Released on = February 14, 2006, 12:51 pm

Press Release Author = CEPNZ

Industry = Education

Press Release Summary = Resource proves effective in reducing truancy.

Press Release Body = Over twenty five percent of schools throughout New Zealand 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.

These same resources are available to schools in all English speaking countries.

For further information, please see our website: http://www.truancyonline.cepnz.com.


Web Site = http://www.truancyonline.cepnz.com

Contact Details = Stuart Macmillan
General Manager
Character Education Programme of NZ (CEPNZ)
PO Box 20-616
Glen Eden
Auckland
Email: info@cepnz.co.nz