DEPUTY PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

The Importance of Being on Time

At St Mary MacKillop College, we strive to uphold high standards and we have College Community Expectations - a set of guidelines that frame how we expect our students to operate while they are at school. These are displayed on posters all around our school and in every classroom as a reminder of how we should “be” at school. The first of these, "we are on time and ready to learn”,  speaks to the very purpose of being at school. This simple yet powerful expectation is fundamental to our school community, shaping positive learning outcomes, fostering a sense of belonging, and supporting overall student wellbeing.

Punctuality is more than just arriving on time; it's about being prepared and ready to engage fully in the learning process. This is what is meant by being on time and ready to learn. Research consistently shows a strong link between regular attendance and academic success. Students who attend school regularly and arrive on time are more likely to achieve higher grades, develop better study habits, and complete their education.

According to data from the Australian Department of Education, students who attend school less than 90% of the time are significantly less likely to achieve satisfactory academic outcomes. Missing just one day of school each fortnight is equivalent to missing four weeks of school per year. Over time, this can lead to learning gaps that impact overall achievement. A study conducted by the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership found that students with high attendance rates are more likely to achieve better outcomes in reading, writing, and mathematics. These skills are fundamental to success in other subjects and in future pathways. Even by simply being on time and present, students maximize their learning opportunities and are better equipped to reach their full potential.

Being on time and ready to learn can actually help students feel more connected to their peers, teachers, and the wider school community. This sense of belonging fosters positive relationships, increases engagement, and reduces feelings of anxiety or isolation. Some students undoubtedly experience anxiety around different things which can lead them to avoid the classroom setting or school itself, however, being present and being part of a school community offers students the chance to participate in group discussions, collaborative projects, and extracurricular activities, all of which contribute to a richer, more fulfilling school experience. These connections are vital for developing social skills, resilience, and a sense of identity.

As a Catholic school, we are committed to nurturing not only academic excellence but also the personal growth and wellbeing of every student. By embracing our expectation of being on time and ready to learn, students are not just meeting a school requirement—they are investing in their own future, building a strong sense of community, and honouring the values that define our school community.

At the end of each term the Houses acknowledge excellent attendance. Everyone will have days when they are unwell or when they have family business that needs to be attended to. Aside from this, students should be on time and ready to learn every day. On time to school and on time to class, prepared with all their learning materials and ready to engage in the core business of school. Remember, being on time is more than a habit; it’s a way of showing that you are ready to learn, ready to connect, and ready to thrive.

With the upcoming holidays students (and staff) will have a well deserved break and the opportunity to relax and move at a different pace. When we return in Term 4 it will be time to refocus on setting the pattern of our school day. Together, we can continue to build a positive learning environment where everyone can achieve their best.

Catherine Howison

Deputy Principal