated pick-up and drop-off points. Please let the kura know when enrolling if your child requires this service so that transport arrangements, times and collection points can be confirmed.

We expect all tamariki travelling on school transport to demonstrate safe and respectful behaviour. Whānau and tamariki are asked to discuss and sign the School Transport Behaviour Agreement when enrolling. Continued access to school transport depends on these expectations being followed.

Unless the kura receives a phone call or message advising of a change by 12.00 pm, your child will be transported to their usual drop-off point.

The kura also operates a school van. Where a whānau lives outside the school bus route, we may be able to provide additional transport support. Please contact the kura to discuss the options available.

During the swimming season, tamariki have regular opportunities to develop their water confidence, swimming skills and understanding of water safety. Lessons with a qualified swimming instructor may also be included as part of the kura learning programme.

Tamariki should bring appropriate swimwear, a swimming cap and a towel each day during the swimming terms. Please ensure all items are clearly named.