Wellbeing

Attendance

Going to school every day is the single most important part of your child’s education. Students learn new things at school every day. Attending and participating in school will help your child develop:

• important skills and knowledge to help them learn
• social and emotional skills such as good communication, resilience and team work

The research proves that children who attend school every day and complete year 12 have:

• better overall physical and mental health
• better job opportunities
• higher income across their lives
• better social connectedness and communication skills

It is a legal requirement that children 6 to 17 years old attend school each day. You as a parent or guardian are responsible for making sure your child goes to school every day, unless there is a valid reason not to attend such as illness, bereavement or a family holiday. 

Without a reasonable explanation, school attendance is classified in the following categories:

Regular Attendance – missing less than 10 days of school a year

Risk of Chronic Absence – missing between 10 & 19 days a year

Chronic Absence – missing more than 20 days (which equates to 1 day a fortnight)

Tips to help improve your child’s attendance

• Talk to your child about school and how important it is. You can ask them how they feel about school, what went well today and what they liked.
• Set a good example. Show them how you keep to your own commitments.
• Encourage your child to take on hobbies that your child enjoys such as sports and clubs. This will help them develop positive relationships outside of the classroom.
• Have a set time to do homework and go to bed.
• Pack their school bag the night before with everything they need.
• Have a set time for breakfast.
• Plan to meet up with a friend so they can travel to school together.

Below is a link to a flyer from the Victorian Education Department about regular school attendance and why every day counts.

If you have any concerns about your child missing school, attendance rates or your child's wellbeing, please reach out to your classroom teacher or any member of our Wellbeing team. 

I am contactable via compass, through the office or via email –louise.jarvis@education.vic.gov.au.

Have a lovely weekend,

Louise Jarvis

Wellbeing Specialist Teacher