What Happens When My Child’s Teacher Is Absent?

Truganina College teachers may seem like superheroes… but even superheroes need to step away from their classrooms sometimes! 

While our teachers are dedicated to supporting every student’s learning, there are times when other important responsibilities take them away from the classroom. Some of these reasons may include:

• Illness/injury
• Caring for an unwell family member
• Professional learning courses
• Applying assessments requested by DET
• Professional practice day- where teachers can engage in PL or catch up with assessments or planning of their choice
• Time in lieu
• Specialist medical appointments
• Leave of other types eg. long service leave, leave without pay

What will happen to my child’s learning if their teacher is away?

1. Your child’s teacher may be replaced by a CRT- casual relief teacher. They will use the planning documents that would be used by your child’s classroom teacher and will be supported by the team leader and the teacher next door.

- OR -

2. Split. Your child will be split into another class of a similar age group. Children are split with a few other children from their class and who they learn well with. 

In all year levels, the teacher receiving split children will welcome and include all children from other classes as if they are in their own class. Truganina College teachers have a shared responsibility for all children at Truganina College.

Truganina College teachers plan in collaborative teams, so they are knowledgeable of what all classes are teaching and learning at any given point in time.

Should I bring my child to school if I know their teacher is going to be absent?

YES. Our teachers and CRTs will be prepared to teach your child. Everyday counts at school and the learning will continue whether your child’s teacher is there or not; so help your child and bring them to school.

Should I ask my child’s teacher about their absence?

Teachers have private lives and may not wish to discuss their personal details. 

What if I need to discuss something important with my child’s teacher?

You can either email your child’s teacher via the Truganina College email, or contact our office and a member of our leadership team will support you. 

Emergency relief -CRTs are valued at Truganina College and you never know who might just end up on our team! Some CRTs are regulars and we think of them and treat them as if they were a part of our permanent team. 

It is an expectation that all visiting teachers will be treated respectfully by our students, staff and school community.

Amanda Williams

College Principal