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“A parent of a child of compulsory school age is obliged to ensure that their child attends school on every school day for the educational program in which he/she is enrolled.” (Education General Provisions Act 2006) The duration and location of a student's educational program is determined by the school and may include sites other than the school site, for example, sporting grounds, museums or TAFE. Any time during which a student is not attending or participating in their educational program is considered an absence and requires explanation…” (Education Procedures and Policy Register SMS-PR-029: Managing Student Absences) Regular attendance by each child is necessary for satisfactory progress to be made; therefore, parents/carers must assume the responsibility for the regular attendance of their child/children. Teachers mark rolls twice daily and are required to code the reasons for non attendance at school. Parents are requested to advise the school, preferably in writing, of the reason for any absences, within 2 days of the student’s return to school. Absences for which a satisfactory reason has been provided are considered explained absences. Absences for which a satisfactory reason has not been provided are considered unexplained absences. After several days or periods of absence without explanation, the parent will be contacted by the school, requesting the reason for the child’s absence. When a student is absent, or plans to be absent for more than 10 consecutive school days for any reason, the parent should comply with their obligations in respect to compulsory schooling or compulsory participation under policy guidelines by either: Seeking an exemption from their obligation through the principal or By negotiating with the principal to make an alteration to a student’s educational program or By seeking to make a flexible arrangement for the student through the principal.
If truancy is suspected, the matter will be reported to the parents and/or appropriate authorities. Since it is the school’s overarching aim to enhance learning outcomes, absenteeism is monitored carefully to ensure a student’s opportunities to learn are not impaired. Arriving at School Children have a better opportunity to perform well if they arrive at school on time and are able to prepare for the school day. For this reason we ask all parents/carers to ensure their children arrive at school by 8:40 am. Children are not expected to arrive at school before 8:00 am. Formal supervision of children is provided from 8:30 am in the Gathering area (yrs 4 – 7) and under B Block (Yrs 1 – 3). Children arriving at school prior to this time are expected to go to their designated area and sit. Students are dismissed from these areas at 8:45 am. Parents/caregivers who wish to sit with their children in the mornings are requested to stay with them in the Junior Courtyard or under B Block, not outside classrooms. This assists in maintaining consistency for all children and compliance with the school’s expectations. Late Arrival at School If children are late arriving at school, they are required to report to the office and inform office staff who will record their late arrival and provide them with a late slip. Early Departure From School Parents are requested to inform the class teacher by note, phone call or in person on the morning prior to the time early collection is to occur and need to be signed out at the office before leaving. Students will not be permitted to walk unaccompanied out of our care to make their own way home independently during school time. If a person other than a parent/carer is collecting a child from school early, they will require a note from the parent/carer and will need to be identified on the child’s file as an emergency contact. School Departure at the End of the Day Parents/caregivers are requested to wait in the Junior Courtyard or under B Block after school until class finishes for the day. This procedure maximizes class time without distraction for the children and anxiety for individuals who cannot see their parent or carer waiting nearby. Students are dismissed at 3 p.m. Once dismissed, students are to proceed home as directed by their parents/carers. For safety reasons, children are not permitted to play on playground equipment after school. Parents/carers who collect students each afternoon are asked to ensure that their children are not left waiting for long periods after school. Children who have not been collected by parents/caregivers by 3:30 will be sent to the OSH Club. Parents may be required to meet supervision costs should they be incurred.
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