ATTENDANCE

Dear Parents and Carers,

It is the responsibility of parents and carers to log their child’s absence on Compass whenever they are away from school. 

Due to new Department of Education Policy requirements, ALL absences need an explanation to be inputted against your child.

Below is a list of reasons you can choose in relation to your child’s absence:

Healthcare appointment - off-site

Student is not at school as they are attending:

• An appointment with a medical practitioner

• A dental appointment

• An allied health appointment or assessment (including NDIS appointment)

• Counselling

• Another medical appointment, off-site

Parent choice, school unapproved

Student is not at school, and their parent/carer has:

• Provided a reason for the absence (for example, shopping, visiting friends, birthday), but the school does not consider this a reasonable excuse.

• Provided a reason for the absence, but approval has not been sought in advance or in accordance with school policy or conditions of approval (for example, requirements for extended family holiday or school refusal, or school can’t

• Advised the school that their child is unable to attend due to a requirement to work in the family business (for example, farm work, in a restaurant or shop)

• Advised the school that the student is attending a private tutoring or a re-engagement program that is not organised by the school.

There are also the below approved reasons that can be inputted:

Extended family holiday, Religious or cultural observance, Bereavement, Medical or illness.

Absences can be logged directly through Compass, and if you need any assistance with this, our office staff are very happy to help show you how. 

Absences can also be left on our absence line or emailed through to the school via moorabbin.ps@education.vic.gov.au Please ensure that you write the full name of the student and their homeroom when emailing and provide an explanation for ALL absences.

We encourage all families to aim for arriving at school on time each day. If your child is late to school, they MUST visit the school office FIRST to receive a late pass.

If you are planning a family holiday, please log the dates on Compass in advance if possible. It is also important to let your child’s classroom teacher know the holiday dates as soon as possible, as they will provide an Absence Learning Plan to help your child stay connected with their learning while they are away.

If you have any further questions, please speak with your child’s teacher.

If, however, your child is experiencing school refusal or separation anxiety, please do not hesitate to reach out to Mr Corrigan, our Assistant Principal.