Absences from school concern Principal

Tereora College Principal Mr Bali Haque has been very concerned with the amount of time students seem to be taking off from school, with the longest period being over a month off.
Mr Haque would like to urge the students and their parents that though some of the reasons the students do stay home are good, it would affect their report badly if they were not to catch up on the amount of school work they had missed.
“I am concerned about the number of students who are taking time out of school to attend a variety of often very worthwhile events (mostly cultural and sporting) both here, and overseas. Of course it is important that we support students as best we can in these circumstances. However missing school for a very long period of time, particularly in the senior school will severely disadvantage many students in terms of their academic results at the end of the year. “
Mr Haque told the Times that it is these results which will be considered by employers and tertiary institutions when making employment decisions and in determining remuneration. It is these results which will forever be on a student’s academic record.
Mr Haque said there should be a debate with the students and their parents on this issue.
“My teachers and I can advise the students and their parents against taking a large amount of time away from school, either for a sporting event, holiday or whatever, but in the end the decision lies with both the students and their parents. Teachers will try to help any student to catch up, but it depends on the students decisions to succeed at the end of the year,” said Mr Haque.
Mr Haque said those students who do take a long period away from school should trade off with the school for their school work. “We believe that any student who does take leave for longer than two weeks, should put in more effort than everyone else in class, to catch up, especially the senior classes.”

Headlines : Times 290 02 March 2009
- Lucky $1,000 winner
- Century old palm trees and the French connection
- Koutu Nui takes part in Raui meeting in Moorea
- WOM Award Dinner for Ake Hosea-Winterflood
- Island of Atiu to host Koutu Nui AGM in June 2009