Attendance Matters
Every Day Counts: Supporting Regular School Attendance
At Lyndhurst Primary School, we are committed to supporting every student to attend school every day that they can. Regular attendance is essential for students’ learning, wellbeing, engagement, and social development.
The Victorian Department of Education recognises that daily school attendance maximises every student’s opportunity to learn and build strong connections with peers and teachers.
When students attend school regularly, they are more likely to:
- achieve better learning outcomes
- develop positive friendships and social skills
- feel connected to their school community
establish routines that support future success
Missing school for extended periods, including family holidays during term time, can disrupt continuity of learning and make it more difficult for students to maintain progress. Classroom learning programs are carefully planned and sequenced, with each lesson building on prior knowledge and experiences. Extended absences may result in learning gaps and can affect a student’s confidence and engagement upon returning to school.
While we understand that some family circumstances may require students to be absent during the school term, families are encouraged to plan holidays during the designated school holiday periods wherever possible.
Student Absence Learning Plans (SALPs)
Where a student is expected to be absent from school for an extended period (more than five school days), the school is required to develop a Student Absence Learning Plan (SALP) in partnership with parents/carers and the student.
A SALP is designed to:
- support continuity of learning during an extended absence
- maintain the student’s connection to classroom learning
- support a positive transition back to school
It is important to note that a Student Absence Learning Plan does not replace classroom teaching and learning experiences.
Families are asked to notify the school a minimum of two weeks in advance if an extended absence is planned. Notification may be provided via a Compass absence note or by email to the school. Early communication allows staff adequate time to discuss the absence and prepare relevant learning materials where appropriate.
We value the partnership between home and school in supporting regular attendance and ensuring every student has the best opportunity to learn, participate, and succeed.
If your family requires support with attendance, or if you would like to discuss your child’s circumstances, please contact the school. We are committed to working in partnership with families to support every student’s engagement, wellbeing, and learning success.