Attendance and absenteeism

The school must be notified of all student absences. Notification must include the reason for the absence. Absences can be notified:

• In advance by note, email or text message on 03328529243;
• By 9.00am on the day of the absence, by email or text message on 03328529243;

Attendance and absenteeism

Compulsory school age is when children must be enrolled in and attend school, from when they turn 6 until they turn 16.

Patterns of attendance and absence that are set up in the early years usually persist through education and life. Regular attendance at school is important to a child’s learning and development.

Poor attendance may lead to learning difficulties because children who are frequently absent are likely to miss learning the basic skills needed for their future education.

genesis combined school work with parents to encourage attendance and participation to:

• provide a safe, success orientated and caring environment
• provide relevant learning programs for all students
• maintain accurate records of attendance
• ensure non-attendance is followed up through early intervention
• develop strategies to resolve attendance difficulties.

When it’s acceptable for children to be absent

Situations where it is acceptable for a child to miss school include times when the:

• child is too sick to leave the house
• child has an infectious illness such as gastroenteritis, chicken pox or measles
• child needs to attend medical or dental appointments that could not be made out of school hours
• school principal is provided with a genuine reason that prevents the child attending school
• child has been granted an exemption from school
• child has been sent home or suspended from school for disciplinary reasons.

If a student is absent due to reported illness for three or more consecutive days, the principal can ask for a medical certificate.

Informing school about your child’s absence

It is important to notify the school of your child’s absence and the reason for it. If you are unable to notify the school in advance, send a note covering the days missed when your child returns.

Refusal to attend school

A child’s refusal to go to school can be very distressing both to parents and the child. Non-attendance can take different forms. While some children may refuse to leave home, others may leave the house but not attend school or slip away from the school (truancy).

There are many reasons why children refuse to attend school:

• separation anxiety
• learning difficulties
• not having friends
• being bullied at school
• not getting along with teachers.

What to do if your child refuses to attend school

If you have difficulty with your child attending school, you should immediately contact the school to seek help. There are many staff members who can assist you. You can discuss your concerns with your child’s teacher, school counsellor, year level manager, deputy principal or the school principal.

Exemption from attending school

A parent or guardian must apply for an exemption from school attendance if they wish to take their child out of school temporarily or permanently.

Students must attend school regularly until the exemption has been approved.

Exemption from attendance at school is often sought because of:

• family travel or holidays
• medical or health reasons
• home education
• full time employment
• disability or behavior problems requiring part time exemption from school.

How to apply

1. Complete the form

Complete one of these application forms:

• Family / travel / holiday – up to 12 months
• Family / travel / holiday – more than 12 months
• Disability or behaviour problems

2. Collect and attach supporting evidence

Permanent exemptions require evidence such as letters from employers or training organizations. These must be submitted with the application form.

Temporary exemptions may require supporting evidence. For more information check with the school principal.

3. Lodge the form with the school principal

Submit all applications to the school principal. The school principal will make sure your form is sent to the right place.

What happens next

Students must keep attending school until the exemption has been approved.

If your request is approved, you’ll be notified and an exemption certificate will be issued for exemptions longer than one month.

Appointments

Please note that when collecting your child for an appointment, you must sign them out at the office.  This ensures we can account for all students’ whereabouts.  If you have a planned appointment, please notify the class teacher via note in your child’s diary or via the front office.

It is also important that the pickup takes place at the office.  The administration staff will arrange for the child to be prepared to go if they are aware of the appointment time.