Regular attendance at school is essential if students are to maximise their potential. International research demonstrates a strong correlation between student learning, attendance at school and improved life outcomes. Students who attend school regularly are more likely to achieve educational success, and increase their career and life options.
Schools, in partnership with parents, are responsible for promoting the regular attendance of students. Students are expected to attend school each day, unless your child:
- is sick, or has an infectious illness
- has an unavoidable medical or dental appointment (preferably these should be made after school or during holidays)
- is required to attend a recognised religious holiday
- is required to attend an exceptional or urgent family circumstance (such as attending a funeral).
If your child is absent from school, please provide a written note stating the reason for the absence, to the class teacher as soon as possible and within seven days of the first day of absence.
Please ensure your child is on time to school each day. Important routines, outlines for the day and instructions are issued at the beginning of each morning session.
Children who arrive late or leave early must be accompanied by a parent/carer to the school office and a written explanation is required. Partial absences are recorded at the school office.
Families are encouraged to travel during school holidays. If travel during school term is necessary, an application for extended leave (PDF 85.3KB) may need to be completed and approved by the principal. This applies to absences of more than 8 school days. Absences relating to travel will contribute to your child’s total absences for the year.
Attendance is recorded each day. Missing school means your child misses out on vital information and maintaining learning routines. This can result in a loss of confidence and missing out on forming vital friendships.
If you are having difficulty getting your child to attend school regularly, you might like to talk to the school principal or the school counsellor.
You can find more information on the department's attendance fact sheet (PDF 430KB)