Important Message - Student Absences & Early Departures

Dear Parents/Carers,

In line with Department of Education guidelines, all schools must know when and why a student is absent. If we do not receive notice of an absence, we are required by the Department to contact families on the same day to ensure the student is safe.

In the first instance, the easiest way to log your child’s absence is to enter it directly on Compass. Instructions for doing this can be found here. 

We also have another way for parents and carers to notify us of absences; we have two dedicated absence lines - one for the Junior Sub Schools and one for the Senior Sub Schools. These lines are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Parents and carers can either call or text as soon as they are aware their child will be absent - whether it's for the current day or a future date.

Only parents or legal guardians can authorise absences. Notifications from other individuals will not be accepted.

WHICH PHONE LINE SHOULD I USE?

• Junior Sub School (Yawa, Murnong and Warreeny):

• Phone or send a text message to: 0459 970 912

• Senior Sub School (Balam Balam and Bunjil):

• Phone or send a text message to: 0486 218 220

When contacting the school, please include:

• Your child’s first and last name

• Their home group (or year level, if you unsure)

• Date of absence

• Reason

Arriving Late or Leaving Early

To ensure the safety and wellbeing of all students, it is essential that the College knows where students are at all times as part of our duty of care.

If your child needs to LEAVE EARLY:

• Please send a note with your child for their Team Leader (their Team Leader or Coordinator will provide them with an Early Leaver's Pass).

• If a note cannot be provided, please contact the General Office in the morning on 5945 1433 (the Office will arrange for an Early Leaver's Pass to be given to your child). 

• Students will then wait at Reception to be collected.

• Parents/Carers are required to sign students out at Reception.

• Students without an Early Leavers Pass will not be released from class.

   

We ask that parents and carers do not contact students directly during the school day to arrange early collection. Under Department of Education policy, mobile phones must be switched off and stored in student lockers during school hours. Contacting students directly can cause confusion, delays and safety concerns. Following the correct process ensures all students are safe and accounted for.

ARRIVING LATE:

If arriving late to school, all students are to sign in at Reception before heading to class.

Prior to your child’s arrival, please choose one of the following: 

• Record the late arrival in Compass

• Call the General Office on 5945 1433

• Provide a note for your child to present to the office on arrival.

 WHY REGULAR ATTENDANCE MATTERS 

Regular school attendance is critical for students to succeed. At Pakenham Secondary College, we are committed to supporting student learning through consistent attendance.

In our Senior Sub Schools, students enrolled in VCE, VCE VM or VPC must also meet VCAA attendance requirements - a minimum of 90% attendance per unit is required to pass.

Being absent even once a fortnight can result in missing up to four weeks of school per year. Where possible, we ask that you:

• Book appointments outside of school hours

• Plan family holidays during school breaks

   

Under state legislation, students under 17 must attend school for at least 200 days per year. Parents/guardians are legally responsible for ensuring this requirement is met.

Thank you for supporting your child’s education and wellbeing through consistent attendance. If you have any questions, please contact the College on 5945 1433 or via email at: pakenham.sc@education.vic.gov.au.