Student Absences

 

Regular attendance at school is essential for students to maximise their educational and developmental potential. Schools, in partnership with parents, are responsible for promoting the regular attendance of students.  In complying with the NSW Education Act of 1990, students must attend school between the ages of 6 and 17 years.

 

 

 

Parents/Carers are legally responsible for the regular attendance of their children and for providing reasonable cause for the absence of their child. School staff, as a part of their duty of care, monitor and report on student absences. An unexplained absence occurs when a student has been absent from the College for either a full or part day and no explanation has been received from a student’s parent/carer. If your child has been absent and an explanation for the absence is not provided, the College will be contacting you to request a written explanation.

 

Should your child not be well at the beginning of the day, s/he should not be sent to the College. Coughs, colds and gastric upsets spread quickly, so please keep your child at home if they are unwell.

 

Where students are absent from the College on the date a task or assessment is due, owing to illness or “special circumstances”, the task must be completed at the earliest convenient time (usually the first day back at College). This time will be made in consultation with the teacher. Students who are absent from College on the date of a Higher School Certificate, NAPLAN tests or other major exam/assessment task should notify the College immediately of their absence and will require a doctor’s certificate.

 

Download Explanation for Student absence form (pdf 166k)

 

Children who have completed the Year 10 requirements and are above the age of 15, may apply for exemption from school attendance to participate in an approved alternative study or full-time paid work.  Attendance exemptions are also available for other student absences and are considered on a case by case basis.    An Application for Exemption of Attendance at school form must be completed and submitted to the College Principal.   Please note exemptions cannot be granted retrospectively.

 

Download Application for Exemption of Attendance at School (NSW) form (83k)

 

 

The full text of our Roll Marking and Student Attendance Policy can be downloaded here.

 

 

In the event that a child is required to move schools, the current school must be informed of the future school. In the event that this information is not provided, a notification will be made to the appropriate government body.

 

 

In relation to all matters with attendance, any concerns should be raised with the school, with the view to achieve a timely resolution. It is in the best interests of the child, parents, school and community that students regularly attend their place of schooling.