Attendance & Absences

Updated attendance & absence codes

The Department of Education have updated their attendance and absence recording guide as of January 2026.

To ensure all absences are recorded correctly by parents/guardians and staff, see below for some of the codes you will encounter on Compass. We have highlighted a few below and the coloured boxes provides a helpful overview. Please reach out to Megan Barton our attendance officer if you have any questions.

Parent Choice, School Approved (807):

Student is not at school and: 

• their parent/carer has provided an absence reason that does not align with any other code. Parent/carer has sought and received approval from the school

This includes special circumstances, unavoidable causes, unforeseen circumstances, or an ill family member. 

It can include when a student is unable to get to school due to an emergency or a critical incident, provided that the school is aware of the situation. 

Extended Family Holiday (804):

Student is not at school as they are on an extended family holiday. Their parent/carer has received prior approval from the principal for the absence and a Student Absence Learning Plan has been considered. 

Sorry Business (212):

Student is not school as they are gathering with their family due to grief or loss within the Koorie community. 

 

School Refusal or School Can’t (208):

Student is not at school as they are experiencing significant emotional distress around attending school and the parent/carer and school are working together to support the student and address the issues and barriers to attendance. 

All attendance and absence codes found on Compass for staff and parents/guardians:

If you would like further information of the newest attendance and absence recording guide, please see the PDF below. 

Megan Barton

Attendance Officer