The school at the heart of a recent whooping cough outbreak in Christchurch hopes it is through the worst.
Twelve students at Paparoa Street School have been confirmed as having the highly infectious disease.
Principal Phil Harding said at the height of the crisis more than 120 pupils stayed away from school.
He said some parents kept their children home as a precaution, some children were sick, and in other cases parents were checking children's vaccinations were up to date.
On Tuesday, 50 students were away from school.
Mr Harding said he hoped they were through the worst of the outbreak which began after one student contracted whooping cough.
Canterbury District Health Board medical officer of health Alistair Humphrey said the outbreak seemed to be coming under control, thanks to the quick response by the school.
