Tackling Absences Together

Words to reduce guilt and grow understanding - why showing up matters

Why showing up to school matters – and how we can help

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We know even with the best of intentions mornings can be tough – especially when your tamariki aren't keen to come to school. You're not alone in that. We just want to say: we’re here for you."

 

Coming to school regularly helps tamariki build friendships, feel part of things, and keep up with their learning."

 

If getting to school is tricky, let’s talk. We can help with things like morning routines, anxiety, lunch support, or creating gentle morning check-ins with you and your child as you arrive."

 

There’s no shame here – just support. We all want the same thing: for your child to feel safe, connected and ready to learn.

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Need a hand? Reach out anytime. We’re here. 

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A gentle reminder about how attendance helps

The little things that make a big difference

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We all want our tamariki to feel confident, happy, and part of things at school — and one of the best ways we can support that is simply by being here, as often as you can.

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Even just one or two days away can make it harder for tamariki to keep up with friendships, routines, and learning. When they’re here regularly, they build confidence, stay connected, and feel like they belong.

Of course, sickness happens, and sometimes tamariki need time away. But every day really does count, and we’re always here to help if getting to school has become a bit tricky.

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We love seeing your tamariki. We notice when they’re here - and when they’re not.

Let’s work together to make every day a chance to grow!

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Tips for calm mornings

 

Making mornings a little easier

Some mornings can feel like a mad dash — missing socks, lost bags, tired tamariki (and tired parents too!). If things have been a bit hectic lately, here are a few simple ideas that might help bring a little more calm:

• Sort bags and clothes the night before – even just putting shoes by the door can save time.

• Get up 10 minutes earlier (we know... but it can work wonders for everyone’s stress levels).

• Keep breakfast simple – toast, a banana, or anything easy and familiar. And if you can’t manage this, our incredible (INSERT Breakfast Club team, kaiako, Office Manager) can, just let us know.

• Start with connection – a cuddle, a kind word, or music in the background can set a gentle tone. ​

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Keep rushing on the low down, keep calmness dialled up - even if you have to pretend!

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And if mornings feel tough more often than not, please reach out. We’re here to help – whether that’s with a slow start, a check-in, or a friendly face at the gate.

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You’re doing a great job. Let’s get through the morning rush, together!

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Let’s talk early – it always helps

If you’re finding things a bit hard right now — mornings feel tough, your child's feeling anxious, or you’re just not sure what’s going on — you don’t need to do it alone.

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Please reach out early. A quick kōrero can make all the difference, and chances are, there’s almost always something we can do to help.

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Sometimes it’s a friendly face at the gate, a quiet start to the day, a check-in with a trusted adult, or even just knowing someone’s in your corner.

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We’re here to listen, not to judge.

And we know that when we work together early, it’s easier for everyone, especially your tamariki.

Anytime you need – we’re just a call, text, or quick “kia ora” away.​