Attendance Matters

Please read for clarification of student absence code usage.

Did you know that schools are required to record the reason for every student absence? 

To help families better understand our attendance processes, we've provided an overview of the attendance absence codes used at our school. Accurate attendance records support student safety, wellbeing and learning, and help ensure we meet Victorian Department of Education requirements.

Medical/illness

Student is not at school because they:

• are unwell due to a physical or mental health concern, and this is impeding their ability to be at school and learn
• have been injured or become unwell at school and have been sent home
• are in hospital
• have 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, attending

• an appointment with a medical practitioner
• dental appointment
• an allied health appointment or assessment (including an NDIS appointment)
• 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 (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural terminology)

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
• does not know about the absence and believes the student is at school

Extended family holiday

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 is in place.

Religious/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 (for example, 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 of approval (for example, requirements for extended family holiday or school refusal)

Parents are asked to please ensure accuracy when selecting the reasons why students are not present at school.  If the reason for absence does not fall under the categories available, please contact the Office for assistance.