Same-day notification of unexplained student absences

Fact sheet for parents/carers

If your child is sick or absent, you are required to notify their school as soon as possible on the day of absence using one of the following methods:

Online: log the absence directly using Compass
Telephone: the school office and let the staff know your child’s name, class, date of absences and reason.
Email: the school and provide the staff with your child’s name, class, date of absences and reason.

Notifying the school of your child’s absence either prior to, or on the day that they will be away, helps ensure the safety and wellbeing of children and will fulfil your legal responsibility.

Why do I need to notify the school if my child is absent?

Schools need to know when and why a child is absent and you need to know if your child isn’t at school.

From the end of Term 2 2018, all Victorian government schools are required to contact parents/carers as soon as practicable on the same day of an unexplained student absence. If your child is absent on a particular day and you have not contacted the school to explain why, the absence will be marked as unexplained.

This system also promotes daily school attendance. Going to school every day is the single most important part of your child’s education, they learn new things every day – missing school puts them behind.

What is your responsibility?

You are legally required to ensure your child attends school every day or you must provide an explanation for their absence. You should let the school know in advance of any upcoming absences or let them know in the morning if your child won’t be at school. In order for schools to implement the same day notification requirement, it’s essential that you provide the school with your most up-to-date contact details.

Generally one notification will be sent per family. Should there be circumstances that require both parents and carers to be notified, please contact the school to make the necessary arrangements.

What is the school’s responsibility?

The school will notify you of an unexplained absence in relation to your child as soon as practicable.

Schools will let you know either by your school’s online communications app, SMS, phone call or email. If you can’t be reached because the school does not have your correct contact details (i.e. changed phone number, SMS/email failure notification received etc.), the school will attempt to make contact with any emergency contact/s nominated on your child’s file held by the school. Where possible, this contact will be made on the same day of the unexplained absence.

Where can I learn more about the process for managing student absences?

A copy of our Attendance Policy will be sent out to families this term, which outlines the school’s processes and procedures for monitoring, recording and following-up of student absences. This policy will soon be available on our updated website

What if I’m having problems getting to school?

Getting to school on time everyday can be about having a good routine.

If you find yourself running late or missing school because you’re disorganised, try:

Asking your parents for help getting ready
Having a set time to go to bed
Leaving all technology out of your bedroom
Packing your school bag the night before with everything you need
Having a set time for breakfast
Planning to meet up with a friend so you can travel to school together.

Sometimes, though it can just be hard to go to school.

You might feel overwhelmed by the work or things might be tough with your friends. Maybe you don’t feel safe at school or you really dislike a teacher or things at home aren’t great. Perhaps you’re feeling down or anxious and don’t even really know why.

Whatever the situation is, staying away from school isn’t the answer. Many people want to help you. Try talking to:

Your parents or another adult family member
A trusted teacher
Wellbeing Coordinator or the school counsellor
Another trusted adult like your coach
Your parents or another adult family member
A trusted teacher
Wellbeing Coordinator or the school counsellor
Another trusted adult like your coach

Student of the week	Reading awards
Eleanor - Prep	Amelia A - 25 nights
Westly - Prep	Elouise A - 25 nights
Adrian - 1/2	Lily V - 25 nights
Harper - 1/2	Dane L - 25 nights
Amelia - 1/2	Mae S - 25 Nights
Dane - 3/4	Alana B - 25 Nights
Charlotte - 3/4	Kiri - 25 Nights
Maddy - 3/4	Daisy - 25 Nights
Amelia - 5/6	Guy - 25 Nights
Daisy - 5/6	Indie - 25 Nights
Kayleigh - 5/6	Hunter - 25 Nights

Awards and Celebrations