Whānau & student testimonies
Whānau
“Since Shiloh has worked with Lisa, she’s developed more empathy, she’s calmer, and she’s learning how to deal with big feelings instead of acting on them.”
“Attendance West have been a great help to me and keep my 3 kids in school or find other options for them. All the help with the school meetings, food packages and just the check ins have helped me stay on top of things. It’s been hard and the kids have needed a lot of support which I’ve valued what Attendance West has given me.”
“Before getting involved Seb was very unmotivated. He left Lynfield college and because the school zoning had changed he was not able to get back into that school. Personally I was not comfortable with sending him to a different school we didn’t know much about, that part was on me and at the same time Seb became very quiet and he was in his room all day. When Attendance West came in Seb was happy he could get into school again. At the start I had to be convinced because I was hesitant on sending him to that school, but at the end of the day it was the best thing for him. He had a lot of supports around him but what stood out about your organization is the effort that was made to get to know Seb. Also how easy the move was for Seb to get back into school. We really appreciate the work you have done.”
“Thank you Bon for helping me transition my two boys into West Harbour school. The boys had spent a bit of time with my parents due to myself being in custody. Your support in helping me support the kids get back to school has taken a load of me with everything I have going on and learning to be a mum again. Thank you for your genuine support.”
– Porshea
“Morning Joe, Thanks Attendance West for the food parcels and the blankets we have received over this term- please don’t stop it’s really helped my family and kids.”
“When I got a message from Attendance West to say they were coming to see me again this year, I felt a little frustrated at the school for getting a service involved again. I don’t like having people involved in my life where my mokopuna are concerned. I knew we had to have a discussion so I invited them to my home. It didn’t take long for me to feel completely comfortable because they made me feel valued and that the job I am doing raising my grandbabies is a really good thing. I did have some pretty serious trouble with the school lately as I get very passionate when it comes to protecting my mokopuna. Attendance West listened to my concerns and respected my wishes. They are communicating with the school and the board and coming to meetings alongside me to see how we can make a plan for me to be involved in the school activities again and be able to communicate with the school openly. They have provided us with food and warm blankets and I am so very grateful.”
– Anonymous
“I am a solo father of my three children and have done my best to protect my kids from the trouble their mother and I had before I got full custody. When I got a call from Attendance West, I was a bit confused. I do my best to get my kids to school and even changed one of the kids school because of some trouble that was happening. Their mum recently tried to come back in the picture but that created more drama so I have stopped it. Unfortunately that has left my kids quite sensitive and some days are too hard to get to school so I have been keeping them home on those days to let them rest and talk about what’s bothering them. I didn’t realise how much that would impact their attendance until I was shown on a piece of paper at a home visit. AW listened to what I want for my kids and have been emailing with me and the school to get some support for the kids at school which is really great. I get copied on all emails so I can see what’s happening and the kids have come home saying they had good chats with the staff at school. We have also worked out a plan for my boy that has trouble regulating his anger and we now have a mentor working with him and he loved his first session. Thank you so much
– Mike
“My experience with Patrice from Attendance West has been absolutely amazing!! The first time she made contact with me regarding my son, I actually thought she was the school nurse but she explained to me what she does and the help she offers then I was able to understand. She has been so helpful in regards to providing options to help support not only myself and my husband but most importantly figuring out how to properly understand and manage Joseph’s health at school.
With the help from Patrice we have since been able to work together with the school to accommodate Joseph’s needs at school and to also look at ways to help us at home to ensure Joseph is able to attend school more regularly. I am so grateful for the help that Patrice has given myself and my family regarding Joseph and the difficulties we have had because of his medical condition. Patrice has helped us feel heard and seen and feel confident with our son being at school.
I would highly recommend not only Patrice’s help to others but also your whole organisation as I believe you truly are helping families with the support they need for their children attending school. Thank you so much Patrice and Attendance West, appreciate everything you have done for us!”
“Thank you so much Davita Mohenoa for helping Nai Fangupo get back to school. Thank you for talking to him letting him know why he should be at school. He is making big progress by attending school Monday to Friday. I’m very happy as a mother with his progress. It got to a stage I didn’t know what to do trying to get him to school but you have stepped in and helped. I appreciate your help; I am very happy with his attendance. Thank you again Davita Mohenoa for working together with my family to get Nai back to school.”
– Mary
“The support received via Davita from Attendance West, has been very helpful in his communication between parent, child and school. Having a helping hand in making sure much needed support is being provided to achieve progressive learning for the children is very encouraging and strengthening for both me and my children as daily expectations, trials and challenges can be quite daunting. I look forward to progress and plans being achieved. Thank you very much for your support Davita, your efforts and time are appreciated and very helpful.”
– Antionette
“Thank you so much for the support you have provided. I appreciate you checking in with me every week on how things are going and how my daughter is feeling whether she managed to wake up or to go to school. We’ve discussed how we can change a few things to get a school routine in place. Things are getting back on track slightly, much better than before. My daughter has started going to school for a few hours daily unless she is sick. But I couldn’t have done all of this without your support and you encouraging me, thanks again Davita.”
– Shirlyn
“Thank you for your service and support that you have provided and continue to for myself, husband and our son. Everything you have done has been genuine and very supportive we cannot thank you enough, in saying this I struggled a long time with trusting in support systems such as yourselves because of my own past personal experiences I felt like I had to always impress them and safeguard myself at the same time because I had very bad experiences!! Meeting you and getting to know you Davita for the past months has been a pleasure, making me think that not everyone is out there to get you, and that there are people out there who do have good intentions and only want to help. Thank you for reassuring me that we are good parents, and we can be and do better if we communicate more, maybe me and my husband needed to hear this from an outsider’s point of view and so far after our meet up we have taken your advice, and progress is on the mend. Good things take time and with your support I wouldn’t have thought otherwise. We are truly grateful to have you alongside us to support me and my husband individually and as parents to better ourselves for our son. Thank you Davita for everything you have done for us. We appreciate you.”
– Rāwinia
“Before getting involved Seb was very unmotivated. He left Lynfield college and because the school zoning had changed he was not able to get back into that school. Personally I was not comfortable with sending him to a different school we didn’t know much about, that part was on me and at the same time Seb became very quiet and he was in his room all day. When Attendance West came in Seb was happy he could get into school again. At the start I had to be convinced because I was hesitant on sending him to that school, but at the end of the day it was the best thing for him. He had a lot of supports around him but what stood out about your organization is the effort that was made to get to know Seb. Also how easy the move was for Seb to get back into school. We really appreciate the work you have done.”
– Laleia
“I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation for the support my whānau and I have received through Attendance West. The help with the food parcel and the warm blankets for winter has been a real blessing during a difficult time.
Most importantly, I’m incredibly grateful for the assistance with the enrollment process and the forms needed to get my two children into Kura. That support has lifted a huge weight off my shoulders.
The impact of the COVID pandemic has been deeply felt in our lives, especially in the lives of our tamariki. It’s reassuring to know that there are people and organisations like Attendance West who genuinely care and are taking action to make a difference.
I sincerely hope that more people, including those in political leadership, will recognise the important mahi being done here and continue to back it. With more support, Attendance West could help even more families who are facing the same struggles we did.
Ngā mihi nui.”
– Elizabeth
“Sateki I appreciate the service you and Attendance West have provided for my daughter Queenie.
When I first saw you I wasn’t happy you were at my door but you spoke clearly respectful and were understanding and straight away turned my attitude around she was down and we wasn’t sure of her next step.
It was a mission to find a perfect course for her but with your help and persistence. We got her sorted you went beyond to help us.
Thanks so much to you and Attendance West! Nga mihi.”
– Shannell
“Soul has been an incredible support to my children and me over the past year and a half. His kind, caring, and thoughtful approach with my boys has made a significant difference. Thanks to his consistent mentoring, their school attendance has improved, and they now have a much more positive outlook on education and the choices they make. I genuinely appreciate everything Soul has done for our family, and I look forward to his continued involvement with us.”
“Really appreciate Attendance West, especially Joe, working with my son at Greenbay. The service they provide and constant check ups have been really good for us, Joe even took some time off his day to come and support my son’s softball tournament which showed me that he really cared about my son and wanting him to stay at school. Thanks Attendance West.”
Student testimonies
Students
“It has been good to get support, and someone to talk to about it with. I have found this useful to get back on track. You always support me even if I’m in the wrong, thanks, Davita”
– Ruby (16yrs)
“Davita has been good. He helped me go back to my classes, he does not judge me but rather supports me. He is always talking to me about making the right decisions with school. I appreciate the help.”
– Liyana (15 yrs)
“It really helped me through hard times as I never had the courage to say these things to family members. Davita from Attendance West helped me build resilience and push through difficult situations. I feel like I have someone I can trust and be safe with anything I go through.”
– Emme (14yrs)
“I would’ve left school by now if not for Attendance West. If I don’t go for a couple of days Attendance West come over and pick me up. It helps me to reboot my brain to get back into my routine when I stop going.”
(When asked what could be something Attendance West could offer to make it easier to go to school): “If I could get a new scooter. My scooter is too small for me and I get a sore back.”
(Why is your scooter important to going to school?): “It makes going to school so much easier. I wish we lived closer but it’s my only way to get to school.”
“I find it easier to talk to you as you listen to me and explain things that I can understand it. You’re the best. Haha.”
– Shiloh (12yrs)
“When I moved to my new school, I saw a girl I used to be mean to at my old school. I didn’t think much of it, but seeing her again made me feel bad and confused. I didn’t know how to act. My mentor helped me talk about it and understand why I acted that way before. We talked about empathy and how to take responsibility for what I did. It wasn’t easy, but now I feel like I’m becoming a better person. I even said sorry.”
“I’ve also learned good ways to deal with my emotions and how to make better choices, especially when I’m feeling overwhelmed or stressed.”
“The mentors make it a safe space where we can talk openly, be ourselves, and support one another. I really enjoy the We Got You program and can’t wait for next term!”
“When they taught me how to understand and calm my feelings, it wasn’t just for school it helped me outside of school too. I learned how to spot when I’m getting upset and use things like deep breathing or having a quiet corner to chill out.”
“I really like how they make learning about development skills fun with activities.”
– Students from “We Got You Program”