PARENTAL RESOURCES

An OK reason is one that prevents your child from getting to school. This could include:

• when your child is sick or unwell
• attending cultural or religious observances such as sorry time and funerals
• an unavoidable natural event such as flood waters or a cyclone
• an unavoidable medical appointment

The principal decides if the reason given for your child’s absence is acceptable.

• is celebrating a birthday
• is going on a family holiday
• is visiting family and friends
• has slept in or had a big weekend
• is looking after other children
• has sport or other recreational activities that have not been approved by the school
• has appointments such as haircuts and minor check ups

If possible, routine medical and other health appointments should be made either before or after school, or during the school holidays

Yes, you need to let Student Services office, the Year Coordinator or AIEO know the reason why your child is going to be, or has been, absent from school as soon as possible. Where possible, please discuss any upcoming absences in advance so we can let you know of important learning or activities your child will miss out on. This requires a responsible person, usually a parent, to provide a reason for the absence within three school days. Having information about why your child is missing school helps us plan for their return to school and work out whether we can provide any further help to you.

• At school, many concepts such as literacy and numeracy are taught in a sequence. Missing school means missing out on learning – which can often make it difficult to catch up
• Going to school every day helps children learn the important life skill of ‘showing up’ – at school, at work, to sport and other
• Research from the Western Australian Telethon Kids Institute shows that every day at school counts towards a student’s learning. Students who attend regularly, generally do better at school and in
• Students are more likely to become anxious when they miss out on valuable information taught in class; this can snow-ball particularly when assignments and tests are due. The best way for students to be prepared is to attend classes and ask the teacher for help