Mental Health in Primary Schools (MHiPS)
Parents and Carers
With half the school year almost complete, it is time to look at student attendance. While we strive to have attendance rates at 95% or higher, sometimes sickness and colds etc can make it harder to get the kids to school during winter. We know, as parents and carers, we must work harder during these months to keep our kids at school if they are well.
Our data shows that only 44% of our students have an attendance rate of over 95% at the halfway point of the year. 26%, or a quarter of our students are at 90% or below.
You can check your own child's attendance rate on your PAM account.
Here are 5 clear reasons why school attendance should be 95% or higher:
1. Better Academic Achievement
Students who attend school regularly are more likely to understand lessons, keep up with learning and perform better in weekly assessments. Missing classes often leads to gaps in knowledge that are hard to catch up on.
2. Builds Good Habits and Discipline
Consistent attendance helps students develop responsibility, time management, and commitment—skills that are important not only for school but also for future work and life.
3. Stronger Social Connections
Being at school regularly allows students to build friendships, work in groups, and develop communication skills. Frequent absences can make it harder to feel included or confident socially.
4. Improves Future Opportunities
High attendance is often linked to higher graduation rates and better job prospects. Employers and further education providers value reliability and consistency.
5. Supports Mental Wellbeing and Routine
A regular school routine provides structure, stability, and a sense of belonging. Missing too much school can lead to stress, isolation, and difficulty getting back into a routine.
Joe Quinn
Mental Health Wellbeing Leader
Mental Health Continuum
SUPPORT FOR PARENTS
From time to time, parents may need some support with our children during different stages of their lives.
The CHIPS program at Gateway Health is an early intervention service designed to support children aged from zero to 12 with social, emotional, or behavioural challenges.
The program offers therapeutic counselling, groupwork, and parenting support to help children at risk of mental health issues. It is available in several locations, including:
Beechworth
Bright
Chiltern
Corryong
Mt Beauty
Myrtleford
Tallangatta
Wodonga
Yackandandah
To access the CHIPS program, families can submit a referral form, and the CHIPS Coordinator will contact them for further assistance.
The CHIPS program is a vital resource for families seeking support for their children's mental health and wellbeing.
It aims to provide a safe and supportive environment for children to receive the help they need to address their challenges.
Parents and Carers can self-refer to this service, or you can contact St Michael's if you need support through the process.
There can be a 6-8 week wait timeframe.
The referral link is below:
Children’s Mental Health and Wellbeing - Gateway Health
Joe Quinn
Mental Health Wellbeing Leader
