Cranbourne South Primary School

Attendance Matters 

Every day counts. Attending school every day means experiencing what counts – the learning, friendship, fun and opportunities that can shape your child’s future.

 

There is no good number of days for missing school. Being away from school for 1 day a fortnight adds up to missing 4 whole weeks of school a year. Where possible, you should avoid your child missing school, for example, make appointments for your child outside of school hours and keep family holidays to outside term time.

 

https://www.vic.gov.au/attendance-and-missing-school

Tips to help improve 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. Some problems to look out for include:
    • bullying or cyberbullying
    • feeling isolated at school
    • disliking or feeling disconnected from the school culture or environment
    • falling behind in school work or feeling overwhelmed about keeping up
    • disliking school subjects, choice of subjects, or not feeling challenged by the work
    • finding relationships with teachers or other students at school difficult
    • competing demands on time, such as extracurricular activities
    • not feeling understood and fully accepted by peers or teachers
    • not experiencing cultural acknowledgement and understanding
  • 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.

Remember, Every day counts. Act early if you are concerned about your child’s attendance and contact their school to discuss how you can work together to support positive attendance.

Useful websites/contacts

Be You – beyou.edu.au

Headspace – headspace.org.au or e-headspace for online counselling & support eheadspace.org.au

Reach Out – reachout.com

Kids helpline – 1800 55 1800 24 hours a day, 7 days a week or visit here for web counselling

Raising Children Network – raisingchildren.net.au

Parentline – 1300 22 89, 8am to midnight, seven days a week Get advice

Speak to your school and ask for support if you have concerns about your child’s attendance.

Wellbeing days

Try to avoid letting your child stay home for a “wellbeing day”. Although it may feel that staying home will provide short-term relief for your child, absence from school can lead to disconnection from classmates and teachers, as well as missed learning opportunities, making it harder to return in the long run.

Family holidays

Take holidays during school holidays and not during term time. Any holidays planned for during school time must be discussed with your child’s school in advance. The school will decide if it is okay for your child to miss any school for a holiday. They might give your child work to do so they can remain engaged with their learning while away. If the school does not approve the holiday and you decide to go, the matter may be referred to a school attendance officer at the Department of Education.

 

Karen Halket

Assistant Principal- Wellbeing