Attendance Matters

Talking to Your Teen about Attendance

In the last College Newsletter we provided information about how Sleep can Impact Attendance. Each edition, we will provide parents with further information and tips on how they can support students to improve attendance. This week, we discuss how to talk to your teenager about attending school. 

Communication between teenagers and parents can feel difficult, at times. Have a go at trying some the tips below to start the conversation, or build upon existing ones you are having:

Talk About School

Talk to your child. What are their feelings about school? What interests them at school? Are there any difficult situations? 

For teens, it helps if you open these discussions in a relaxed way so that your teenager knows you are demonstrating concern, not authority. It’s often a good idea to have these conversations while doing something else together such as driving, preparing dinner or going for a walk. If your teen doesn’t want to talk right then, let them know you’re ready to listen whenever they’re ready to talk

Having the Answers

Sometimes we don’t have all the answers but if your teenager asks some of the following, we do! 

Why is important that i go to school every day?

Right now, being at school is your most important job. You’re building habits that you’ll take into adulthood.  While it might not seem obvious, when you come to school you are learning about more than just Maths and English. You’re learning all sorts of skills like working in teams and meeting deadlines. Thes are skills will help when you’re an adult. 

If you can’t show up to school every day, how will you learn to show up for work?

Being at school every day also means you are involved in your own learning, interacting with other students and teachers, and are a part of an environment that is motivating and stimulating. You can get help from your teachers and friends and won’t have to rely on trying to learn things in your own time. 

There is also a lot of evidence that shows that young people who attend school more frequently have better outcomes after school too. This means they earn more money, have better job prospects, are less likely to misuse drugs and alcohol and are generally healthier. 

If I’m not at school, What do I miss out on?

You miss out on all the big stuff: Class discussions and all the interaction that happens in a classroom, the chance to get help from teachers, and the opportunity to practice skills and gain knowledge. Being away means you need to catch up in your own time or miss out on the content altogether.

If all of that isn’t enough to convince you to be at school every day, being away also means you also miss out on hanging out with your friends. Being away from school a lot can be lonely. It has a big impact on relationships and social connections. Believe it or not, everyone wants you at school and it really is better when you attend.

What if I’m having problems getting to school?

Sometimes getting to school can be about having a good routine. If you find yourself running late or missing school because you’re disorganised, try:

• Having a set time to go to bed.
• Being really disciplined with technology – turn it off or, better yet, leave it out of your room altogether. You can catch up on all the chat and the latest episode of whatever you’re watching later on.
• Packing your bag the night before.
• Having a set time for breakfast.
• Planning to meet up with a friend so you can travel to school together.

Sometimes though, it can be hard to get to school.  You might feel overwhelmed by the work or things might be tough with your friends. Perhaps you’re feeling down or anxious and don’t even really know why.

Whatever the situation is, staying away from school isn’t the answer. There are lots of people who want to help. Try talking to: a trusted friend, a teacher, your Year Level Leaders, your Sub School Leaders, a Wellbeing team member, or any staff member. We’re all here to support you.

Remember parents: you’re doing an amazing job - we have wonderful students at our college and want the best for each and everyone of them.

For further information about attendance, as well as a list of Key Staff members you can contact if you need support or have any specific questions or concerns, please download this attachment:

Tim Pearson

Leader of Senior School 9-12