From the Directors
School Attendance and The Importance of Being Punctual
Going to school every day is the single most important part of your child’s education. Students learn new things at school every day. Attending and participating in school will help your child develop important skills and knowledge to help them learn and further develop their social and emotional skills such as good communication, resilience, and teamwork.
There are no safe number of days for missing school – each day a student misses puts them behind and can affect their educational outcomes and their social connectedness. The best thing you can do is support your child to get to school every day.
A positive attitude towards school, healthy habits and routines, and parental involvement can support your child’s regular school attendance and prevent chronic absence patterns.
It is important that positive habits are created and supported for all students. Some examples of habits that promote school attendance include:
Set good bedtime and morning routines to make the process of getting to school smoother for everyone. Try to prepare as much as possible the night before, e.g. school uniform, school bag packed
Ensure your child gets enough sleep and exercise to support their physical and mental health
Talk positively about the importance of school attendance with your child. Explain that it is an important part of growing up, a legal obligation and that you expect them to attend every day
Show an interest in your child’s school and become involved where possible. Read Principal’s Bulletin and Monican publications, be familiar with your child’s progress by checking PAM regularly and know about upcoming College events. Talk about school activities in a positive manner with your child
Discuss any changes to usual routines in advance with your child, such as alternative drop-off and pick-up arrangements, to ensure clarity and minimise anxiety.
Families are encouraged to check the attendance of their child and note the impact that consistent late arrivals have on overall school attendance. Missing just ten minutes each day has a significant impact – consistent late arrival is a habit that must be addressed, not excused. We appreciate that sometimes a late arrival can be outside of your control, however, the frequency for some students is of concern. We work closely with students and families to support them where school attendance improvement is required.
St Monica’s College will remain consistent with our expectations of students to arrive on College grounds by 8:50am each morning, ensuring students have time to collect their books and required resources prior to the commencement of classes. This is an important step in the routine of each day and allows for students to be ready to learn when classes begin. In the event students are absent, parents/guardians must notify the College via PAM or by calling campus reception on the morning of any absence.
The staff of St Monica’s College pay attention to attendance as it is an important predictor in positive student outcomes. We work closely with students and families to support them where school attendance improvement is required.
Ms A Xerri
Assistant Principal (Campus Director DRC)
Miss N Meade
Assistant Principal (Campus Director DSC)