Attendance incentive proves successful (+video)

Rotorua Girls' High School students rocked out after winning the Big Day In competition, an initiative set up to boost school attendance numbers.

DJ Sir-Vere, K One, Swiss and Sid Diamond performed at the school to reward students for achieving the best attendance across Rotorua's four high schools.

Western Heights High School, Rotorua Girls' High School, Rotorua Boys' High School and Rotorua Lakes High School took part in the Big Day In competition, organised by the Rotorua Attendance Service, challenging students to get to class in an effort to win the concert for their school.

Rotorua Girls' High School student Kelsey Falwasser, 18, said the reward of coming to school made a lot more students turn up.

"A lot more people are interested in school. I had a lot of friends who didn't come but talking to them made them start coming more."

She said even though the competition was over, attendance rates should stay high.

Although winning the competition for the greatest number of attendees, Rotorua Girls' High School attendance advisor Tina Sutherland said the school's truancy rates were "no worse than any other school".

She said the competition between schools and the reward of a concert got everyone on board.

"Everyone works for incentive. Even sick kids were coming to school."

Western Heights High School attendance advisor Karen Waerea said the competition improved attendance.

"It's unfortunate that we didn't win, but it still worked."

Rotorua Lakes High School attendance advisor Paula Short said the competition also worked to raise awareness about truancy throughout the community.

She said parents, as well as staff, were behind the competition and everyone looked forward to seeing the results on Facebook.

Rotorua Boys' High School attendance advisor Paerata Tahuriorangi said the Facebook page was the best thing about the competition.

He said engaging with young people, in the same way that they communicate, made it easier to spread the message to come to school.

Another competition giving students an incentive to attend school will be in August.