Attendance Matters 

Attendance at school is compulsory. 

Research shows that attendance at school all day and every day positively affects learning, wellbeing, employment and life outcomes for children and young people. Learning is cumulative and it is disrupted if students often miss school.

The South Australian Department for Education's Attendance Policy guides the responsibilities of the whole school community to make sure that children and young people attend school. This includes school staff, parents, carers and students.

Schools work with their community to develop positive attendance habits. This starts from the earliest years. They do this when they provide a safe, inclusive and culturally respectful environment. They use effective and consistent local practices to monitor and manage absences.

Students at risk from missing school

Students can be away from school for many reasons. Schools use categories to identify children and young people at risk. We make sure that appropriate follow-up and support is provided.

• Habitual non-attendance: a student has 5 to 9 days absent in a term for any reason.
• Chronic non-attendance: a student has 10 or more days absent in a term for any reason.

Students who are falling into the above two categories may be contacted by Leadership to discuss an Attendance Plan to look at ways to improve attendance at school. 

Exemption from school

In some circumstances, the principal has authority to approve and exemption from school. This can be for up to 1 month. It can also be for up to 12 months for a family holiday. 

Before asking for an exemption, families should discuss this with the Leadership Team. Students must attend school until an exemption is approved. 

Our school requires and exemption for absences more than 3 school days in a row. This does not include illness. 

Parents or caregivers must apply in writing. The principal will advise them of their decision. A copy of the exemption is kept in the students record folder. Exemption forms are available from the front office. 

Exemptions of more than 1 month (exculding holidays) must be approved by the department's central office. 

Pleae note that exemptions are counted as student absences from school.