Going to school everyday makes school easier. If school is missed there is an expectation that all work is caught up as soon as possible, not to mention assessments, which on average occur once a week in senior school. We all know that at times it is very difficult to get teenagers out of bed and to school, especially in the winter terms. So here is some information and advice:

Legal Obligation: Parents or carers of children are legally responsible for making sure their child goes to school each day. Parents and carers can be prosecuted if their child is between 6 and 16 and is often away from school without good reason. The law exists because New Zealand believes that education is essential to a young person’s future and to the future of our country.

Helping your Teen Attend:

• Get to know the attendance system (eg ringing school if they are absent)
• Help them to get to school on time by waking them early enough, or getting them an alarm clock they can’t reach from their bed
• Plan mornings to ensure there is enough time to get to school either by walking or other reliable transport
• Restrict family holidays to school holiday time (this shows your daughter you highly value school attendance)
• Talk to them, without preaching, about the value and relevance of school, and about how good attendance is important to future employers
• If you are concerned, talk to the Dean earlier rather than later.

Our students are emerging adults. To become successful grown-ups they need to learn from those around them how to be mature, how to debate but not argue, how to problem solve and behave maturely. Teachers are one role model but the adults they observe most, are those at home. You are being watched!

Here are some ideas of how you can make the most of natural learning opportunities:
- Let them hear how you have problem solved situations about work, relationships etc.
- Spend 1:1 time weekly doing enjoyable activities coffee/hot chocolate, movies, exercise, watching a favourite TV show, craft etc.
- Eat around the table – allow them to be part of adult conversation.
- Discuss a controversial news item – trying to work our different views and perspectives on the issues (make sure you don’t put down their views, instead ask them to explain their opinion and accept it is their thoughts).
- As you do day-to-day activities, like paying bills and going to the money machine, talk about how you see the value of money and explain saving and interest to them.
- Sometimes talking face to face is too intense for teens so take the time to talk side-by-side while you are doing the dishes, driving the car, walking somewhere.

With examinations approaching it is vital students take care of their physical health as they strive to meet their academic goals.

• Hydration is extremely important, getting enough sleep, and eating sensibly are vital components of a well-balanced revision regimen.
• Before you start to brainstorm and plan essays for exams, make sure you take the time to revisit your class notes, ensure you have caught up on any missed notes - and that you understand all notes taken during lessons as you read over them each night.
• As exams draw closer begin to summarise your notes, for some students making small, portable cards (like cue cards) with important details are an excellent way to remember important facts. Other students may benefit from summarising notes onto a large A3 sized piece of paper – similar to a graphic organiser or mind map; people who are visual learners usually prefer this method.
• Don’t become overwhelmed and try to memorise everything you have learned all year! Your teacher will be able to advise you of relevant topics. Take the opportunity to complete practice essays or answers for homework and ask your teacher to supply you with feedback from these.
• Have a strategy – make sure you are aware of what is expected of you and the estimated time frames allowed for each section of your exams.  This will help lessen the anxiety you may feel in the examination.  Your teachers will happily assist you with this.
• Remember - have a spare pen and ensure your calculator batteries are fully charged.  You also need to be fuelled – a sensible breakfast and lunch are a must if you are to perform at your best.