New Attendance Notifications for 2026
Starting this term, we have implemented a new automated notification system that aligns with the Stepped Attendance Response Framework developed by the Ministry of Education. Consistent time in the classroom is the biggest predictor of student success, and we want to ensure we are working together to support every learner.
Our system will now send automated email updates when a student reaches specific absence milestones within a single term: 5, 10, 15, and 20 days. Please note that these notifications are triggered by total absences, including those marked as medical or justified.
Our Tiered Support Approach: Depending on the number of days missed, the school will take the following actions:
- Tier 1 (5 Days): You will receive a courtesy email. This is simply for awareness and to offer any additional support that may be required.
- Tier 2 (10 Days): When a student reaches this milestone, it triggers our Tier 3 support protocol. We will contact you to organise an in-school meeting to discuss any barriers to attendance and how we can best support your child’s return to regular attendance.
We understand that every family’s situation is unique, and our goal is to be proactive partners in your child’s education.
Catch Casting – Casting Call for Local Pasifika TV Series
Stu from Catch Casting. is a 2 x EMMY nominated casting Director based in Tāmaki. His credits include: Hunt For The Wilderpeople, Sweet Tooth, The Breaker Uppers, Chief Of War, The Mine Craft Movie and Next Goal Wins.
He is looking for the next Star for a TV series directed by Damon Fepulea’i (Inky Pinky Pinky Ponky and Red White & Brass).
They’re currently searching nationwide for a Polynesian boy aged 14 – 19 for a lead role to play a character that is 16 in a new local TV series. They’re open to people who are from the PASIFIKA COMMUNITY, as well as those who identify as mixed Pasifika ethnicity.
You can be based anywhere in New Zealand to APPLY HERE.
NOTE: Because they are casting nationwide – Production would cover all travel and accommodate for anyone we cast outside of Auckland for the shoot. This would include a chaperone to accompany them if they are under 16 years.
ABOUT THE SHOW:
It’s good to know that this is a family show so there is no intimacy for this role.
At its core it’s a father/Son story about two polar opposite characters struggling to co exist. In a world where toxic masculinity is a major talking point we will explore what it means to be a “real man” This is a project that will have the two main characters debate divisive subjects such as gender identity, religion, sex and colonisation.
It will blend action and comedy while exploring deeper layers beneath its surface as the two main characters explore the meaning of life, often clashing over their opposing views.
ABOUT THE ROLE:
This character is exploring their masculinity, he’s curious and open. He doesn’t like labels because he doesn’t know yet where he sits, so actors must be comfortable with playing a character exploring a potential queer identity OR perhaps even just a sensitive, non macho nature. They don’t need to be queer. They will tailor the character around the actor cast. We are also interested in any extra talents that the actor may have, such as dancing or singing, that could be incorporated into the story.
International Student takes part in Cancer Society Relay for Life
One of our International students Elodie Mey (pictured in the red bandana) ran 70kms from 9am – 8.30pm recently to support the Cancer Society Relay for Life! Well done Elodie!
She is being encouraged by fellow International students, Paula Bonnichsen (on the left in blue), and Nele Brell (on the right in striped top).
2026 Japan Cultural Experience
JCE 2026: Hitachi & Tokyo Trip Details
- Study Tours will be hosting one more online information evening:
Monday 23 March at 6:30pm
Registration is required to receive the meeting link. Please Register Here.
For further information please VISIT OUR WEBSITE HERE
Sail & Kayak Programme – 8-12 April 2026
An opportunity for students interested in the Sail & Kayak Programme will be held in the school holidays. They could voyage aboard the iconic vessels Steinlager 2 and Lion New Zealand, run by the New Zealand Sailing Trust.
This 5-day voyage is a unique opportunity for students to experience life at sea, develop teamwork and leadership skills, and explore Aotearoa’s stunning marine environment.
- Open to students aged 14–18
- 8th-12th April, School Holidays
- No sailing experience required – just a sense of adventure!
Learn more about our voyage HERE
The New Zealand Sailing Trust is also an Approved Activity Provider for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award, and this voyage qualifies as either:
- an Adventurous Journey, or
- a Residential Project
Learn more about our partnership HERE
Students that take R22 and R25 Bus – Information
Rocktopia Holiday Programme
The Rocktopia Climb & Craft Holiday Programme we will be running during the April Easter school holidays.
The programme is designed to give children a fun and active experience, combining climbing activities with creative craft sessions in a safe and supportive environment.
- Programme: Climb & Craft Holiday Programme
- When: April Easter School Holidays
- Who: Children aged 6-14 years
- Activities: Climbing sessions, creative crafts, and supervised fun activities
To book or for more information email admin@rocktopia.co.nz
Japan Scholarship Opportunity
AFS Intercultural Programmes is a global non-profit leader in student exchange and intercultural education. For over 75 years, we have provided life-changing exchange experiences for students, and we are delighted to once again make the MEXT Japan Scholarship available to New Zealand students.
Majority-funded by the Japanese Government, the MEXT Scholarship programme offers students the chance to embark on a four-week full-immersion programme in Japan this October.
Programme Highlights
Full Immersion: Students will live with a local Japanese host family and attend a Japanese high school.
Funded travel: MEXT Scholarship covers international travel, insurance, orientation and more. (Note: A NZD4,000 participant contribution applies.)
Support: 24/7 support from AFS Japan and AFS New Zealand throughout the programme.
Eligibility & Key Dates:
Who: Students aged 15.6 to 18.6 at departure
Language: Studying Japanese or a strong desire to learn
Dates: 7 October – 8 November 2026
Applications close: 27 April 2026
How to Apply:
Interested students can complete the enquiry form and view full details (incl. full eligibility criteria) here: MEXT Japanese Scholarships!
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to the team at info-newzealand@afs.org
The Great K Valley Cycle Adventure – 29 March
Rotary invites you to join a family friendly scavenger hunt by bike or on foot in the Kopurērērua Valley Reserve on Sunday 29th March between 10am to 2pm.
(It’s only $45 for the whole team of up to 6). Dress up if you want, meet at the bottom of 17th Avenue, have the time of your life and win prizes.
