Wellbeing

Attendance Matters

Going to school every day is an important part of your child’s education. Our students learn new things at school every day, connect with friends, have fun and develop good habits that help them to succeed. 

At Balambalam Primary School, we believe that every day of learning is valuable. Research consistently shows that students who attend school regularly achieve better academic outcomes, develop stronger social connections, and build habits that will serve them throughout their lives. Even missing one day a week might not seem like much, but it adds up quickly—a student absent just one day per week misses around 40 days of learning each year.

Regular attendance supports students to feel part of their classroom community. When students are present each day, they don't miss out on important lessons, group activities, or the small moments that build friendships and connections with students and staff.  Students who attend school consistently find it easier to keep up with their learning and feel more confident to participate in class discussions and complete learning tasks.

Arriving late to school on a regular basis can also have a significant impact on a child’s learning. The beginning of the school day is often when teachers introduce key concepts, explain learning intentions, and set students up for success. Missing this important time can leave students feeling unsettled, confused, or anxious about what they have missed. Over time, frequent lateness can lead to gaps in learning and difficulty establishing positive routines and connections with peers. Being on time each day helps children start the day calmly, feel prepared, and fully engage in their learning.

We understand that sometimes absences are unavoidable due to illness or family circumstances, and we're here to support you when challenges arise. If your child is unwell, please keep them home to rest and recover—but we encourage families to prioritise getting children to school on time, every day. 

At Balambalam Primary School, we support a calm and positive start to each day through our “soft start” routine. From 8:40am, students are welcome to enter their classrooms, settle in, and begin preparing for the day ahead. At 8:43am, music plays across the school, signalling that all students should be inside their classrooms, unpacking their school bags and getting ready to begin learning. This gentle start helps students feel organised, connected, and ready to engage in their learning from the beginning of the day.

For students who may be finding it challenging to arrive on time or settle into the morning routine, we encourage families to speak with their child’s teacher. By working together, we can develop a supportive plan to help make mornings smoother and ensure every child starts their day feeling confident and ready to learn.

Warm regards,

Tiffany Bamford 

Assistant Principal - Inclusion