We know that strong school attendance has a direct correlation with high learning outcomes, academic performance, and social development. The Brighton Primary School Leadership Team has identified improving student attendance as a priority and goal for the schoolyear.

While we understand that unique opportunities like family travel may arise during the school term, please be aware that the school and the Department of Education recommend limiting travel to term breaks. Every school day matters. To comply with our attendance policy and the Department of Education expectations, all planned leave must be communicated with the school and approved prior to the leave commencing.

Additionally, the Department of Education mandates that all schools keep attendance records current. Please take two minutes to do your part by confirming your child’s absences are properly noted on Compass:

Open your Compass app
Click on Attendance (top left-hand icon)
Click on “Unexplained” at the very bottom of the screen
Add a note for each absence
All unexplained absences must be supported by a reason

Many of you have noticed Compass recently added new codes. Please choose the appropriate code based on the explanations below:

Medical/illness

Healthcare appointment, off-site

Bereavement

Sorry Business: an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander term for the cultural practices, mourning, and bereavement following a death within the Aboriginal community.

Truancy, off-site: staying away from school without a valid excuse or parent’s permission.

Extended family holiday

Religious or cultural observance

Parent choice, school unapproved: use if none of the previous categories apply.

A few reminders:

As soon as you’re aware your child will be absent, please record in Compass. Please also email your teacher or the school directly.
Future absences can be recorded in Compass. Once you’ve recorded an absence, you do not need to sign in at the Front Office.
Use the kiosk by the Front Office to sign your child in/out of school if you have not already noted it in Compass.
Make it a habit to check that all your child’s absences are explained with a note.

Please feel free to stop by the front office or email brighton.ps@education.vic.gov.au if you have any questions about your child’s attendance. Thank you for helping us maintain accurate and up-to-date records.

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