Regular attendance at school is fundamental to student learning. Students who attend school regularly are more likely to achieve educational success, and increase their career and life options.
Student attendance has been identified as an important aspect of a student’s wellbeing. Schools therefore play a vital role in the social and emotional development of children. Regular attendance enables students to develop a sense of belonging to a peer group and build important coping and friendship skills. This helps develop a positive self-image and a confidence that sees children less likely to engage in anti-social behaviour.
Communities benefit as well from students who regularly attend school and are achieving. These benefits include greater student safety, community wellbeing, and a sense of connectedness for all.
Preschool programs are a wonderful place to begin establishing positive patterns and culture of attendance and we encourage you to make the most of this important learning phase.
Ways you can help:
· talk about the importance of good attendance and punctuality with your child from an early age
· talk to your child about preschool/school and what they like - what they did - who their friends are - any difficulties
· try to arrange appointments and outings after preschool/school hours, at weekends or during school holidays. This will help to prevent disruption to your child’s education
· chat with staff about any difficulties or problems that may arise sooner rather than later as we often have a range of strategies which can help.
1 or 2 days a week doesn’t seem like much however……
| If your child misses… | That equals… | Which is… | And over 13 years of schooling that is … |
| 1 day per fortnight | 20 days per year | 4 weeks per year | Nearly 1.5 years |
| 1 day per week | 40 days per year | 8 weeks per year | Over 2.5 years |
| 2 days per week | 80 days per year | 16 weeks per year | Over 5 years |
| 3 days per week | 120 days per year | 24 weeks per year | Over 8 years |
