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By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
North Canterbury schools are bucking the trend when it comes to school attendance in the wake of Covid.
While education leaders around the country are lamenting high absentee rates, North Canterbury principals are collaborating to support staff and … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
North Canterbury schools are bucking the trend when it comes to school attendance in the wake of Covid.
While education leaders around the country are lamenting high absentee rates, North Canterbury principals are collaborating to support staff and whānau.
Former North Canterbury principal Simon Green, who now works as a leadership adviser with Evaluation Associates, supporting principals and boards of trustees across Otago and Canterbury, says there has been ‘‘a noticeable dip in attendance’’. Green is also Rangiora High School board of trustees chairperson.
‘‘There is a definite trend across Otago and Canterbury since Covid, where school attendance hasn’t tracked back as quickly as teachers would like.
‘‘It is a massive concern and something needs to happen to re-engage families before the start of next year.’’
But Green has been impressed with how his former colleagues have adapted.
‘‘North Canterbury schools are working hard and trying different things to improve engagement through the Kahui Ako (local education clusters). One of the strengths in North Canterbury is that the principals are close-knit. They work well together and support each other.’’
Under Ministry of Education guidelines, 90 percent attendance is the ideal, while less than 70% attendance (30% absence) is considered ‘‘chronically absent’’.
Recent media reports, quoting politicians, have used the term ‘‘chronically truant’’.
Rangiora High School principal Bruce Kearney said the school has been achieving about 80% attendance, which he said was ‘‘pretty good’’ considering the isolation rules earlier in the year and high levels of sickness.
‘‘How many industries have staff attendance at over 90% over the year during Covid? Do politicians have 90% attendance in Parliament? I would suggest there would be hardly any businesses at 90%, so why are we yelling at schools, when schools are just a reflection of the reality we are in?’’
Kaiapoi High School principal Jason Reid said his school has been contacted by the Ministry of Education wanting to learn more about how it is managing a low absentee rate.
He said the school’s success is in building relationships.
Students are divided into tutor groups (form classes) of about 15 students, with focus on wellbeing. Tutors follow up when students are absent, with tutors and deans contacting whānau when needed.
‘‘It is all about that communication, because sometimes the family doesn’t realise things have gone sideways.’’
By communicating with whānau, Reid said the school has been able to address any misunderstandings around isolation requirements.
‘‘I have empathy for other school principals dealing with high absence rates because of the complexity of human beings and the environment we are operating in. It could be us tomorrow.’’
Oxford Area School principal Mike Hart said about half of his students have about 90% attendance, with about one-third achieving 80% to 90%.
The September figures presented to the board of trustees had 7.2% listed as ‘‘chronically absent’’, compared to 7.7% nationwide.
Hart said families are experiencing higher levels of sickness than normal with Covid and the return of the flu. ‘‘The sickness pattern we are seeing is it is not just a day or two, but it is severe enough to put a student out for a week or more.’’
He said Covid had forced people to be more vigilant around symptoms, which was contributing to absence rates. With the border being open again, some families are also taking extended breaks to visit loved ones. Online learning options wee being offered so students could learn from home.
■ Public interest journalism funded through New Zealand on Air.
Share a festive photo of your furry friend and you could be in to win a $100 Prezzy® card. Because the smell of the Christmas tree and the ripping open of presents isn’t only exciting for us. But for them too.
All pets are welcome - Santa paws, claws, beaks, and squeaks. And if you don’t … View moreShare a festive photo of your furry friend and you could be in to win a $100 Prezzy® card. Because the smell of the Christmas tree and the ripping open of presents isn’t only exciting for us. But for them too.
All pets are welcome - Santa paws, claws, beaks, and squeaks. And if you don’t have a pet, that’s fine; we’d love to see your festive snaps too.
Ends 21 December 2022
What better way to while away a Friday afternoon and get your weekend DIY inspiration than drooling over the most beautiful house and garden content of the week?
Homed newsletter keeps you on top of the real estate market, takes you inside gorgeous New Zealand homes, give you a taste of how … View moreWhat better way to while away a Friday afternoon and get your weekend DIY inspiration than drooling over the most beautiful house and garden content of the week?
Homed newsletter keeps you on top of the real estate market, takes you inside gorgeous New Zealand homes, give you a taste of how celebrities live, keep you up to date with interior trends, provide project ideas, and more. Be inspired to dream big about your own space - and get on the path to making those dreams come true. Sign up for free here.
From local democracy reporter David Hill:
Revenue and expenditure exceeded expectations as the Hurunui District Council came through the 2021-22 financial year with an operating surplus of $5.5 million.
The council adopted its 2021-22 annual report on Tuesday, November 29.
Revenue for the… View moreFrom local democracy reporter David Hill:
Revenue and expenditure exceeded expectations as the Hurunui District Council came through the 2021-22 financial year with an operating surplus of $5.5 million.
The council adopted its 2021-22 annual report on Tuesday, November 29.
Revenue for the year was $61.1 million, $7.65 million above the budget, while operating expenses totalled $55.6 million, which was $6.7 million higher than expected.
The extra revenue was due to wages subsidies received during last year’s lockdown, emergency roading funding following the heavy rain events, development contributions from three subdivisions in Amberley and the increased value of council assets.
Wage costs were higher than expected, while the rain events and depreciation costs added to the council’s expenditure.
Chief financial officer Jason Beck said roading had a big impact, with a 30% increase in costs in the new roading contract contributing to the 10.5% rates increase adopted in June.
‘‘The increase to the value of the roading assets was 58%, pushing the value of the roading assets from $267 million to $421 million,’’ he said.
The council’s debt remained at $38 million throughout the year, lower than the $41.5 million anticipated in the budget.
From local democracy reporter David Hill:
Hurunui District councillors have voted to permanently close Kilmarnock Rd in Greta Valley and to authorise maintenance to the council’s social housing units in Waiau.
This followed a bridging engineers report in 2020 stating Deans bridge was no … View moreFrom local democracy reporter David Hill:
Hurunui District councillors have voted to permanently close Kilmarnock Rd in Greta Valley and to authorise maintenance to the council’s social housing units in Waiau.
This followed a bridging engineers report in 2020 stating Deans bridge was no longer serviceable as a public road bridge and should be removed from service.
Following discussions with the neighbouring landowner, staff recommended the road be closed at the council’s expense and the road and infrastructure be handed over to the landowner, who would accept liability for the bridge.
A recent property inspection of the social housing units in Leslie St, Waiau, found the plywood panels in each of the units was damaged at the bottom edge, exterior painting was faded and mould was starting to grow.
The costs will be covered from a budgeted surplus of $23,841 from the social housing units, which were established following the November 2016 earthquake.
Once again I am running a fundraiser for the Canterbury Region of the NZ Williams Syndrome Association. Each region in NZ tries to raise money for their biannual camp in Whanganui, January 2023. We haven't been able to hold the camp for 2 years now, due to covid, but we now have 4 days … View moreOnce again I am running a fundraiser for the Canterbury Region of the NZ Williams Syndrome Association. Each region in NZ tries to raise money for their biannual camp in Whanganui, January 2023. We haven't been able to hold the camp for 2 years now, due to covid, but we now have 4 days planned of wonderful learning, challenges, talent shows and connection.
So it's time once again to have a clean out of your sheds & garages for any Used Lead Batteries you have been meaning to take to the recycling depo. Cars, trucks, tractors, motorbikes, lawnmowers, solar etc etc. If you contact me on 0274655995 to arrange pickup. Please talk to your friends and families about this too, that would be much appreciated, Jenny McClintock.
flowering mix of lilies
viewing today
28 Papawai drive Rangiora 027 9373969
We are giving 10 lucky winners $1,000 cash each this Christmas, to enter all you have to do is make a purchase on Mags4Gifts. Spoil your loved ones by gifting them a subscription or treat yourself to your favourite magazine or newspaper subscription.
Mags4Gifts is your one-stop shop for all of … View moreWe are giving 10 lucky winners $1,000 cash each this Christmas, to enter all you have to do is make a purchase on Mags4Gifts. Spoil your loved ones by gifting them a subscription or treat yourself to your favourite magazine or newspaper subscription.
Mags4Gifts is your one-stop shop for all of your Christmas gifts with a range of over 50 products to choose from, including our popular NZ House & Garden, NZ Gardener, and TV Guide magazines.
Each product purchased on Mags4Gifts will automatically place you in the draw to win a cash prize - and the best part, there’s no limit on how many times you can enter! Promotion ends 8 Jan 2023, for T&Cs click here.
The team at Mags4Gifts
Hi, I am starting up my own graphic design business, so if you need a logo, branding, social media adverts, signage, stationery, flags or garments, give me call.
The all new range of bedroom furniture
.If you were interested in purchasing , or you wanted to check the 8dr out send a message to 022 677 1372. I'm located at Waikuku Beach
I have one for show, I may not have one for sale but I would have one finished ready to go approx 2 weeks … View moreThe all new range of bedroom furniture
.If you were interested in purchasing , or you wanted to check the 8dr out send a message to 022 677 1372. I'm located at Waikuku Beach
I have one for show, I may not have one for sale but I would have one finished ready to go approx 2 weeks from when you order.
This Lowboy is made from solid pine, With a clear coat of Lacquer to give it a nice pine look finish, the cabinets back and drawer bottoms are MDF,
Drawers run on metal runners with the small wheels.
Dim 1.400mm Width x .760mm Height x 410mm Deep
Looking to buy used Ride on Lawn Mowers for church project.
Any condition considered.
From local democracy reporter David Hill:
A quarry to excavate gravel could be established at Okuku River, north of Rangiora.
Environment Canterbury (ECan) has confirmed it has received a resource consent application from Darwin Earthworks Ltd to excavate gravel from the Okuku River bed, to … View moreFrom local democracy reporter David Hill:
A quarry to excavate gravel could be established at Okuku River, north of Rangiora.
Environment Canterbury (ECan) has confirmed it has received a resource consent application from Darwin Earthworks Ltd to excavate gravel from the Okuku River bed, to install temporary culverts and to disturb the river bed.
A permit to discharge contaminants to air, as a result of excavation works, has also been sought.
Darwin Earthworks Ltd is the landowner of the property at 216 Riverside Rd.
The application says the company plans to use the material for further local development and construction activities.
An ECan spokesperson said the council is conducting an assessment of the project’s environmental effects.
If those effects were considered to be ‘‘more than minor’’, the resource consent would be publicly notified, as required under Section 95A of the Resource Management Act.
‘‘When we make a decision on a resource consent, we consider the effects on the natural environment and how the activity will affect other people's use and enjoyment of the environment,’’ the spokesperson said.
ECan is awaiting expert advice on the consent proposals before making ‘‘a notification assessment’’.
■ Public interest journalism funded through New Zealand on Air.
Been stored in the barn and had some bird poop on it which has brushed off. Free to collect or can deliver locally for a small charge .
White Ribbon Day this Friday 25th - visit the stand in the foyer of the Rangiora Library during the day for your white ribbon and/or the 6-8pm event in the evening to hear Aviva and the Police (see the poster attached). Sponsored by the Zonta Club of Waimakariri and the Waimakariri District … View moreWhite Ribbon Day this Friday 25th - visit the stand in the foyer of the Rangiora Library during the day for your white ribbon and/or the 6-8pm event in the evening to hear Aviva and the Police (see the poster attached). Sponsored by the Zonta Club of Waimakariri and the Waimakariri District Council. Love to see you there!
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