Dear School Community,
School attendance and our legal obligations
NSW public schools work in partnership with families to encourage and support regular attendance of children and young people.
When your child attends school every day, learning becomes easier and your child will build and maintain friendships with other children.
The importance of arriving on time, arriving at school and class on time:
· Ensures that students do not miss out on important learning activities scheduled early in the day.
· Helps students learn the importance of punctuality and routine.
· Give students time to greet their friends before class.
· Reduces classroom disruption.
Lateness is recorded as a partial absence and must be explained by parents.
My child won’t go to school. What should I do?
You should contact the principal as soon as possible to discuss the issue and ask for help. Strategies to help improve attendance may include a referral to the school’s learning and support team or linking your child with appropriate support networks. The principal may seek further support from the Home School Liaison Program to develop an Attendance Improvement Plan.
What might happen if my child continues to have unacceptable absences?
It is important to understand that the Department of Education may be required to take further action where children of compulsory school age have recurring numbers of unexplained or unjustified absences from school. Some of the following actions may be undertaken:
Compulsory Schooling Conferences
You may be asked, along with your child, to attend a Compulsory Schooling Conference. The conference will help to identify the supports your child may need to have in place so they attend school regularly.
The school, parents and agencies will work together to develop an agreed plan (known as Undertakings) to support your child’s attendance at school.
Application to the Children’s Court – Compulsory Schooling Order
If your child’s attendance at school remains unsatisfactory the Department may apply to the Children’s Court for a Compulsory Schooling Order. The Children’s Court magistrate may order a Compulsory Schooling Conference to be convened.
Prosecution in the Local Court
In circumstances where a breach of compulsory schooling orders occurs further action may be taken against a parent in the Local Court. The result of court action can be the imposition of a community service order or a fine.
We look forward to working in partnership with you to support your child to fulfil their life opportunities.
Kindest regards,
Sharne Turpin
Principal
