We all want our students to get a great education, and the building blocks for a great education begin with students coming to school every day, for the whole day.  Attending school every day enables students to participate in the school’s educational program as well as develop their social skills.

Missing school can have a major impact on a child’s future – a student missing one day a fortnight will miss four full weeks by the end of the year. A child who is 15 minutes late each day will miss over 8 full days of school in one year. There is no safe number of days for missing school – each day a student misses puts them behind, and can affect their educational outcomes.

Families must ensure that childen attend school at all times when the school is open, unless exemption from attendance has been granted by the principal. For absences  due to illness, medical appointments or bereavement, families must promptly provide an explanation on each occasion.  This includes for late arrivals or early departures. Explainations can be provided via Compass, by calling the school office and dialing 1 to notify of an absence or by responding to the absence SMS sent on the day.  If no explaination is received within 10 days the absence is recorded as unexplained.  MACS Attendance Policy requires the school to respond to absences once 2 days of absence is recorded in a 12 month period.

Families wishing to take their children out of school for family holidays during term time must apply for an exemption by emailing the principal at principal@slwderrimut.catholic.edu.au.  If exemptions are not requested prior to the  absence, the absence is recorded as unapproved.

If you’re having attendance issues with your child, please let your classroom teacher know so we can work together to get your child to school every day.