Mill Park SC Enrolment Handbook 2021

Being away from school for 1 day a fortnight equals missing 1.5 Years over 13 years of school If your teenager is away If for any reason your teenager must miss school, there are things you can do with your school to ensure they don’t fall behind: • Inform the school via your teen’s Form/Home Room teacher or Year Level Coordinator • Find out what work your teenager needs to do to keep up. • Develop an absence learning plan with your teenager’s teacher and ensure they complete the plan. Remember, every day counts. If your teenager must miss school, speak with your home room teacher or year level coordinator as early as possible. Openly communicating with your teenager’s school about all absences is a good way to prevent attendance issues being escalated to a School Attendance Officer. A School Attendance Officer is a Department of Education and Training Regional Director who has authority to follow up attendance issues. Chronic or ongoing attendance issues that are escalated can lead to an Infringement Notice being issued to parent/s. If you’re having attendance issues with your teenager, please let the year level coordinator, wellbeing coordinator, principal or other relevant staff member know so you can work together to get your teen to school every day. Top attendance tips for parents • Schools want to work in partnership with parents – act early if you have any concerns by contacting your child’s school and asking for advice and support • Remember that every day counts • There is no safe number of days for missing school – each day a student misses puts them behind, and can affect their educational outcomes and their social connectedness • Talk positively about school and the importance of attending every day • Open and prompt communication with your child’s school about all absences is a good idea • Avoid making routine medical and dental appointments during the school day or planning family holidays during the term • Seek help from your school if you are concerned about your child’s attendance and wellbeing. Schools want to work in partnership with parents to support student attendance and wellbeing. Further information For more information and resources to help address attendance issues, visit: Student attendance. Attendance MILL PARK SECONDARY COLLEGE • 2021 HANDBOOK 6