ATTENDANCE GUIDELINES
Lilydale High School Attendance Guidelines
(In conjunction with the Attendance Policy)
Schooling is compulsory for children and young people aged from 6 to 17 years (unless an exemption from attendance or enrolment has been granted).
The following process has been implemented to assist staff at Lilydale High School in closely monitoring the attendance of all students and illustrating the importance of school attendance to our students.
Year Level teams have taken on the role of checking attendance on a daily basis; they will then follow a staged response to support students with significant absences.
Please note: we are aware that there are students who have long-term illnesses/acute conditions and/or challenging circumstances and are unable to attend for extended periods. Please be aware that consideration will be given on an individual basis with the appropriate evidence.
Staged Response:
On the second day of any absence
- Phone call home to ascertain if any support is required
When a student reaches 6 – 10 days absence (non-consecutive)
- Student Support Group meeting with the student, parents and school staff
- Implement internal support if required including assistance from the Wellbeing Team
When a student reaches 11 – 19 days absence (non-consecutive)
- Student Support Group meeting with the student, parents and school staff
- Wellbeing team involved
- External supports identified
When a student reaches 20+ days absence
- Student Support Group Meeting
- Regional Attendance Officer including referral to Navigator Program
Camps (except for Year 7 camp) and extra-curricular excursions including sporting teams
Attendance will be a consideration when spaces are limited on camps, including Year 9, Year 10, and all Senior School camps.
Attendance will also be considered when sporting teams are selected, and other year-level activities are on offer. We are also working on linking attendance to Grade Point Average in our Cycle Reports.
Whilst we understand that these activities contribute to connection to school, the overriding importance of students being at school on a daily basis cannot be overlooked. A regular routine and commitment to school has to be the most important consideration in preparing our young people for the future.
As a general rule, we will be looking for an attendance rate of 85% and above for students to be selected. We are aware that missing one day a week means an 80% attendance rate, and one day a fortnight adds up to 90%; it also means students are missing 4 weeks of school a year.
We are more than happy to assist with any attendance issues you and your child may encounter. Please do not hesitate to reach out to the relevant Sub School Offices.
Wendy Powson
Principal