Student Wellbeing

Attendance Matters

TOP ATTENDANCE TIPS FOR PARENTS

• Schools want to work in partnership with parents – act early if you have any concerns by contacting the College and asking for advice and support. Seek help from your school if you are concerned about your child’s attendance and wellbeing. Schools want to work in partnership with parents to support student attendance and wellbeing. Your child’s Leader of Student Care (LOSC) is your first step. Contact : 67610800 or mccadmin@arm.catholic.edu.au to arrange a meeting or phone call back.
• Remember that every school day counts
• There is no safe number of days for missing school – each day a student misses puts them behind, and can affect their educational outcomes and their social connectedness
• Talk positively about school and the importance of attending every day
• Open and prompt communication with your child’s school about all absences is a good idea: mccadmin@arm.catholic.edu.au, or respond to Compass notifications ASAP.
• Avoid making routine medical and dental appointments during the school day or planning family holidays during the term

We appreciate your support in ensuring that your child/children are at school on time each day, ready to learn. 

Dear Parents, Guardians, and Students

 Attendance isn't just about being physically present; it's about actively participating in the educational journey, seizing every chance to grow, learn, and thrive.

In Australia, the correlation between regular school attendance and academic success is well-established. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), students who attend school regularly are more likely to achieve higher academic outcomes and develop essential skills for future success. Moreover, consistent attendance fosters a sense of belonging and engagement within the school community, leading to improved social and emotional well-being.

One of the key tools we use to track attendance and ensure every absence is accounted for is the Compass App. By submitting attendance notes via Compass when a student is away, parents and guardians play a crucial role in helping us maintain accurate records and support students' educational progress. These notes contribute to explained absences (rather than unexplained absences), helping us understand the reasons behind missed days and provide appropriate support where needed.

Why Every Day Counts:

Every day in school is a building block for future achievements. Here are some reasons why consistent attendance matters:

1. Academic Progress: Regular attendance allows students to stay on track with their lessons, participate in class discussions, and benefit from teacher guidance, leading to improved academic performance.
2. Social and Emotional Development: School is not just about academics; it's also a place where students develop social skills, build friendships, and learn valuable life lessons through interactions with peers and teachers.
3. Access to Support Services: Consistent attendance ensures that students have access to support services such as our college psychologists, Leaders of Student Care, and extracurricular activities, enhancing their overall well-being and development.

Partners in Progress:

We recognise that maintaining regular attendance is a shared responsibility between the school, parents, and students. By working together and prioritising attendance, we can create an environment where every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential and achieve academic success.

As we embark on this term's educational journey, let's remember that every day counts. Please use the Compass App system to keep track of attendance and ensure that every absence is accounted for and supported.

Thank you for your ongoing support in fostering a culture of attendance and commitment to learning.

Warm regards,

Melissa Lees