General Information

ABSENCES

Under the Education and Training Act 2020 children are required to attend school every day.

We request that parents phone or text the school when your child is going to be absent. You can also complete the online Absences form that is available on our Home page. This is important as we like to know that our children are safe. Written notification to the school office is required if your child is going to be absent for more than 2 days and the absence is for reasons other than illness.

A doctor’s certificate is required if your child is away sick for more than 3 days.

For families wanting to travel overseas during Term time:While we understand that some of you have to take your holidays during school term, you need to be aware of the following:
As per the Ministry of Education the Principal can exempt the student from attending school for a period of no more than 5 school days.

Ministry of education Attendance rules regarding overseas holidays:Holiday during Term time: When a student is on a New Zealand or Overseas holiday during the school term, the absence is Unjustified. A parent’s note does not provide justification.

Under the Education and Training Act 2020 Section 45 replaced (Exemption of student from attendance for a period of no more than 5 days) Replace with Section 45 with ‘Exemption of student from attendance’ Education and Training (System Reform) Amendment Bill

REPORTING AN ABSENCE

All children who are late or absent/away from school must be reported to the school office no later than 9.00 am everyday they are absent. A reason must be given for lateness and absences.

Please refer to the following link to report an absence

https://www.mangerebridge.school.nz/report-an-absence/

HOW TO REPORT AN ABSENCE ON HERO

If your child is going to be away for the day due to sickness, an appointment or any other reason, please notify the school as soon as possible by using the Hero app.

There is a ‘Report an Absence’ icon right on the homepage of the app
1. Click on the ‘Report an Absence’ icon
2. Select the reason for absence (add in any message if you need to)
3. Click ‘Send Message’ and you’re done!

How to sign in to your HERO Account

Search for ‘Hero’ in your app store and download, or visit the Hero website
Select “New User”
Your account will have been set up by school using the email address that you provided when you enrolled your child(ren), use this address to request a password. Please note: each contact must have their own email address.
Enter your email address
Select the “Request Password Link”
Check your email!
If one doesn’t arrive, check that school has your correct details on file. You need to be using the same email address that we currently have on our school records.
Follow the secure link and enter your password.

ATTENDANCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

The Maangere Bridge School Attendance Management Plan can be viewed by clicking on the following link. This will be reviewed in Term 1 2026.

Sylvia Park School’s ARO AKE ATTENDANCE SERVICE has been awarded the contract to deliver attendance starting in 2026 for the One Tree Hill Onehung catchment which includes Maangere Bridge School. The new contract encompasses responding to referrals for both non-enrolled students and those with chronic absenteeism.

Please be aware that any days that your child is absent beyond the 5 days will be recorded as unjustified leave.

BELL TIMES AND SCHOOL DAY

School Starts	8.50 am
Block One	8.50 – 10.30 am
Break – Eating (10 mins)	10.30 am
Break – Play (20 mins)	10.40 am
Block Two	11.00 – 12.00 pm
Break – Eating (10 mins)	12.00 pm
Break – Play (30 mins)	12.10 pm
Block Three	12.40 – 1.30 pm
Break – Re-fuel (20 mins)	1.30 pm
Block Four	1.50 – 3.00 pm
School Finishes	3.00 pm

BIKES / SCOOTERS

Children riding bikes/scooters to school must wear a safety helmet. Children should also have a bike/scooter license. The form to obtain a license is available at the school office. Parents please read the form to your children. Parent/s and children have to agree and sign the form.

Cyclist / Scooter Declaration Form
View Document

CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS

We are committed to listening to your feedback/suggestions. If you have a concern or complaint please refer to our school concerns and complaints policy. Our policy is available on School Docs.

Please click the link mangerebridge.schooldocs.co.nz and login using the following username and password:
Username: mangerebridge
Password: bridge

Once you have logged in, search for ‘Concerns and complaints’ Policy and follow the procedure. You can also call the school office on 09 6367 304 for assistance.

Concerns and Complaints Process

HATS

All children must wear a sunhat in Term 1 and Term 4. It is important for our children to be safe and protected from the harmful effects of the sun. Please refer to our ‘Sun Protection Policy’. Children must sit in shaded areas if they do not have a sun hat.

LUNCHES

Our school promotes healthy eating and we encourage all children to drink water or bring a water bottle to school.

MEDICATION

Parents are required to fill in a consent form if they require the school to administer medication to their child/children. The consent form is available at the school office or you could download the pdf form below

Medicine Authority Form
View Document

Newsletters are issued three times during the school Term. Please make sure we have your current email address.

ORGANISATION

Our school is organised into 4 teams

Year 0-3 Piiwaiwaka Whaanau (Junior Team)
Year 4-6 Kea Whaanau (Senior Team)
Year 1-6 Te Hiaroa Whaanau (Bilingual Unit)
Years 1-3 Samoan (Immersion Unit)

STATIONERY

All Stationery Packs are available in store at Onehunga Books & Stationery at 251 Onehunga Mall Road, Onehunga.

The packs are in Year Levels and must be bought as whole packs. Please check your child’s year level and if you are unsure please make contact with the office or your child’s classroom teacher.

SUPERVISION

Classes are open for children from 8.30 am and teachers are in the classroom at this time. Children must be picked up by 3.15 pm.

During break times we have teachers who are rostered on duty. Teachers supervise their class during the eating break.

Before and after school we have staff on duty for road patrol at Coronation, Taylor and Domain Road.

TERM DATES

2026 Term Dates

Term 1: Monday 2nd Feb – Wednesday 1st April
Term 2: Monday 20th April – Friday 3rd July
Term 3: Monday 20th July – Friday 25th September
Term 4: Monday 12th October – Friday 11th December

Public Holiday During the Term

Waitangi Day: Friday 6th February
Good Friday: Friday 3rd April

ANZAC Day (Observed): Monday 27th April
King’s Birthday: Monday 1st June
Labour Day: Monday 26th October

Teacher only Days
Term 1: Thursday 2nd April

Term 2: Friday 29th May

Term 3: None

Term 4: Tuesday 27th October

UNIFORM

Mangere Bridge School has a uniform which can be purchased from NZ Uniforms at Unit 4/531 Great South Road, Penrose.
Second hand uniforms will be available for sale depending on the availability.
This second hand uniform sale is run by the PTA and dates will be advised either through our Newsletter or Facebook.