Smith kids enjoy perfect attendance record

Many students will do anything to get a day off school but Robyn Smith's five children haven't missed a day in years.

Daniel, 13, Emily, 11, Paige, 10, and Sarah-Jane, 8, all received certificates at last week's 100 per cent attendance ceremony.

Youngest child Aleisha, 5, also had a perfect attendance record but missed out on the certificate as her fifth birthday and first day of school fell just after the official school year began.

Emily has not missed a day of school in six years, Paige in five years and Sarah-Jane in three years.

The sisters, who go to Mamaku School, agreed support from their mum and eating healthy were the key.

Paige said she loved going to school and reading was her favorite subject.

"I collect books and have a big box full at home. Holly Webb is my favourite author."

Mrs Smith said her children enjoyed school but the secret to keeping them so focused was strict rules at home. "They know if they are too sick to go to school then they will have to stay in bed."

In total, 306 students from across Rotorua were recognised at the annual ceremony which started four years ago as part of the Educate Rotorua initiative.

This was the first year students were recognised if they had a perfect record for three or more years.

There were 30 students who had 100 per cent attendance for three years, 22 for four years, two for five years and just Emily for six years.

Organiser and principal of Kaharoa Primary School Warwick Moyle said they were trying to plug the message that "attendance equals achievement".

"We're trying to teach students that employers will see this and know they are reliable, responsible and employable."

Mayor Kevin Winters, who awarded the certificates with Rotorua MP Todd McClay, said it was great to see students with a sense of pride in themselves.