All Victorian Government Schools must record and monitor student attendance and absences.

The use of correct codes (reasons) is important and we ask for your help in recording Attendance Notes correctly.

Using Compass (either via the App or Web versions) parents/carers can “Add an Attendance Note":

for an upcoming absence AND/OR
for a previous unexplained absence

HOW TO ENTER AN ATTENDANCE NOTE IN COMPASS

Compass Parent Guides are available for “Compass Web” users and “Compass App” users.

Below are extracts from these Guides to help you.

WHICH “REASON” SHOULD I CHOOSE???

Parents/Carers often ask which reason should they select?

The table below has been prepared with the Compass “Reason” selections and the Department of Education detailed descriptions.

We encourage all users to refer to this table and choose the applicable reason.

REASON

REASON DESCRIPTION

Medical or Illness

Student is not at school because they:

Are unwell due to a physical or mental health concern
Have been injured or become unwell at school and have been sent home
Are in hospital
Have a chronic health condition or pain
Have menstrual or pelvic pain
Are receiving treatment for head lice

Healthcare Appointment

(Off site)

Student is not at school as they are attending:

An appointment with a medical practitioner
A dental appointment
An allied health appointment or assessment
Counselling
Another medical appointment, off site

Bereavement

Student is not at school as they are:

Attending a funeral
Away due to the death of a friend or family member

Sorry Business

Student is not at school as they are gathering with their family, due to grief or loss within the Koorie community.

Truancy (Off site)

Student is not at school and does not have permission to be absent. Their parent/carer:

May be aware of the absence but does not approve, or
Does not know about the absence and believes the student is at school

Extended family holiday

(School Approved)

Student is not at school as they are on an extended family holiday. Their parent/carer has received prior approval from the Principal for the absence and a Student Absence Learning Plan has been considered.

Religious or Cultural Observance

Student is not attending school due to religious or cultural observance.

Parent choice

(School Unapproved)

Student is not at school and their parent/carer has:

Provided a reason for the absence (e.g. shopping, visiting friends), but the school does not consider this a reasonable excuse
Provided a reason for the absence, but approval has not been sought in advance or in accordance with school policy or conditions for approval
Advised the school that their child is unable to attend due to a requirement to work in the family business (e.g. farm, restaurant, shop)
Advised the school that the student is attending private tutoring or a re-engagement program that is not organised by the school

Ballarat High School Newsletter

Issue 7 · 15 May 2026

In this issue