Showing up for school has a huge impact on a student’s academic success starting in kindergarten and continuing through secondary school. Even as children grow older and more independent, families play a key role in making sure students get to school safely every day and understand why attendance is so important for success in school and beyond.

DID YOU KNOW?

· Students should miss no more than 9 days of school each year to stay engaged, successful and on track to graduation

· Absences can be a sign that a student is losing interest in school, struggling with school work, dealing with a bully or facing some other potentially serious difficulty

· By Year 6, absenteeism is one of three signs that a student may drop out of secondary school

· By Year 9 regular and high attendance is a better predictor of finishing school rates than academic results in Year 8

· Missing 10 percent, or about 18 days, of the school year can drastically affect a student’s success

· Students can be chronically absent even if they only miss a day or two every few weeks

· Attendance is an important life skill that will help your child maximise their full potential

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Make school attendance a priority

· Talk about the importance of showing up to school every day, make that the expectation

· Help your child maintain daily routines, such as finishing homework and getting a good night’s sleep

· Try not to schedule dental and medical appointments during the school day

· Don’t let your child stay home unless truly sick ‐ complaints of headaches or stomach aches may be signs of anxiety

Help your child stay engaged

· Find out if your child feels engaged by his classes and feels safe from bullies and other threats Make sure they not missing class because of behavioural issues and school discipline policies If any of these are problems, work with your school.

· Stay on top of academic progress and seek help from teachers or tutors if necessary. Make sure teachers know how to contact you.

· Stay on top of your child’s social contacts. Peer pressure can lead to skipping school, while students without many friends can feel isolated.

· Encourage meaningful afterschool activities, including sports and clubs.

Communicate with the school

· Know the school’s attendance policy – incentives and consequences

· Find out if your child feels engaged by his classes and feels safe from bullies and other threats.

· Talk to teachers if you notice changes in behaviour ‐ these could be tied to something at school

· Check on your child’s attendance to be sure absences are not piling up

· Ask for help from schools, after school programs, other parents or community agencies if you’re having trouble getting your child to school

Please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s house team if you require support regarding your child’s attendance at school.

Melanie Hayward

Assistant Principal

Student Support Services

Doctors in Secondary School Clinic