School Success Starts with Attendance
Dear Parents/Carers,
As a supportive school community, we’re committed to helping every child thrive. Today, we want to address two challenges that can impact school attendance and engagement: school refusal and school can’t. This is something which can affect and impact heavy on a student's wellbeing, both requiring understanding and tailored support.
What is School Refusal and School Can't?
School Refusal is something that occurs when a child wants to attend school but experiences intense anxiety, fear, or stress that prevents them from doing so. Unlike skipping school, this issue often stems from emotional distress and can be very challenging for families to address.
School Can’t is a related term describing situations where a child’s non-attendance is linked to specific barriers that make school attendance particularly difficult. These barriers may include:
Learning difficulties: Challenges like dyslexia, ADHD, or autism can make a traditional classroom setting overwhelming.
Social or Emotional Factors: Issues such as social anxiety, previous bullying experiences, or trouble with peer relationships.
External circumstances: Family disruptions, health issues, or mental health concerns that create additional challenges for students.
Some signs to look out for include:
- Reoccurring physical symptoms like headaches or stomach aches, especially in the morning
- Expressions of distress or fear about attending school
- Increased isolation from peers or disengagement from school-related conversations
- Resistance or refusal to engage in typical school preparations
How we can help
We encourage families facing school refusal or school can’t to reach out to their child’s classroom, homeroom teacher or year level Assistant Principal. Our staff are dedicated to providing compassionate support, and we’re here to help create a plan that meets your child’s unique needs.
Collaborative approach: We work closely with families to understand the underlying issues, whether they’re related to anxiety, learning difficulties, or external factors.
Individualised support plans: Teachers and year level leaders can help develop tailored strategies, such as modified schedules, learning supports, or adjusted expectations, to make school more accessible and less overwhelming.
Open communication: Your child’s teachers and leaders are committed to open and ongoing communication, ensuring that you feel supported and that your child receives the care they need.
Ways you can support your child at home
Listen and validate: Open conversations are key. Ask your child how they feel about school, and acknowledge their concerns without judgment.
Establish routine and consistency: Morning routines and positive reinforcement can bring stability, making it easier for children to transition to school.
Collaborate with teachers: Stay connected with your child’s classroom teacher or year level leader for additional advice and support. They can provide insight into your child’s school day and work with you to find effective solutions.
Additional resources for parents
For families seeking further guidance, these resources can provide valuable strategies and insights:
Raising Children Network: Offers practical advice for parents managing school anxiety and school refusal.
https://raisingchildren.net.au/
Headspace Australia: Support for young people with anxiety, social issues, and school-related stress.
Thank you for your continued partnership as we work together to support every student’s educational journey. By creating a network of support between families and our school, we can ensure that every child feels encouraged, valued, and empowered to learn.