Assistant Principal News
I am pleased to say that the first two NAPLAN Online tests have been successfully finalised and submitted. Year 7 and Year 9 students have both completed Writing and Reading and today will be sitting their Language Conventions.
I wish to thank the majority of students for their mature behaviour and focus, and the teachers who have spent their lunch breaks setting up and packing up the tests.
The final test this Wednesday will be a 65 minute Numeracy Test, while catch up tests will take place on Monday and Tuesday.
One of the elements that contributes heavily to academic results, external tests and learning in general, is student absence. Student Attendance has become an area of focus over recent years as a result of increasing issues with non attendance. The Catholic Education Diocese Wagga Wagga (CEDWW) has commenced a trial process to work towards overhauling all secondary schools attendance policies to ensure that young people are actively able to engage with their education.
Previously, parents and students engaged in conversations with Pastoral Leaders and the College Assistant Principals to discuss required areas of attendance improvement. In the past, letters would also be received and attendance meetings organised at intervals of 10,15 and 21 days of students unexplained absences. Parents are currently asked to respond to the school when they receive a text message or email in relation to the justification of their child's absence.
Non-attendance has a variety of effects on students, both academically and socially. Absenteeism can increase social isolation, including alienation and lack of engagement with the school community and peers, leading to emotional and behavioural difficulties
Non attendance can also have serious implications on student achievement - all school days matter. Recent data demonstrates the clear correlation between absence and declines in academic achievement.
Regardless of whether the absences are justified or unjustified in nature, large numbers of absences have a cumulative impact and can result with a decline on assessment and test results as well as content understanding and application. In Stage 6 attendance is often a significant reason that students do not successfully complete the HSC course, as outcomes have not been met to NESA standards.
Parents will now receive attendance concern letters through Compass. Details are clearly outlined in terms of the course of action required eg. attending a mandatory meeting etc and legalities around their child's education.
The below flowchart indicates the different stages of attendance and the relevant course of action
| DAILY MONITORING AND RESPONSE | Homeroom and Class teachers take daily roles in each class and liaise with relevant leadership when concerns arise |
| EMERGING ABSENTEEISM <85% | A letter is sent home or a documented phone call to parents takes place outlining concerns regarding attendance. |
| CHRONIC ABSENTEEISM <80% | If Attendance does not improve a second letter is sent home to parents request they attend an Attendance Planning Meeting (APM) |
| CHRONIC ABSENTEEISM <80% - 2ND REQUEST | If parents do not attend a meeting or attendance does not improve another APM will be requested. The completion of a Mandatory Report will be considered. |
| COMPLEX ABSENTEEISM <70% | If a parent still does not attend a meeting and Attendance still does not improve. CEDWW is notified to assist with the next APM which will be requested via another letter. Mandatory reporting becomes compulsory. |
| CONTINUED COMPLEX ABSENTEEISM | Another letter is sent home and CEDWW are involved in further meetings. Departments of Community and Justice are also notified. Another Mandatory Report is completed |
| FAILURE TO MEET ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS - PENDING ABANDONMENT OF ENROLLMENT | Through collaborative conversation with CEDWW and external stakeholders enrollment will be reviewed. Mandatory report completed |
As a College our hope is to work with students and their families to provide a safe, academically and socially fulfilling environment. If you have any questions or concerns regarding student attendance please contact the College for clarification.
Finally, Year 12 parents please remember that Parent Teacher Student Conferences via Zoom are scheduled this coming Wednesday 19th May. Parents can book their interviews via Compass. It is pivotal that Year 12 Parents and Students make a commitment to attend and engage in conversations with the teachers. These conferences have been proven to be the best opportunity for learning conversations, feedback and goal setting to achieve the best possible future results. I look forward to hearing about the productive conversations that take place.
Yours in Learning
Lora Segrave and Damien Herb
Co-Assistant Principals