Assistant Principal's Message
Year 12 Exit Strategy
O'Connor Year 12 students over some period of time have had a dignified series of leaving events before they sit their final exams.
Our students appreciate that they, the school and their parents have worked hard to get to this point and it is an opportunity to show appreciation for this.
The Year 12 program looks like this.
Wednesday 25th September - Mass at De La Salle Chapel at 7.00pm with families followed by Supper.
Thursday 26th September - BBQ lunch followed by an activities afternoon.
Friday 27th September - Year 12 Graduation and Award Ceremony.
October 17 HSC Begins (English)
November 15 - Year 12 Formal
Consensual Absenteeism
An alarming but increasing trend amongst students in schools across many sectors and regions is taking days off school with parental consent when there is a change to the normal routine. This could be a sporting carnival, a charity day or even if it is the last day of term. The problem is highlighted further when there is a partial change of routines such as school mass or a guest speaker and students take a full day off even if they are missing most of their normal lessons.
Why is this such a problem? There is a philosophical position and an even more compelling data-driven answer to this. Firstly Catholic Education has always held a position that every student can learn. Every student has talents that need to be identified, developed and shared with the community. This may be academic, organisational, relational, artistic and sporting. Our community should appreciate these talents that have been shared. The student who is not a strong swimmer can still make the college community stronger by attending the swimming carnival and appreciating the gifts of others. That student may perform at a concert later contributing to the community while an appreciative audience again, makes our community stronger.
Another very strong argument for not taking the day off is the relationship between attendance and student achievement. The Queensland Department of Education and Training after extensive research found that poor school attendance is associated with:
- lower academic achievement including literacy and numeracy
- early school leaving
- leaving school with fewer qualifications
- reduced opportunities for students to learn and access educational resources, further limiting achievement
- further absenteeism in higher year levels
- increased alcohol, tobacco, and substance use in adolescents
It is possible that some might say how is missing out on a day here or there going to result in these outcomes? You will be surprised how quickly these days add up. Another question may be how is not attending Founders Day going to adversely affect learning? Don't forget that learning takes place in many different spaces and it is holistic. Some of these days are great learning opportunities for relationships, organisation, appreciation, and general well being.
As parents please support your child's learning by helping them understand that it is in their best interest to attend school even when there is a change in routine. They may be missing out some of the best days of the year. Good attendance at school is an expectation and a responsibility.
Thank you for your support
Damian Roff
A.P