Western Heights Primary School principal Brent Griffin said that school had much higher absentee rates at this time of year, but it was on par with previous years.
"We have noticed the absences on our bus run. We usually pick up about 75 children but at the moment we are picking up half of that.
"On average there [are] about five or six children per class that are away because of winter illnesses."
Mr Griffin said his staff were vigilant about making sure kids stayed home if they were genuinely sick and had follow-up phone calls with parents to ensure children were not staying home for other reasons.
"With this cold weather, we have some parents who decide to keep their kids at home. That is why it is so important for us to have those follow-up phone calls to make sure the child is being kept at home because they are genuinely sick."
Rotorua Principals Association president and Owhata School principal Bob Stiles said although absences were not the worst he had seen, students were being hit harder.
"It's probably not the worst year we have had in regards to absences but the ones that are getting sick are not absent for a couple of days, more like a week.
"We've also had a few cases of strep throat so have been liaising with nurses and whanau to make sure it gets treated and doesn't develop into rheumatic fever."
Cold facts
To prevent the spread of colds
•Turn away from others and use tissues when you cough or sneeze.
•Wash your hands after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.
•Use paper towels in bathrooms.
•Don't let your nose or mouth touch public telephones or drinking fountains.
•Avoid close contact with others for the first two to four days.
To lower your risk of catching a cold:
•Avoid close contact with people who have one.
•Keep your hands away from your nose and mouth.
•Wash your hands often, especially after coming in contact with someone who has a cold.
•Eat a healthy diet.
•Get plenty of rest.
•Do not smoke.
- Ministry of Health
