School attendance plays a vital role in supporting students to achieve their educational potential and increase their career and life options. Every day of attendance adds to a student’s academic and social achievements at school, and conversely every absence, can impact their learning and progress. Schools in partnership with parents are responsible for promoting the regular attendance of students.
While absences are sometimes unavoidable, we want to ensure parents and students are aware that even occasional absences can quickly add up and that attending school every day is important to their child’s education.
The NSW Government provides valuable information to help parents understand their responsibilities.
Read below for our FAQ’s.
FAQ’s
NSW Government Requirements
Education in NSW is compulsory for all children between the ages of six years and below the minimum school leaving age. The Education Act 1990 requires that parents ensure their children of compulsory school age are enrolled at, and regularly attend school, or, are registered with NESA, Teaching and Educational Standards for home-schooling.
What if my child is running late to school?
In the case of an absence from school, parents should notify the school via Compass, the reason “LATE” is no longer acceptable for absence. Parents must enter the reason they are late, for example, sickness, traffic congestion, could not find shoes, slept in. We will be able to track and monitor the reason and offer any suggestions to help if this becomes a chronic issue.
Arriving at school and class on time is important because it:
- ensures students do not miss out on important learning activities scheduled early in the day
- helps students learn the importance of punctuality and routine
- gives students time to greet their friends before class
- reduces classroom disruption
Student learning is more successful when students are present consistently for the whole school day. Students who arrive “just a few minutes late” miss out on vital information on the day ahead including opportunities in which they could get involved to enrich their learning and school experience. Early intervention strategies are key to ensuring we can prevent absenteeism before it can put students at risk.
What if my child has to be away from school?
On occasions, your child may need to be absent from school. Justified reasons for student absences may include:
- sickness or an infectious disease
- an unavoidable medical appointment
- a recognised religious holiday
- an exceptional or urgent family circumstance (such as a funeral).
Following an absence from school, you must ensure that within seven days you provide the school with a verbal or written explanation. However, if the school has not received an explanation from you within two days, the school may contact you to discuss the absence.
if a student needs to have recurring or long-term absences due to sickness, a medical certificate must be provided to the school
What do I do if we are going traveling?
Families are encouraged to travel during school holidays. If travel during the school term is necessary, please discuss with your Principal first. An Application for Extended Leave for more then 10 days may need to be completed. Absences relating to travel will be marked as leave on the roll and therefore contribute to your child’s total absences for the year.
In some circumstances, students may be eligible to enrol in distance education for travel periods of more than 50 school days.
What might happen if my child continues to have unacceptable absences?
It is important to understand that the Catholic Schools Diocese may be required to take further action where children of compulsory school age have recurring numbers of unexplained or unjustified absences from school. Some of the following actions may be undertaken:
- Compulsory Schooling Conferences
- Application to the Children’s Court – Compulsory Schooling Order
- Prosecution in the Local Court
