Research shows that in Queensland, higher student attendance at school is associated, on average, with higher student achievement.Regular school attendance will mean that your child has a better chance in life. Your child will achieve better when they go to school all day, every school day.• they learn better• they make friends• they are happier• they have a brighter future.
Under Queensland law, parents must make sure that their child ofschool age is enrolled and attends school all day, every school day unless they have an acceptable reason. Illness, doing work experience or competing in a school sporting event are acceptable reasons for being absent from school.Principals decide if the reason given for your child’s absence is acceptable.
Here is food for thought. Being away from school for 1 or 2 days a week doesn't seem much but:
| 15 min per day eg. arriving late | 75 min a week | 10 days per year | half a teaching year | equal to finishing mid grade 11. |
| 1/2 day per week | 20 days a year | 4 weeks a year | nearly 1.5 years | equal to finishing in grade 11. |
| 1 day a fort-night | 20 days a year | 4 weeks a year | nearly 1.5 years | equal to finishing in grade 11. |
| 1 day a week | 40 days a year | 8 weeks a year | over 2.5 years | equal to finishing in grade 10. |
| 2 days a week | 80 days a year | 16 weeks a year | over 5 years | equal to finishing in year 7 |
| 3 days a week | 120 days a year | 24 weeks a year | nearly 8 years | equal to finishing in year 4. |
Avoid keeping your child away from school for: - birthdays, shopping, visiting family and friends, if they sleep in, looking after other children, minor check ups or care such as hair cuts.
Routine medical or other health appointments should be made either before or after school or during the school holidays.
Parents are encouraged not to schedule holidays during school time. If the family holiday is during school time, let the school know in advance and talk about what arrangements can be made for your child. Exemptions from the Principal are required for absences longer than 10 consecutive days.
Parents must let the school know the reason why your child has been absent from school within two school days of their return. If possible, advise the school beforehand or during the time away. A phone call, or email / note is quite sufficient.
It is teachers who teach, but teachers cannot teach their students unless they are there. With only 200 days of teaching in a school year, it doesn't take long for absences to make a big impact on learning.