All children should be enrolled at school and should attend every school day.
It is a parent's responsibility to ensure that their child attends school on every school day for the educational program in which they are enrolled.
A parent of a young person in the compulsory participation phase is obliged to ensure their child is participating full-time in an approved education or training option.
The duration and location of a student's educational program is determined by the school and may include sites other than the school site, for example, sporting grounds, museums or TAFE.
Any time a student is not attending or participating in their educational program it is considered an absence and must be explained.
Every day counts is a statewide initiative addressing the problem of student absences.
Every day counts—including day 1
It is important that all students attend school from the very first day of the school year, and remain in routine attendance. If your child is unable to attend school for any reason including illness, transferring from interstate or overseas, extended family vacation, etc. it is essential for parents, guardians or caregivers to notify the school as soon as practical regarding the absence. Where possible, you should also provide the school with a return date for the child.
At the commencement of each school year, resources are allocated to schools—including teachers, teacher-aides and school based public servants—based upon the number of students enrolled and verified against attendance records at the school. It is important that the school has knowledge of your child's absences to confirm continued enrolment and attendance for resourcing purposes.
Phone, email or visit the school your child is enrolled at to let them know your child will be attending, but is unable to be present on day 1 and why.