School Attendance
Regular attendance at school for every student is essential if students are to achieve their potential, and increase their career and life options. Schools in partnerships with parents are responsible for promoting the regular attendance of students. While parents are legally responsible for the regular attendance of their children, school staff, as part of their duty of care, record and monitor part and whole day absences.
From next week we are having an "Attendance Blitz". Staff will be closely monitoring attendance until the end of the year by calling parents daily if students are absent with no explanation; we will be looking at percentage rates of individual student attendance and contacting parents if there are any concerns and rewarding classes with the best attendance rates each week. It is important that parents and carers work with the school to make this happen. The Department of Education expects students attend school 93% of the time, this factors in approved leave such as sick. Eastlakes attendance rates are below 93%, however this year we have had much absenteeism due to COVID-19 and other illness. Being at school and on time every day the school is open is very important. Research demonstrates a strong correlation between student learning, attendance at school and improved life outcomes. Let's work in partnership to improve student attendance for these next few weeks and into 2023.
Illness
In the last few weeks there have been students sent to school sick either coughing, or with a sore throat, and fever. The school follows the Department of Education advice regarding children sick at school where we contact the parents and/or carers to collect the child. Students should stay home when they are sick and return to school when they are symptom free. Download the attached fact sheet attached below for further information.
Extended Leave
Families who are planning to go on holidays before Friday 16th December, or those who are not returning from holidays on the first day of school, Tuesday 31 January 2023 must apply for extended leave. Application forms can be obtained from the school office. Forms must be returned with relevant documentation such as e-tickets and or itinerary for processing. A certificate of extended leave will be granted which must be carried with all other travel documents when travelling interstate or overseas.
Semester 2 Reports
Teachers are busy writing reports for Semester 2. The six key learning areas: English, Mathematics, Science and Technology, Geography, Creative Arts and Personal development, Heath and Physical Education (PDHPE) will be reported on with stage specific learning criteria. In English and Mathematics future learning goals for each student will be included.
If your child receives or participates in other programs such as Community Language, Learning and Support, and English as a Second Language these will also be included on their report.
The levels of achievement are: O - outstanding H - High S - Sound B - Basic L - Limited. An effort rating will also be included for each key learning area ranging between 1 to 3; 1 being most effort and 3 showing minimal effort.
Social development, Commitment to learning and School activities will be included on your child's report.
Students K to 6 will receive their report on Thursday 15 December.
2023 Planning
We are planning of organising classes for 2023. If your child is not returning to Eastlakes Public School please notify the school in writing if you have not already done so. We are still taking kindergarten enrolments for 2023. If you have a child turning 5 before 31 July 2023 they are eligible to start Kindergarten in 2023. If you know a family in the community who wants to send their child to our school encourage them call the school for enrolment information as soon as possible. Enrolment forms can be collected from the office or alternatively you can apply online:
https://eastlakes-p.schools.nsw.gov.au/about-our-school/enrolment.html
Have a safe and enjoyable weekend!
Anthia Tsantoulis
Principal
