Assistant Principal -
Wellbeing

Mrs Mellissa Bell

The key to success beyond school is attending school!

The act of physically being present at school holds a multitude of benefits that extend beyond the classroom walls. It helps set up positive routines and connections beyond the family home. It allows young people to learn to navigate the world around them by beginning to take on personal responsibilities such as getting to school independently, getting bags and equipment ready etc.

Regular attendance is directly linked to academic success. When students attend school consistently, they have the opportunity to engage with their teachers, participate in class discussions, and build a solid foundation of skills and knowledge. Being present in the classroom allows students to grasp concepts more effectively, collaborate with peers, and receive immediate feedback from their teachers. The cumulative effect of regular attendance is improved grades, enhanced learning outcomes and a stronger academic profile.

School provides a structure for young people to develop critical social and emotional skills. Through interaction with peers, students learn important life lessons such as teamwork, conflict resolution, empathy and communication. Attending school regularly helps build friendships, develops a sense of belonging and allows young people to practice and strengthen their coping (resilience) skills and strategies. These interpersonal skills are invaluable in both personal and professional settings throughout their lives.

School attendance establishes routines and instills a sense of purpose but also an understanding of personal discipline. It teaches them the importance of time management, taking personal responsibility and making commitments that are important to them for success. The actual structure of the school day and calendar prepares them for the realities of higher education and life in the workforce.

Attending school regularly also helps young people to develop a sense of work ethic. By consistently turning up, trying their hardest and getting involved in things at school teaches them the importance of commitment, responsibility and perseverance. This is a critical time for these qualities to become part of the character of our young people. The habits formed at school carry over to other areas of life, fostering a diligent and determined young person with a purpose and the skills to work towards their goals.

As parents and carers, your role in promoting regular attendance is critical in supporting your person to engage in school and hence create opportunities for success beyond formal education. Establishing consistent morning routines at home to support attendance and punctuality and having your young person at school for Pastoral each and every morning. Why? Because time is crucial to setting the tone for the day, for students to get all the important information for the day and upcoming events. It is a time to build and foster connections with peers and PAC teachers. This is the time to get ready for learning, to check schedules, and gather necessary equipment for lessons.

Last week at our school assembly we began to see the impact of NOT coming to school regularly and signing in late too often. One day a week absent from school a week adds up to two whole weeks a term. If this is a pattern over the course of a year it becomes almost a term of lost learning and connection. As we have begun looking at attendance rates across the school with the lens of year levels, we are beginning to see patterns of non attendance for PAC in year 12 that are significant and whole day absences in other year levels. Working together is critical to supporting students to attend and engage in school.

With regards,

Mellissa Bell