Attendance - Every Day Counts

Every Day Counts – The Importance of Student Attendance

At Castlemaine Secondary College, we are committed to helping every student succeed - and one of the most important steps is simply being at school every day.

Why Attendance Matters

Going to school every day helps students stay on track with their learning, build friendships, and develop habits that set them up for success in life after school. Missing even a few days each term can quickly add up, putting students behind both academically and socially.

Did you know?📌 Missing just one day every two weeks adds up to 1.5 years of lost learning over 13 years of school.

Our Attendance Goal

We encourage all students to aim for at least 95% attendance, which means no more than two days absent per term. If your child is having difficulty attending regularly, please reach out to their Mentor Teacher - we’re here to support you.

Common Reasons for Absences – and What to Do

Illness: It’s okay to stay home when genuinely unwell, but maintaining good sleep, nutrition and exercise habits can help reduce sick days.
Family holidays: Try to schedule holidays during school breaks. If a term-time absence is unavoidable, contact the school to arrange a learning plan.
"Days off": Think twice - missing even one day can impact your teen’s learning and connection to school life.
Truancy or school refusal: Whether it’s skipping school or feeling anxious about attending, open communication with school staff can help resolve issues early.

If Your Child Needs to Miss School

Please:

Let the school know as early as possible.
Speak with their Mentor Teacher.
Help them catch up on any missed work using a learning plan, if needed.

Working Together

Regular attendance is a shared responsibility. If you’re worried about your child’s attendance or wellbeing, don’t hesitate to contact your child’s Mentor Teacher, or the Precinct Leader. We’re here to work with you to keep your child engaged and thriving.