Attendance

It’s always wonderful to have our students in classrooms, ready to engage and learn. Our teachers and school staff are committed to fostering growth and opportunity, and we are here to work with you to support your child to reach their full potential.

Consistently going to school has countless benefits – from learning, to creating social connections and improving wellbeing through access to support and quality education.

Students are required to attend school every day, whether it’s the first or last day of the term, Mondays, Fridays or days dedicated to sports carnivals, school excursions and incursions.

We are here to work with you to support your child to thrive. We know that families experience a variety of challenging circumstances, and we are committed to working with you to address any barriers to regular attendance.

If your child is absent from school, please let us know why as soon as possible, even if it’s just a few minutes at the start or end of the school day. Of course, there will be times when your child is unable to be at school, like when they are unwell. Medical appointments should take place outside school hours where possible, and family holidays should be taken in term breaks (refer to Extended leave below).

If your child is feeling anxious about coming to school and you need support, please reach out to your child’s teacher or to the principal directly. There are also helpful resources for parents and carers on the NSW Department of Education website.

Thank you for being a part of our school community and for partnering with us to ensure students access the endless benefits of regular school attendance.

How do I notify the school of my child's absence?

To help us manage student attendance efficiently, our school sends a daily SMS via the Sentral Parent App/Portal to request an explanation for any absences. Please reply to the message on the same day with a brief reason for your child’s absence - for example, “has been vomiting” or “suffering from flu-like symptoms” etc. Simply stating “sick” is not sufficient, as providing detailed information helps us accurately record your child’s attendance and support their wellbeing.

Please note that for consistency and accurate record-keeping, all absence notifications should be provided in writing by replying to the SMS, a written note or emailing the school.

You have up to seven (7) days to respond to the SMS before the system marks the absence as unexplained/unjustified. If your child is absent for three (3) or more consecutive days due to illness, we kindly request a Medical Certificate, which can be given to your child’s classroom teacher upon their return.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in helping us maintain clear and accurate attendance records.

Extended Leave - Travel

Application for extended leave - travel

If you plan to take your child on a trip during school time that will last more than three (3) days, you must apply for leave by completing an Application for Extended Leave- Travel and a Certificate for Extended Leave Travel. The application requires details such as your child’s name, travel dates, the reason for the trip, and supporting documentation like flight tickets or an itinerary.

Please submit your application to the principal well in advance of your planned departure. The principal will carefully consider your request, taking into account how the trip may impact your child’s learning. If approved, the absence will be recorded as approved leave, and you will receive a certificate confirming this. If the request is not approved, the absence will be marked as unexplained, and the school will inform you of the decision.

If your child does not return on the specified date, the school will contact you to follow up and may take further steps if they are unable to reach you.

If you need assistance completing the form or require translation support, please us know- we are here to help.

Rest assured, all information you provide is kept confidential and used solely for matters relating to your child’s schooling and attendance.

If you have any questions or concerns, please speak with our school principal - we are committed to supporting you and your child.