Attendance
Regulations under the Education Act, state that all children should be enrolled at school and should attend every school day. It is a parent's responsibility by law to ensure that their child attends school on every school day for the educational program in which they are enrolled. 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 state-wide initiative addressing the problem of student absences.
Research in Queensland shows that higher student attendance at school is associated with higher student achievement. Missing out on school through lateness or absence leaves children vulnerable to falling behind as shown in the tables below. Children with poor attendance tend to achieve less in both primary and secondary school. Regular attendance at school is essential for educational progress and the development of necessary social skills, which can result in confident, resilient students with a strong work ethic and ability to interact positively with others.
Absences
Illness or Emergency
If your child is unwell or unable to attend school, parents and carers are required to notify the school. This can be done in advance via the QParents app or by emailing absentee@pallarass.eq.edu.au at the earliest opportunity, stating the child's full name, class, dates absent and reason. We advise you to CC the class teacher into this email. Where there is a medical reason, illness, or other reason for an extended period of absence (3 days or more), we request parents and carers provide evidence, such as a doctor's certificate.
Family Vacation
Absence for the purpose of family vacation during the school term is not recommended and may have a negative impact on the child's educational progress. Extended absences must be approved through the Principal using the Application for Exemption from School form requested through the school office. Students absent during the school term for family holiday purposes will not be provided with schoolwork.
Absenteeism
Absenteeism is carefully monitored by teachers and Admin to ensure student progress is not impaired by truancy. A text message is sent each day to parents and carers whose child is marked absent without a reason, prompting parents to reply. After the third day of absence without explanation, or in the event of regular absence from school, the parent or carer will be contacted by the school and asked to provide an explanation. In the event of a child being regularly absent or late to school, a meeting with the parent may be requested by Admin and a letter of notice may be sent home. In the event of a child being absent for a period of three weeks without notification and efforts by the school to contact parents and carers are unsuccessful, the child's enrolment will be cancelled. Where an unsatisfactory explanation of absenteeism is received from the parent/carer and truancy is apparent, the matter will be reported to the appropriate authorities.