Student Attendance
Why is regular attendance at school so important? Read more...
It’s well-documented that children who attend school daily will generally perform better at school and in life. Daily attendance ensures children gain the maximum benefit from their education to optimise their future opportunities. A child’s education is deemed 'at-risk’ if their attendance falls below 90% (refer to the Department of Education policy). Early intervention for at-risk’ children is a proven approach to improving attendance.
The Education Act requires all children attend school on-site or at an educational program of the school off-site as directed by the Principal. Parents and guardians are responsible (under the Act) for ensuring their child is attending school daily. Students are responsible for:
- Arriving at school by 8.25am each day.
- Moving quickly to the next class at the end of each session and after break times.
- Attending all classes until dismissed at the end of the day.
Late Arrivals
Frequent lateness is disruptive to learning. Students are expected to arrive at school on time and be prompt to all classes throughout the day. Late arrivals must report to Student Wellbeing or Administration and provide an explanation (parents can submit a reason online via Compass, call Administration or provide a written & signed note). Students sign in at the Student Wellbeing window or in Administration and print a Late Pass to give to their teacher. Students without an explanation for lateness or being repeatedly late will face further consequences.
Student Absences
Parents/guardians must provide an explanation; online via Compass, a written note, email, phone call or SMS, for all absences of partial, full day or several days in length. Please specify the reason and the date/s involved. Written notes must be delivered to Administration or Student Welbeing. If your child has seen a medical practitioner, please provide a copy of the Medical certificate. If your child is absent for a prolonged period of time, please contact Administration as soon as possible. We will request a medical certificate for the duration of absence (if due to sickness or injury) – this is very important if the student has missed exams or assessments during this time.
Student Absences during school terms
We acknowledge that it is not always possible to avoid holidays or similar absences during school terms, but it is our preference that family holidays are taken during term breaks. The Department of Education requires parents to inform us if children are to be absent for extended periods during the school term. Please notify us in writing; online via Compass or by email/written letter if your child will be absent for three or more consecutive days during school terms. Please check Compass or with your child’s teachers regarding exams/assessment dates to ensure they do not miss these.
SMS Messaging for Unexplained Absences
We use an automated SMS messaging service to advise parents of unexplained student absences and lateness. SMS messages are sent during the day to advise parents if their child has been marked absent at the start of the school day or to any classes. It is essential that any changes to parent contact details are provided to Administration as soon as possible.
Students Leaving School Grounds
Students are not permitted to leave the College during the school day. However, a Leave Pass will be issued to students when they need to leave College during the day (eg for a medical appointment or if they are unwell during the day). Students must present an explanation from a parent/guardian to leave early before being permitted to sign out in Administration. Unapproved departure from the College grounds is considered as Truancy.
Out-of-Class Movement
Students are expected to be organised during breaks to minimise the need to leave classes. Students will not be permitted to leave a class without a Movement Pass provided by their teacher.