Read the latest news from Rutherford College

Kia ora te whanau ō te Kōtuku

School Ball Attendance Expectations – Years 12 & 13

As we look ahead to this year’s school ball, we would like to remind students and families of the attendance and behaviour expectations required to be eligible to attend.

To attend the ball, students must have a minimum attendance rate of 85%, calculated from the beginning of the year (or from when a student enrolled at Rutherford if they joined later). This threshold is already 5% below the Government’s minimum attendance expectation, so we strongly encourage students to aim higher, with 95%+ attendance as the target.

Justified medical absences will not negatively impact a student’s attendance percentage, however unjustified absences — including overseas trips taken during term time — will affect attendance rates. It is important that absence explanations are provided at the time they occur, as large-scale retrospective changes to attendance records will not be considered.

In addition to attendance, a student’s overall conduct may also impact eligibility to attend the ball. This includes situations such as:

• Stand-downs or suspensions
• Ongoing lateness to school or classes
• Truancy from study classes
• Leaving the school grounds without permission during breaks
• Continual disobedience
• Digital misuse

At Rutherford College, we believe that attendance at the school ball is something that should be earned through consistent attendance and positive behaviour, rather than simply being viewed as an automatic right.

For context, 85% attendance across Terms 1 and 2 equates to approximately 15 days of school missed. In the same way that regular attendance is expected in the workplace, consistent attendance at school is an important part of preparing students for future responsibilities. Would an employer be happy with an employee having 15 non-justified days off work? 

A key reason we focus on attendance is achievement. In 2025 the overall pass rate for our level 1, 2 and 3 students with attendance above 85%, was 86%. For students with attendance below 80%, the pass rate dropped to 49%. The impact of attendance on achievement is undeniable. 

Students will also receive an email outlining their current attendance information so they are aware of where they stand.

We encourage students to stay focused on their attendance and engagement throughout the year so they can fully participate in this special event.

NCEA Evening - March 23 at 6.30pm

Parents and Caregivers are warmly invited to the NCEA Information Evening held in the Information Commons at 6.30pm on March 23. This event is suitable for families with students from Year 10 upwards who are new to NCEA. There will be a brief overview of NCEA with a focus on Level 1 (Year 11) and the new literacy and numeracy requirements (Year 10). You will have the opportunity to ask questions. 

Please fill in this form to let us know if you are coming or if you have any questions or topics you would like us to cover. Please be seated by 6.30pm.

Support for your Child

If you have concerns about your child’s learning or wellbeing, please contact:

• Subject Teachers – for questions about learning, assessments, reports or progress. Communication with subject teachers should be done via email. Email information can be found on the colleges website - click on ‘Explore College’, then STAFF DIRECTORY. 
• Tutor Teachers – for overall academic monitoring and day to day pastoral support. 
• House Deans – for pastoral care, attendance issues, or ongoing concerns
• Junior Academic Dean - Mr Blair White [email protected]
• Senior Academic Dean Mr Kevin Gilmore [email protected]
• LEAP Extension Coordinator - Dr Evie Mansfield ([email protected])
• Special Needs Coordinator (SENCO) - Ms Saffron Conde ([email protected])

Parents are welcome to contact subject teachers directly if they notice their child is struggling in a specific subject. To find out the teacher's name you can view this list.

Fiafia Night - Tonight 6pm - Rutherford College Sports Hall

Come along tonight to enjoy an amazing evening of performance by Rutherford College Cultural Groups

Performances By : Kapa Haka, Samoan, Cook Islands, Chinese, Filipino, Tuvaluan and  Dance Challenge 

For information on Polyfest dates and times please see more information here.

Ngā mihi 

Gary Moore