Regular attendance at school is essential to assist students to maximise their potential. Schools, in partnership with parents, are responsible for promoting the regular attendance of students.
It is a state law that students who are enrolled at school, regardless of their age, are expected to attend that school whenever instruction is provided. If your child is absent, it is a requirement that the school be provided with a reason for the absence. Parents and carers may send a letter, or an email to the school, telephone or visit the school.
School rolls are checked on a regular basis by Department Home School Liaison Officers and regular absences or recurring unjustified absences can be investigated by them. If absences continue parents/carers may be prosecuted.
Justified reasons for absences may include if your child: is sick or has an infectious disease; has an unavoidable medical or dental appointment (these should be made after school or during school holidays where possible); is required to attend a recognised religious holiday; is required to attend an exception or urgent family circumstance (such as a funeral).
Unjustified absences from school would include things such as: shopping; sleeping in; working around the house; birthdays; haircuts.
Family holidays and travel outside of designated school holiday time are not encouraged as it is within the child's best interests for holidays to occur during school vacation periods. If you do intend to taken an extended holiday of 10 days of more you will need to collect an application for extended leave form from the front office.
Arriving at school on time is extremely important as it: ensures students don't miss out on the important learning activities scheduled; helps students learn the importance of punctuality and routine; gives students time to greet their friends before class to give them a sense of belonging.
Lateness is recorded as a partial absence and must be explained by parents/carers in the same way as other forms of absence.