Attendance Matters

⏰ Every Minute Counts

Throughout Term 3, the College is monitoring the number of students arriving late to school. Being on time helps students begin their day calmly, hear important information and make the most of every lesson.

Arriving late to school

Students arriving after the Home Group bell must:

➡️ Sign in at Student Services before going to their locker or class.

➡️ Collect a pink late slip to give to their teacher.

➡️ Have their late arrival recorded on Compass.

Students arriving later at any time during the school day must also sign in at Student Services before going to their locker or class.

Parents and carers are asked to log in to Compass and approve any unexplained absences or late arrivals.

🚌 Pearcedale and Skye buses

If a Pearcedale or Skye bus arrives after the Home Group bell, an announcement will be made to staff.

Students travelling on that bus will have approximately five minutes to reach their class and will not need to sign in at Student Services.

Late to class—but already at school?

Students who are already at school but arrive late to class do not sign in at Student Services. They should go directly to class, where their lateness will be recorded and addressed by their teacher.

Why punctuality matters

Arriving on time helps students:

✅ Establish positive routines

✅ Hear important instructions and announcements

✅ Maximise their learning time

✅ Avoid disrupting the learning of others

✅ Develop habits that support future study and employment

Just 10 minutes late each day can add up to more than 30 hours of missed learning across a school year.

📊 Did you know?

88.8%The national attendance rate for Australian students in Years 1–10 during 2025.

62.1%The proportion of students who attended school at least 90% of the time.

91%The proportion of Victorian young people aged 20–24 who had attained Year 12 or a Certificate III qualification or above in 2025.

🏠 How families can help

Families can support regular attendance and punctuality by:

🌙 Establishing a consistent bedtime routine

📱 Keeping electronic devices out of bedrooms and avoiding screens for at least 30 minutes before sleep

🎒 Packing school bags and preparing uniforms the night before

🥣 Allowing enough time for breakfast and travel

📅 Arranging routine appointments, holidays and celebrations outside school hours wherever possible

💬 Contacting the College early if your child is experiencing difficulties attending or connecting with school

We understand that occasional delays and absences are sometimes unavoidable. If you have concerns about your child’s attendance, punctuality or connection to school, please contact us so we can work together to provide support.

Every school day—and every minute—counts.

Regards

EMC Attendance Team