Attendance policy

Under the Education Act of South Australia, parents and guardians are legally responsible for ensuring the regular school attendance of their children between the ages of 6 and 17 years. If a child enrols at 5 years, they are also required to attend.

School hours are 8:50am – 3:10pm

Children must attend school on time every day, unless:

• The child is sick, has an infectious illness or an injury that inhibits movement around the school (a doctors certificate may be required).
• A child is accompanying their family on a holiday that cannot be arranged during school holidays. This needs to be pre-arranged with the Principal so the child can be legally exempt during the time of absence.
• The Principal is provided with a genuine and acceptable reason (culturally significant events) .
• If your child refuses to attend school, you should contact the school immediately.

If your child is absent, send a note or telephone the school to inform them of your child’s absence.

• Ensure the school has your up to date contact details.
• Where possible dental and medical appointment should be made outside of school hours.
• Must discuss with the school if your child will be away from school for longer than 5 days e.g. holidays or for medical reasons, and sign an exemption form to cover for the reason.

Attendance follow-up

If a student is absent for 1 day:

Parents must notify school by phone or in person or send a note the next school day. The school’s attendance data record system will automatically send parents/caregivers a text message if they are not present for the morning roll call. Class teachers will follow up unexplained absences within 3 days.

Front office staff monitor and record into Academy database all student attendance, absences and reasons for as well as late arrivals or early departures.

Support Services may contact you to improve your child’s attendance.