Principal's Report

By Louise Mellington

We have just finished Week 6 of Term 1 and I am surprised at how quickly our school term has gone. 

We continue to provide opportunities for our students and staff. In those six weeks we have had the Years 3-6 Swimming Program, the Years 5-12 Swimming Carnival, a La Trobe University Inspire program, the Avalon Airshow, CCLLEN running interview techniques with our Applied Learning students along with interschool badminton and lawn bowls. Some of our staff have been involved in professional development with Rob Vingerhoets, and there has been an Applied Learning excursion to the Mandalay Costerfield Mines. 

 

Attending School

 

Attending school every day is important for a student’s education. This allows continuous learning opportunities to take place and students to achieve. Absence can impact the student long after the student has left school. Multiple absences can also impact the planning of units in terms of sequence and progression. This can affect the progress of all students in the class, not only those missing lessons, and can shift the focus to classroom management.

 

We encourage all families to contact the college if you know of an absence or extended absence leave in advance or to promptly explain absences, including lateness to school so the college can best support your family and your child/children, or you may not be meeting your requirements

 

 

ATTENDANCE FACT: Are you aware that if a child misses 15 days per year from Prep to year 12, then they have missed one complete school year? Every day and minute counts!

 

How We Communicate Absences to Families

  • a text message is sent for all absent students marked absent by their teacher.
  • an attendance letter is emailed home each week for those attending under 80% of classes.

 

To report absences or lateness to school please: 

 

Families are reminded to update their contact details when they change to ensure they receive college attendance notifications and general information.

 

 

Parents/carers can see their child’s Term Summary (Days Not Present) totals via your Compass portal Attendance pages. 

 

Attendance colour coding helps staff, students, parents/carers understand attendance/absence records: 

  • Red – unexplained; 
  • Orange – explained (approved or unapproved); 
  • Blue – School Approved; 
  • Yellow – Late (explained or unexplained); or 
  • Green – Present. See the example attendance ‘Annual Summary’ and ‘Term Summary (Days Not Present)’.

 

If no communication is received by the college, an unexplained absence will be recorded and attendance notifications sent.

 

Supporting Students with Attendance of Concern

 

It is important for families to understand that the DET has a 80% attendance requirement, evidenced for your child to be achieving their full potential academically, socially and emotionally. Hence regardless of the type of absence (approved – reasonable or unapproved – unreasonable); when a student’s attendance rate reaches less than 80%, the student is considered with attendance of concern.

 

At Kyabram P-12 College attendance and engagement takes high priority and is highly supported by education support, Learning Community Leaders, Year Level Coordinators, teachers and by our wellbeing team.