Teacher Absences

What happens when my child’s teacher is absent?

Williamstown North Primary School teachers may seem like superheroes, but actually we are not! There are times when we are doing other things that can take us away from being super in our classrooms. Some of these reasons may be:

• Illness/injury
• Caring for an unwell family member
• Professional Learning courses
• Applying assessments requested by DET
• Professional Practice Day - where teachers can engage in PL or catch up with assessments or planning of their choice
• Time in lieu
• Specialist medical appointments
• Leave of other types e.g. long service leave, leave without pay

What will happen to my child’s learning if their teacher is away?

1. Your child’s teacher may be replaced by a CRT- Casual Relief Teacher. They will use the planning documents that would be used by your child’s classroom teacher and will be supported by the team leader and the teacher next door.
2. Split. Your child will be split into another class of a similar age group. Children are split with a few other children from their class and who they learn well with. 

In junior year levels the teacher receiving split children will welcome and include all children from other classes as if they are in their own class. WNPS teachers have a shared responsibility for all children at WNPS.

In senior classes, children are again included into the class and may also have additional work from their teacher. 

Should I bring my child to school if  I know their teacher is going to be absent?

YES. Our teachers and CRTs will be prepared to teach your child. Everyday counts at school and the learning will continue whether your child’s teacher is there or not; so help your child and bring them to school.

What if my child has an excursion or a specialist lesson?

These lessons and activities will continue as normal. 

Should I ask my child’s teacher about their absence?

Teachers have private lives and may not wish to discuss their personal details. 

What if I need to discuss something important with my child’s teacher?

You can either email your child’s teacher, or contact our office and a member of our leadership team will support you. 

Interesting fact! 

CRTs are valued at WNPS and you never know who might just end up on our team! Some CRTs are regulars and we think of them and treat them as if they were a part of our permanent team. 

It is an expectation that all visiting teachers will be treated respectfully by our students, staff and school community.