Winning the War against Truancy

PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE USE 15th February 2006

Winning the War against Truancy.

Over twenty five percent of schools throughout the country are now using the CEPNZ Truancy Resource Pack released two years ago.

A recent survey has shown that all schools that have fully implemented the strategies contained on this resource have had a reduction in truancy and non-authorised absences.

The key to the success of the Truancy Resource Pack (TRP) lies not only in the enforcement of attendance regulations but in the formation of a working relationship between the school and its local community and the use of the CEPNZs’ online truant reporting system.

Shop owners from one end of the country to the other are displaying our “No Truants” poster and have been supplied with information on how to keep an eye out for and report suspected truants. Also according to the survey, the introduction of these posters has been warmly received by retailers as they act as a deterrent for would-be youth offenders and shoplifters.

Through the CEPNZ “Terminate Truancy” campaign, it is hoped that all schools, business associations and district councils will see the benefits of these privately developed resources and introduce them to every region of the country. When this happens, we will see a marked decrease in youth offending and an increase in student attendance as both parents and children alike realise that in our country, we understand the importance of education, we respect the law and we recognise the responsibility of ensuring that every child takes advantage of their opportunity to learn.

If parents think they can take their children on a holiday now that school is back, they must realise that non-authorised absences are the same as parent-endorsed truancy. They are helping them, through their example, down the path of disrespect for authority and the law. Make sure kids get the education they have a right to…ensure they are in school.

For further information, please see our website: http://tt2006.cepnz.com.

ENDS