Be at school by 8:10

The Impact Of Being Late To Class

Education is hard work.  Ask any student or teacher what it is like to try and get through all the content and complete assessment and most will tell you they would like more time.  For a large number of our students more time is available.  Simply by making it to class on time, can make a huge difference to student achievement and improve student and staff anxiety levels. This is a message delivered to staff as well.

This year we have noted an increase in students arriving late to Period 1, or turning up late after the Long Break and Short Break.  Between Monday and Wednesday this week 75 students had arrived late to Period 1 and needed to sign in via Student Access, significantly increasing the work of admin staff during an already busy time of day. 

It’s worth reminding our community that everyone is expected to be at school by 8:10 and at class by 8:20am. While we understand that at times issues occur and arriving late might be unavoidable, these occasions should have a brief note placed in a student’s diary to explain the situation.

This week staff are being very diligent in recording students who are late to lessons, or students who are late at the start of the school day.  Please have a look at your child’s diary.  If they have no late marks please thank them for making teaching that little bit easier.  If there is a lateness trend, start a conversation with them.  What is the cause and how can it be addressed?

If we strive to be our best, seek the truth and care for ourselves, our friends and those around us this pattern can change quickly.  With the benefits of improved student outcomes, and improved staff and student well-being, I believe this is an area worth striving to improve.

Tony Knott

Deputy Principal, Middle School