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Hackham East Primary School Newsletter
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School Attendance

 & 

Punctuality

Good attendance is key to your child being able to fulfil their potential and make good progress in school. One of the most important ways a parent can support the education of their child and the child’s social, emotional and academic development is to ensure they attend every day and on time.

Arriving on time for school is important as late arrivals are disruptive for the class and can be embarrassing for the child who is late. Children miss important information during the morning routine, including the plan for the day. 

  • Gates open at 8.30am
  • Classroom doors open at 8.40am
  • School starts at 8.50am
  • Late arrival is between 8.50am and 9.30am
  • Arrival after 9.30am is recorded as missing the morning block (0.5 day)

Surely 1 or 2 days Doesn’t Matter…

Lots of people think that missing the odd day at school here and there can’t do much harm. But even taking a short amount of time off can be a problem. Your child might fall behind in their work and not be able to catch up. If there are gaps in their knowledge they will suffer when school assessment time comes around. There could be other problems too; children who miss school are missing out on the social side of things which affects their ability to make and keep friends and it can dent their confidence to attempt new work and work alongside others.

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Strategies to Improve Punctuality

Bedtime routines – packing school bag ready for the next day, getting to bed earlier, setting a time for a television, iPad, computer, mobile phone and other devices to be turned off.

Morning routines – setting the alarm earlier, no television until ready for school (and maybe not even then), having breakfast before leaving home, so no need to call in at the shop, meeting a reliable friend to walk to school with.

Reporting School Absence

We appreciate there may be times your child is unwell or unable to attend school. As a parent you have a responsibility to -

  • Contact school on the first morning of absence, providing a reason for their absence. This can be done via phone call, Facebook Messenger, Seesaw, email, Skoolbag, diary note.
  • Keep school informed on a regular basis if your child is absent for a long period.
  • Provide medical evidence if this has been requested by the school.

If you need help with attendance, you must talk to the school about it as soon as possible.

 

Claire McGarvey, Co-Ordinator Wellbeing & Aboriginal Education