Wellbeing

Every Day Matters: Our Revised Attendance Policy

Regular school attendance plays an important role in every child’s learning, wellbeing and sense of belonging. When students attend consistently and arrive on time, they are better able to participate in learning, maintain friendships, build positive relationships with teachers and feel connected to their school community.

Even five days of absence can result in missed learning, interrupted routines and fewer opportunities to connect with peers and teachers. To date, approximately 30% of our students have already reached or exceeded five days of absence this year. 

While we understand that some absences are unavoidable, this highlights the importance of attending school whenever a child is well enough to do so.

Our school has recently revised its Attendance Policy (see Adele Brice's Leadership Update) and developed clearer roles and responsibilities for families and staff. These updates form part of our policy and are intended to ensure that attendance is recorded accurately, absences are followed up promptly and families receive support when barriers to attendance arise.

How families can help

Parents and carers are asked to:

• ensure their child arrives at school by 8:50 am, ready to begin the school day
• record and explain absences through Sentral
• respond promptly to attendance SMS messages, phone calls and emails from Office and teaching staff
• record late arrivals and early departures using the Sentral kiosk at the school office
• inform the Principal in writing at least two weeks before a planned family holiday  involving more than three school days.

How our school will support attendance

Teachers record attendance twice each day at 09:00am and 2:30pm and follow up unexplained absences promptly. If an absence continues, teachers will contact families, record communication and ensure students who are away for five or more consecutive school days have an Absence Learning Plan.

Our office staff review attendance records daily and send SMS notifications for unexplained absences and keep school attendance information up to date and ensure every student is accounted for.

Where attendance concerns continue, our Wellbeing Team will work with the student, family and teacher to understand any barriers and develop practical supports. This may include an Attendance Student Support Group meeting, a Return to School Plan or an Attendance Support Plan.

We understand that students may sometimes be absent because of illness, family circumstances or other challenges. Our aim is to work respectfully and collaboratively with families, provide support as early as possible and help every student maintain a positive connection with school.

Regular attendance is a shared responsibility. By working together and communicating openly, we can help every student remain connected, engaged and ready to learn.

Thanking you for your support

Wellbeing Team