The STAR Attendance Plan – What This Means for Families

From the beginning of 2026, the Ministry of Education has made it a legal requirement for all schools to follow the STAR Attendance Plan.

In simple terms, this means:

• Schools must closely monitor attendance.

• We must follow up promptly when children are absent.

• Patterns of non-attendance must be addressed.

• Families will be contacted and supported if attendance drops below expected levels.

• Additional support services may be involved if needed.

This is not about blame. It is about ensuring every child has access to the education they deserve.

At Whanagparāoa School, we have always taken attendance seriously. The new legislation strengthens the expectation that children attend school regularly unless there is a genuine reason they cannot.

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Some things to think about:
 

Appointments and Holidays

Where possible, we ask that:

• Medical and dental appointments are made outside of school hours or during school holidays.

• Family holidays are taken during term breaks.

We understand that sometimes this is not possible, but we appreciate families making every effort to protect valuable learning time.
 

If You Need Support

We know that every family’s situation is different. If you are experiencing challenges getting your child to school, please reach out.

We are here to support you, whether that means practical strategies, connecting you with services, or working together on a plan. When schools and families partner together, children thrive.

 

At Whangaparāoa, we believe in ownership, respect, collaboration and achievement. Regular attendance reflects all four of these values.

Let’s work together in 2026 to lift our attendance to 75% of students attending 90% of the time and show what is possible when a community commits to making every day count.

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