Attendance
By Melissa Treverton
ATTENDANCE
Parents and Carers are reminded that they are legally required to provide a note to explain their child’s absence from school.
At Parkdale SC parents can inform the school of the reason for their absence via:
- Logging the absence on COMPASS
- Providing a handwritten and signed note to the child’s Tutor teacher.
- Calling the attendance officer (9580 6311 – ext. 1)
Parents and carers are notified of their child’s unexplained absence via an SMS at 10.30am on the day of the absence and via the Parent portal on COMPASS.
We ask that parents endeavour to provide a note for any unexplained absences on same day or as soon as practicable.
The following reasons are approved by the Department of Education for parent notification of absence.
| Reason | Explanation |
| Medical Illness | Student is not at school for medical reasons |
| Medical Appointment | Student is not at school, is attending a medical appointment |
| Bereavement | Includes funeral, death in the family, absence due to death |
| Truancy | Parent knows about the absence but does not approve, or parent doesn’t know about the absence |
| Parent Choice | Parent explained absence that does not fit the other criteria |
| Family Holiday | Student is away on a family holiday |
| Religious/Cultural Observation | Student is kept away from school for a religious or cultural reason |
Important points to note when reporting an absence:
- A full day absence should be set from 8.30am to 3.15pm to cover the entire school day.
- Students who participate in ESP/STEP require an absence note from 7.00am – 3.15pm
There are currently a large number of unexplained absences sitting against our students, we ask that parents and carers log in to COMPASS to check their child’s attendance and rectify any unexplained absences.
Your prompt attention to this matter is appreciated.
Melissa Treverton
Assistant Principal