Attendance and Absences
Students learn best when they are at school, and every day counts. Lessons build on each other, so even a few missed days can leave gaps that take time to catch up. School is also where students build friendships and a sense of belonging, which is part of our motto, Courage to Grow, Strength to Connect.
Students are expected to have attendance above 90%. You can check your child's attendance on the Sentral Parent Portal.
We know there are many reasons a student might miss school, and we're here to help. If your child is finding it hard to attend, please contact us early. The sooner we know, the sooner we can work together on a plan.
What to do if your child is absent for a day
All absences must be reported with a reason for the absence.
If your child is absent, you may report it in the following ways:
- Send an email to the school. We request that this be completed by 9am on the day of an absence.
- Parents may also reply to the SMS message that is sent out each day at approximately 11am indicating your child has an unexplained absence. This response must include the reason for the absence.
- Parents may record an absence through the Sentral Parent Portal.
- Students may also be sent with a note on the first day of their return to school.
Example of what to write: My child, Jack Smith, is absent from school today as he is sick.
What to do if you wish for your child to take extended leave
If your child requires a period of leave for family travel, to participate in external sporting events and other such matters, please apply for leave using the Department's Extended Leave Form as soon as you know the dates.
A copy of the form can be found here.
What to do if your child needs to leave school early
If your child needs to leave school early for an appointment or a special event, you may:
- You may also send an email to the school.
- Send them to school with a note indicating the time they need to leave and the purpose of the leave. This is handed into the Office in the morning.
Example of what to write: My child, Jack Smith, must leave school at 1pm today as he has a doctor's appointment. I give permission for him to make his own way home at this time.
Concerned about your child's attendance?
If your child is finding it hard to get to school, please contact their Year Adviser as early as you can. Year Advisers work with families and teachers to understand what is making attendance difficult, and to put the right support in place. There are many reasons a student might struggle to attend, and we would much rather hear from you early than have a problem build up. To reach your child's Year Adviser, contact the main office and ask to be put through, or send an email to the school.