Going to school every day is the single most important part of your child’s education. Students learn new things at school every day – missing school puts them behind.  We want our students to get a great education, and the building blocks for a great education begin with students coming to school each and every day. When students miss school regularly, they miss out on learning the fundamental skills that will set them up for success in the later years of school. Being away from school for one day a fortnight equals missing 1.5 years over 13 years of schooling.

In accordance with the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 (Vic), schooling is compulsory for children aged from 6 to 17 years unless an exemption has been granted. Parents/carers must enrol a child of compulsory school age at a registered school and ensure their child attends school at all times when the school is open for instruction. Students are expected to attend the school in which they are enrolled, during normal school hours every day of each term. 

If your child is sick or absent, you are required to notify the school as soon as possible on the day of absence using one of the following methods:

1. Online: log the absence directly on Compass as an Attendance Note, explaining the reason for the absence.
2. Telephone: the school office and let the staff know your child’s name, class, date of absences and reason.
3. Email: the school and provide the staff with your child’s name, class, date of absences and reason.

Top attendance tips for parents

•  Schools want to work in partnership with parents – act early if you have any concerns by contacting your child’s school  and asking for advice and support
•  Remember that every day counts
•  There is no safe number of days for missing school – each day a student misses puts them behind, and can affect their  educational outcomes and their social connectedness
•  Talk positively about school and the importance of attending every day
•  Open and prompt communication with your child’s school about all absences is a good idea
•  Avoid making routine medical and dental appointments during the school day or planning family holidays during the term
•  Seek help from your school if you are concerned about your child’s attendance and wellbeing. Schools want to work in  partnership with parents to support student attendance and wellbeing.

For further information please see our KPS Attendance Policy