Admin News

Student Absences

All student absences must be added by parents to COMPASS on the day, or prior to the absence. 

The Department of Education have altered some of the absence codes which parents can use for their child’s absence from school, below is a guide to these codes

Absence codes 

200 -Medical or Illness

student is not at school because they: 

• are unwell due to a physical or mental health concern and this is impeding their ability to be at school and learn

• have been injured or become unwell at school and have been sent home 

• are in hospital

• have a chronic health condition or pain

• have menstrual or pelvic pain

• are receiving treatment for head lice (refer to the Head Lice policy on PAL).

205 – Healthcare appointment - offsite

Student is not at school as they are attending: 

• an appointment with a medical practitioner

• a dental appointment 

• an allied health appointment or assessment 

• counselling

211 - Bereavement

Student is not at school as they are: 

• attending a funeral

• away due to the death of a friend or family member

212 – Sorry Business

student is not school as they are gathering with their family due to grief or loss within the Koorie community

804 - Extended Family Holiday

Student is not at school as they are on an extended family holiday. Their parent/carer has received prior approval from the principal for the absence, and a Student Absence Learning Plan has been considered.

805 – Religious or Cultural Observance 

student is not attending school due to religious or cultural observance.

806 – Parent Choice – School Unapproved

student is not at school, and their parent/carer has:

• provided a reason for the absence (for example, haircut, shopping, visiting friends, or non- school event), but the school does not consider this a reasonable excuse 

• provided a reason for the absence, but approval has not been sought in advance or in accordance with school policy or conditions of approval (for example, requirements for extended family holiday or school refusal or school can’t)

• advised the school that their child is unable to attend due to a requirement to work in the family business (for example, farm work, in a restaurant or shop)

• advised the school that the student is attending private tutoring or a re-engagement program that is not organised by the school.

Curriculum Contributions 2026

We appreciate your ongoing support in providing the best learning experience for our students at Highton Primary School.

As we prepare for the 2026 school year, we kindly request payment for Curriculum and Other Contributions. These contributions directly support essential classroom resources, the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (PYP), the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program, and other valuable learning initiatives.

Unfortunately, without your support we may have to cut back on resources and programs currently provided to our students. The total contribution amount for 2026 is $201.50 per student, with payments accepted via:

• Compass Pay (preferred)
• EFTPOS
• BPAY

For families facing financial challenges, support options are available including payment plans. Please contact our Business Manager, Anna Clausen, at 03 5243 1494 or anna.clausen@education.vic.gov.au for assistance.

Thank you for your contribution, it makes a real difference in our students' education.

Warm Regards,

Dr. Robert Broekman

Principal

Anna Clausen

Business Manager