Deputy Principal, Mrs Kadi Carr & Mrs Bec Baird
Attendance
The Importance of Every School Day
Regular school attendance matters. Every day a child attends school is a day of learning, connection and growth. At Edgeworth PS, we are committed to ensuring every student is known, valued and cared for, and consistent attendance is a key part of this commitment.
When students attend school every day, they:
- Build strong literacy and numeracy foundations
- Develop positive friendships and social skills
- Strengthen resilience and wellbeing
- Feel a sense of belonging and connection
Even missing one day a fortnight adds up to almost four weeks of learning lost across a school year. These absences can impact academic progress, confidence and engagement over time.
Explaining Absences
We understand that children may need to be absent due to illness or unforeseen circumstances. When your child is absent, it is important that you provide an explanation within 7 days. This can be done via:
- The School Bytes Parent App
- A written note
An email to the school office
If an absence is not explained within the required timeframe, it is recorded as an unjustified absence in line with departmental guidelines.
Planning Leave During School Time
Family holidays and travel during school terms can significantly disrupt learning. We strongly encourage families to plan holidays during school vacation periods wherever possible.
If you need to apply for extended leave (5 days or more), you are required to submit an Application for Extended Leave – Travel form prior to the leave.
The Principal will review the request in accordance with NSW Department of Education attendance procedures.
Working Together
Attendance is a shared responsibility between families and the school. If your child is experiencing difficulties that are impacting attendance, please reach out. We are here to support you and can work together to develop strategies or an attendance plan if needed.
Every day counts. By prioritising attendance, we give our children the very best opportunity to thrive academically, socially and emotionally.
If you have any questions about attendance requirements, please contact the school office.
Integrating Social and Emotional Learning in PDHPE
In 2026 our school has launched an initiative to intentionally integrate Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) into our Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) syllabus.
Social and Emotional Learning helps students develop the skills to understand and manage their emotions, build positive relationships, make responsible decisions and navigate challenges with confidence. By embedding these skills within PDHPE, we are ensuring that wellbeing is not taught as a standalone lesson, but as part of everyday learning and classroom practice.
So far this term, students have been learning about the concept of their Quality World. This is the idea that each of us carries a “picture album” in our minds of the people, experiences and things that are most important to us. Students have reflected on what makes them feel happy, safe, successful and connected, and have explored how their choices can help them move closer to the things they value.
Students have also been introduced to the five basic needs that drive human behaviour:
- Belonging and connection
- Power and achievement
- Freedom
- Fun
Survival
Through age-appropriate discussions and activities, students are learning that all behaviour is purposeful and linked to meeting one or more of these needs. This understanding is helping them to build empathy, take responsibility for their choices, and develop strategies to meet their needs in positive and respectful ways.
We encourage families to continue these conversations at home by asking your child:
- What is in your Quality World?
- Which basic needs are most important to you?
- What choices can you make to help meet your needs in a positive way?
By working together, we can support our students to grow not only as learners, but as confident, resilient and compassionate young people.