This is an example of letter # 1,2,3,4
sent by a school to a parent/caregiver
LETTER #1
Board of Trustees school logo address etc
Dear Mr and Mrs xxx
The school notes that (name of student) has developed a concerning pattern of non-attendance. Please find attached the attendance record for the following (give time frame) The Board of Trustees is concerned that this absence pattern may be the beginning of a negative attitude toward school The school would appreciate it if you could please visit (school name) to discuss the matter with (persons name).
It would be appreciated if contact with the school could be made before (give date)
Yours Faithfully Principal/BOT
Chairperson or Secretary
- school meet with parent/caregiver
- discuss issues/causes of truancy
- agree on strategies with the parent/caregiver to improve attendance
*If no response to letter #1,
consider using the Central or South Taranaki District Truancy Services they will check the students situation and insure that letter #2 is sent by the school and then will refer to Rock On
LETTER # 2
Board of Trustees school logo address etc
Dear Mr and Mrs xxx
It is apparent that (name of student) has not been attending school regularly despite our previous letter dated (give date).
Please note below the attendance record for the following period....(give time frame)
The Education Act (1989) requires all children & young people to be enrolled and attending school from their 6th to their 16th birthday whenever the school is open.
All absences are to be explained and illness should be the principle reason for non-attendance.
Absences over three days should be covered by a Doctors certificate.
It has been suggested that (name of student) absences are not always due to sickness. We would like to resolve this issue of non-attendance.
Please visit (name of school) to discuss this matter with (persons name) Please contact the school before....(give date).
Yours Faithfully Principal/BOT
Chair or Secretary
- At this stage it is advised that a Rock On referral is made.
- The Police (uniformed) will deliver a Rock On letter to the parent/caregiver. (the RO letter is from the Police and not from a school)
-If Truanting behaviour continues.
letter #3 is sent.
LETTER # 3
Board of Trustees school logo address etc
Dear Mr and Mrs xxx
The Board notes with concern that (name of student) attendance remains unsatisfactory.
The school has contacted you previously expressing concern regarding the attendance at school of (name of student).
Please refer to letters sent to you on (give dates).
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I must inform you that the Board, under the Children Young Persons & their Families Act (1989) has now referred this matter to a Care and Protection Co-coordinator at Child, Youth and Family for the purpose of convening a Family Group Conference to address the concerns.
Should you wish to discuss this matter, please contact (name, phone number)
Yours Faithfully Principal/BOT
Chairperson or Secretary
Response after letter # 3.
- Hold a care & protection Family Group Conference.
- If the student continues to be Truant after this process.
LETTER # 4
Board of Trustees school logo address etc
Dear Mr and Mrs xxx
As a result of the Family Group Conference held for (students name) on (date), a plan was implemented.
The Board of Trustees has noted that conditions of this plan are not being met, namely .......
We have now forwarded this matter to the Police with the view to prosecution.
Your Faithfully Principal/BOT
Chairperson or Secretary
Response following letter # 4..........PROSECUTION
It is hoped by all concerned that a case does not reach the end of this process leading to prosecution.
Stephan Dyer
T.O. CT&STDTS