1. School Manual: Attendance & Absences

As stated in the NSW Dept of Education Attendance Policy, regular attendance at school is both essential and compulsory for students to achieve quality life outcomes. Schools, in partnership with parents, are responsible for promoting the regular attendance of students.

In NSW, all children from the age of 6 are legally required to attend school, or be registered for home schooling through the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA). All students must complete Year 10, or its equivalent.

Young people below the age of 17 who have completed Year 10 must be:

• in school, or registered for homeschooling
  
• in approved education or training, such as a traineeship, apprenticeship or TAFE
  
• in full-time paid employment (average 25 hours a week)
  
• in a combination of work, education and/or training (average of 25 hours a week combined).
  

Students 17 years and over who are enrolled in school must attend school regularly to meet HSC course requirements.

As a parent or carer, you are responsible for ensuring your child attends school every day when they are of compulsory school age. All absences must be explained promptly to the school, within 7 days at the latest. This can be done conveniently by completing the Student Absentee Note (P.26) form available on the Form Bank. 

See section 1.1 Sport Exemption when students are unable to participate in Sport or PDHPE.
See section 1.2 Extended Absences when a student will be absent for an extended period.
See section 1.3 Other Absences for when a student arrives late or needs to leave during the day.
See below regarding the consequences of truancy.

Truancy

The following consequences will apply for truancy. All offences will be recorded on Millennium.

• First Offence –A warning is given to the student. A letter of concern is sent to the parents.
  
• Second Offence – Drop of one colour level and lunchtime detention for 8 days. A formal caution letter warning of possible future suspension is sent to parents.
• Third Offence – Suspension. The student will be required to attend a re-entry interview with the Principal. The Principal will determine the conditions under which the student may return to school.
  

The Department of Education and Training requires a student to attend 85% of lessons to qualify for an award in a subject. Failure to meet the attendance requirement may disqualify a student from attaining a Rosa or the Higher School Certificate.

Last reviewed June 2023