DEPUTY PRINCIPAL'S REPORT 

Attending to Attendance

We know that both COVID-19 and just the run of the mill cold and flu have had an impact on our students' attendance this year. These absences are understandable and most often out of our control. Aside from this explained type of absence, it is always important for students to maximise the opportunity for growth, both in terms of learning and social/emotional development by attending school. Although I am sure parents sometimes get the feedback of ‘oh, it is boring,” students learn new things at school every day – missing school puts them behind. Being away from school for one day a fortnight equals missing one and a half years over thirteen years of school!

We all want our students to get a great education and the building blocks for a great education begin with students coming to school each and every day. Students develop good habits by attending  everyday – habits that are necessary to succeed after school, whether in the workplace or in further study. Missing school can have a big impact on students academically and socially. It can affect their test results, including VCE & VCAL and just as importantly, it can affect their relationships with other students and lead to social isolation.

Remember though, it’s never too late to improve attendance. Even in Year 9 and 10, when school can seem the most challenging for students and when attendance rates can be at their lowest, going to school more often can make a big difference. Every day counts and when a student is reluctant to come to school there are very often things the school can do to support the student and the family. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to Homeroom Teachers, House Leaders or Wellbeing should you have concerns about your student’s attendance. 

Chewing Gum

A brief reminder that chewing gum is banned at our school. We have seen an increase in the number of students using chewing gum and also a distinct mess left around the yard and under desks. This is unsanitary, unsightly and disrespectful to the wonderful learning environment provided at our school.