Reporting an Absence

Should a learner be absent from school we require an explanation from the learner’s caregiver/s. The school may endeavour to make contact via phone, email or text message, however the onus of responsibility for reporting absences rests with the caregiver/s. 

While Whangaparāoa College encourages caregivers to report absences via our SchoolBridge App, there are multiple avenues through which to advise us:

* SchoolBridge App – available to download for both Apple and Android devices

CLICK HERE to download the SchoolBridge App.

* Email – [email protected]

* Phone – 09 424 9177 (following voice prompts to leave absentee message)

PLEASE NOTE: unexplained absences will be treated as truancy.

Late Arrivals / Signing In

If a learner is late, whatever the reason or time of day, they MUST sign in at Te Whare Hauora/lower reception, where a late pass will be issued.

Appointments / Exit Passes

All exit passes must be requested via either the SchoolBridge app, email, or phone call (please DO NOT leave a voice messages on the absences line for exit passes).

Clearly state the reason for the learner leaving the school grounds early, and the time they are required to leave class. Without this notification we are unable to release your learner, nor issue an exit pass.

ALL learners (Years 7 – 13 inclusive) MUST sign out at Te Whare Hauora/lower reception, before leaving the school grounds, where an exit pass will be issued.

Learners Leaving Early Due to Illness

Should a learner suddenly take ill while at school they MUST visit the Health Centre, where the school nurse will assess their need to go home and ensure that their attendance is marked to reflect this. An exit pass will be issued if arrangements have been made for the learner to leave the school grounds.

Contacting Learners During the School Day

If a parent or caregiver needs to contact their learner urgently during the school day (for example: last minute appointments), they should do so via their child’s school email address.

Only in EXCEPTIONAL circumstances should the school office be phoned to assist. NO appointment reminder messages will be sent out.

Notifying Pre-Planned Leave (e.g. Travel/Sport Representation)

Informing the college of pre-planned, non-school related leave (such as holidays, attending national/international sporting events etc.) during the school term must be done in writing to the principal at  [email protected] . 

This communication must include the learners first date of absence and the date the learner will return to school.

For participation in national or international sporting events please supply a Letter of Representation from the club/organisation for whom the Learner will be representing.

Pre-planned absences will be marked in accordance with the Ministry of Education guidelines. In the majority of cases, if the leave is non-school related the school is required to code the absence as EXPLAINED UNJUSTIFIED.