From the Deputy Principal's Desk

📚 Every Day Counts – The Importance of School Attendance

This week, Miss K and I had the privilege of attending the Student Engagement Professional Learning, where Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) outlined their vision for strengthening student engagement and boosting school attendance across Catholic schools.

One key message was clear — attendance matters.

Attending school is compulsory for all children and young people aged 6–17 years, unless an exemption from attendance or enrolment has been granted. But beyond this legal requirement, regular attendance plays a vital role in your child’s overall development and future success.

Children and young people who regularly attend school and go on to complete Year 12 (or an equivalent qualification) have greater opportunities for employment, improved health outcomes, and higher incomes across their lives.

Every day a child attends school, they are gaining something valuable.As MACS reminded us, “Every day counts — because attending school every day means experiencing what counts.”

When your child comes to school each day, they are not only learning academic skills — they are also:

• Developing important knowledge and learning habits.
• Building social and emotional skills such as communication, resilience, and teamwork.

• Strengthening friendships and their sense of belonging within the school community.

   

Even small absences can add up. Missing just one day of school a fortnight means losing the equivalent of four full weeks of learning across a year. 

Where possible, please try to:

• Schedule appointments outside of school hours.
• Plan family holidays during school breaks.

• Encourage your child to attend school even when they’re feeling a little tired or unmotivated.

   

Open communication with your child’s teacher is essential. If your family is experiencing challenges with attendance or your child needs to take time away from school, please contact their classroom teacher as soon as possible. Together, we can work on strategies and supports to help your child attend and engage positively.

Every day at school is an opportunity — for learning, for connection, and for growth. Let’s make sure our students don’t miss out on what counts.