Wellbeing and Inclusion
Mr Hugh McLaughlin
Karoo Primary School
Attendance Matters – Every Day Counts
Regular attendance is key to student success. Missing just one day every fortnight adds up to nearly four weeks of lost learning over a year. When students miss school, they miss lessons, discussions and social connections that are hard to replace.
Good attendance helps students:
- Keep up with learning
- Build confidence and routine
- Strengthen friendships
In Victoria, school attendance is a legal requirement for children aged 6 – 17. We know illness and other issues happen, but wherever possible please schedule appointments outside school hours and plan holidays in term breaks.
Need support? Talk to your school — we’re here to help.
For more information, visit the Department of Education Victoria:
https://www.vic.gov.au/attendance-and-missing-school
Every day counts!
SMILE SQUAD IS BACK
We’re pleased to let you know that the Smile Squad team from EACH will be visiting Karoo Primary School from Monday 2 March 2026.
Smile Squad is the Victorian Government’s free school dental program, which means all students can access:
- A free dental check-up
- Preventative dental services
Treatment, if required—all delivered at school.
How to access free dental care
Parent/carer consent is required before services can be provided.
Please complete the consent form online:👉 https://bit.ly/smilesquadvicor scan the QR code below.
Paper copies of the consent form are also available. Please contact the school office if you would like to request one.
The electronic consent form can be translated into over 100 languages, and paper copies are currently available in 30 languages.
Smile Squad oral health packs
All children deserve a healthy smile. As part of the program, your child(ren) will soon receive a free oral health pack to bring home. Each pack includes:
- A toothbrush
- Full-sized toothpaste
- An oral health brochure
The brochure contains helpful tips to support your whole family to eat well, drink well and clean well – for life.
Standard strength toothpaste
Smile Squad provides standard strength fluoride toothpaste, which is generally recommended for children aged six years and over, unless otherwise advised by a dental or trained health professional.
If your child is under six years of age, please speak with a dental or trained health professional to determine whether this toothpaste is suitable. Alternatively, you may choose to keep the toothpaste until they turn six or share it with another family member.
Do I need to attend my child’s appointment?
No, you do not need to attend your child’s appointment. You are welcome to attend if you wish, or you may choose to take your child to a community dental clinic instead.
The EACH Smile Squad team look forward to visiting our school soon.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me on 0433 179 792, or reach the Smile Squad administration team on 9757 6209 or via email at Smile.Squad@each.com.au.
Kind regards, Karoo Primary School