Attendance at school

Regular school attendance ensures students have the greatest opportunity to engage in rigorous and robust learning. Attendance establishes routines, supports continuity of learning, reduces anxiety, fosters ongoing peer and staff relationships, and develops a sense of belonging and connection.

The DfE attendance target for all students is 95%.

There are things you can do to support attendance and the effectiveness of your child’s education.

· Develop morning routines at home to ensure home-to-school transitions are successful.

Support students in becoming independent. E.g., visual schedules can support dressing, breakfast, and packing bags.

· Arrive at school on time, by 8:45am.

· If possible, schedule appointments outside of school hours.

· Pick up at 3:05pm.

Early pick-ups affect student participation in learning programs and can increase student anxiety (e.g., interrupted learning content and catching up on work missed).

Did you know arriving late to school or an early pick-up impacts your child’s learning? 

10 minutes late/early pick-up = 5 days lost a year 20 minutes late/ early pick-up = 11 days lost a year 30 minutes late/ early pick-up = 17 days lost a year

As we move forward into Term 2 and the winter months, illness can influence student attendance. Any time a student is absent, communication is key, and I have a few reminders below as to school notifications and the documentation needed when your child is ill.

1. Please inform the school promptly of your child’s absence via a phone call to the front office (ph: 8277 2293) or respond to the school email absence notification.

2. If your child has been sick for more than 3 days, a medical certificate is required as per DfE policy.

3. For family leave lasting more than 3 days, an Application for Exemption must be completed for approval. Please see Candia in the front office.

Most importantly, please know we are always here to help and assist you in ensuring your child/ren are attending school and participating in all the opportunities school has to offer. Please don’t hesitate to chat with your child’s teacher or a member of the leadership team if attendance is currently a concern or becomes so in the future.

Kind regards,

Georgina Sprigg

Marion Primary School Term 2, 2024