Partnering for Attendance: Every Day Counts

At Longburn Adventist College, we believe that consistent school attendance is fundamental to achieving positive educational and life outcomes. We stand firmly alongside the New Zealand Ministry of Education’s clear directive: ensuring every student maintains "Regular Attendance," which is officially defined as attending school for more than 90% of the term.

According to Ministry data, regular attendance means a student misses fewer than five days across a standard ten-week term. When attendance falls below 90%—even by just a few days—it shifts a student into categories of irregular, moderate, or chronic absence. Ministry research establishes a clear, undeniable relationship between high attendance and academic attainment. Because learning is cumulative, even intermittent absences create gaps in understanding that directly impact a student's engagement and their performance in NCEA qualifications.

To actively support our families and keep our students thriving, LAC utilizes a Stepped Attendance Response (STAR) framework. This structured protocol monitors attendance patterns in real time, allowing us to recognize when a student’s data begins to slip. Rather than taking a purely reactive approach, the STAR framework outlines progressive, supportive actions—ranging from early parent alerts to collaborative care meetings—designed to identify barriers and restore regular attendance habits quickly.

Achieving the 90% benchmark requires a strong partnership between home and the college. When your child is absent, please notify our attendance office on the morning of the absence. Together, we can ensure our young people remain present, engaged, and fully equipped to reach their potential.

Our Stepped Attendance Response (STAR)

The guide below details the protective steps, thresholds, and support systems LAC activates to foster and uphold regular attendance across our school community.