Every day counts

At Kolorer College, we prioritise regular school attendance and are committed to working with families to ensure every student is in class with their peers and teachers, enjoying all the benefits that school attendance brings. Attending school every day means experiencing what counts, the learning, friendship, engagement, and opportunities that can shape your child's future.

The numbers add up quickly. There is no good number of days for missing school. Being away for just one day a fortnight adds up to missing four whole weeks of school in a year. Even absence patterns that seem minor have a significant impact on learning, social connection, and wellbeing over time.

Holidays and public holidays. We understand that families plan ahead, and we encourage you to schedule family travel, medical, and dental appointments outside of school time where possible. We also know it can be tempting to extend a break around public holidays, however, the Department of Education asks that any planned absences during term time are discussed and approved by the school beforehand. If you are planning time away, please contact us early so we can work together to minimise disruption to your child's learning.

Supporting your child to attend. If your child is worried about friendships, schoolwork, or assessments, please encourage them to come to school. Avoiding school can make these feelings worse and create a negative pattern that becomes harder to break. We know families can face real challenges getting children to school each day. If your child must be absent, please notify us as soon as possible via Compass so we can work together to support them.

We are here to help. If your child is finding it difficult to attend school, please contact your child’s Mentor Group Teacher via Compass. The sooner we know, the sooner we can work together to support your child’s attendance.

For more information, visit vic.gov.au/attendance-and-missing-school

Tips to help sustain your child’s attendance

Setting up good attendance patterns and addressing attendance issues promptly can lead to future success and help your child feel more engaged and connected at school.

Here are some ideas which may assist you in supporting your child to attend school:

• Talk to your child about school and the importance of attending every day. You can ask them how they feel about school, what interests them or if they are having any difficulties. Contact your child's Mentor Group teacher or Year Level Coordinator if they indicate there is a particular concern or barrier
• Encourage and celebrate good attendance habits with your child, including arriving at school on time every day.
• Set a good example. Show them how you keep to your own commitments.
• Encourage your child to take on hobbies at school that they enjoy such as sports and clubs. This will help them develop positive relationships outside of the classroom setting and can help your child feel part of a group, important to the school, and more motivated.
• Help your child maintain daily routines such as finishing homework and getting a good night’s sleep.
• Help them pack their school bag the night before with everything they need.
• Have a set time for breakfast.
• Plan for your child to meet with a friend so they can travel to school together.