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