Talking Attendance...

As part of Camden High Schools Talking Attendance campaign, we are trying to educate staff, students and parents about all thing’s attendance. 

Attendance matters, and students should be in class and learning, and it is the parents responsibility to get students to school on time every day. This may not always be the case though, and when a student is absent or late it is important that the parent explain this to the school.

In this update we would like to highlight some processes that we feel need some improvement. When a parent explains an absence, something like sick leave will then be listed as an explained and justified absence. Some reasons like a family holiday will be listed as explained but unjustified. Although parents often don’t see the point of explaining an absence which will then be recorded as unjustified, it is still important that the school is notified. It tells us that parents are aware of the absence, it tells us that the student is safe and that their whereabouts is known. 

If you look at the graph below you will see that overall, 50% of student absences at Camden High School have no correspondence at all from parents. Meaning as a school we do not know where the student is, if they are safe, or if the parents are aware of the absence.

Absent emails are sent to the parents each day. All that is required is for parents to reply to this email. Parents can also call the school if they wish. For longer absences, things like medical certificates or applications for extended leave may also be required.

Any questions please contact the school office.