Principals Report
Every Day Matters
Across the second half of this year, we have been placing a renewed emphasis on high rates of student attendance. This focus comes following a decline in our schools previously high attendance patterns. We are all aware that Covid-19 has played its part in this area, particularly through the first six months of 2022. However, it is essential that we reinvigorate a consistent and positive high attendance culture.
Why?
For our students, missed school equals missed opportunities. We know that without regular attendance students will have gaps in their learning which can lead to poorer outcomes both academically and socially.
Research highlights a clear correlation between student attendance and the achievement of quality academic, socio-economic and health outcomes. This research tells us that students with an attendance rate below 90% are educationally at risk.
- Lower scores and poorer academic outcomes
- Increased likelihood of dropping out of school earlier
- Decreased likelihood of engaging in further education
- Poorer long-term mental health and social outcomes
- Increased likelihood of involvement with criminal activity
- Increased likelihood or requiring social assistance.
Above 95% is our expected student attendance. Yet, through the first half of this year the number of students maintaining attendance above 90% dropped to 33.9%. We know that a number of factors have influenced this, however there are others that we can address together.
What are we seeing?
- Increased levels of lateness. These add up. One of the core purposes in schooling is to develop the values and skills needed for the work force, and consistent lateness is an area that few employers will accept. Our students need to get into good habits in this area while at school.
- 25% of student absences are unexplained by parents. As a result, we are employing additional staff to spend time phoning parents to obtain explanations for absences.
- Our overall attendance rate has dropped nearly 10% to 82.7%. While it is still high, a noticeable shift is occurring, and it is this that we are looking to address.
The importance of our students being at school more than 90% of the time cannot be overstated. We will be continuing to place a close lens on this area, work with families who require additional support, and ensure regular communication with our community on the issue of attendance.
As always our P&C is supporting our focus in this area and students should look for a P&C encouragement incentive next year aimed at rewarding attendance above 90%.
Term Four School Development Days
A reminder to parents that the department announced an additional School Development Day on Monday 19 December to conclude 2022. The final day for students is Friday 16 December.
Mr Andrew Backhouse
Principal