Heidelberg PS - Capers

Assistant Principals' Report

Hello everyone and welcome to our newsletter article,

 

Attendance

 

Why going to school is important

Going to school every day is an important part of your child’s education. Children and young people learn new things at school every day, connect with friends, have fun and develop good habits that help them to succeed. 

Attending and participating in school will help your child:

  • develop important skills and knowledge to help them learn
  • develop social and emotional skills such as good communication, resilience and teamwork
  • establish friendships with peers which help develop self-esteem and a sense of belonging.

There is no good number of days for missing school. Being away from school for 1 day a fortnight adds up to missing 4 whole weeks of school a year. Where possible, you should avoid your child missing school, for example, make appointments for your child outside of school hours and keep family holidays to outside term time.

 

Notifying the school of your child’s absence

Schools need to know when and why a student is absent, so you must let the school know on the day of the absence and explain why your child can’t come to school. If you do not let the school know, they must contact you on the same day to make sure your child is safe. Please ensure your contact details are up to date so the school can follow up on absences as required. They may also call your emergency contacts.

Your child’s school will keep a record of the reason provided for each absence. This will be marked under a category such as medical/illness, bereavement (including Sorry Business), truancy, family holiday and religious or cultural observance. As parents/carers there may be additional reasons. to those listed above, you choose to keep your child at home - these are recorded as Parent Choice.

 

Remember, Every day counts. Act early if you are concerned about your child’s attendance and contact their school to discuss how you can work together to support positive attendance.

 

Setting up good attendance patterns and addressing attendance issues promptly can lead to future success and help your child feel more engaged and connected at school.

Here are some ideas which may assist you in supporting your child to attend school:

  • Talk to your child about school and the importance of attending every day. You can ask them how they feel about school, what interests them or if they are having any difficulties. 
  • Encourage and celebrate good attendance habits with your child, including arriving at school on time every day.
  • Set a good example. Show them how you keep to your own commitments.
  • Encourage your child to take on hobbies at school that they enjoy such as sports and clubs. This will help them develop positive relationships outside of the classroom setting and can help your child feel part of a group, important to the school, and more motivated.
  • Help your child maintain daily routines such as finishing homework and getting a good night’s sleep.
  • Help them pack their school bag the night before with everything they need.
  • Have a set time for breakfast.
  • Plan for your child to meet with a friend so they can travel to school together

Useful websites/contacts

Be You – beyou.edu.au

Headspace – headspace.org.au or e-headspace for online counselling & support eheadspace.org.au

Reach Out – reachout.com

Kids helpline – 1800 55 1800 24 hours a day, 7 days a week or visit here for web counselling

Raising Children Network – raisingchildren.net.au

Parentline – 1300 22 89, 8am to midnight, seven days a week Get advice

 

 

Please speak to us at HPS and ask for support if you have concerns about your child’s attendance.

 

Have a lovely weekend and week ahead.

 

Helen Thomas & Monique Rankin

Assistant Principals

Heidelberg Primary School