To maximise learning opportunities, students must attend school regularly and be punctual for all lessons. They should arrive at least 5 minutes before classes begin and will not be allowed to leave school before the end of the day unless consent is given by parents/caregivers.
The school will address unexplained absences or frequent lateness by contacting families and may request meetings to ensure consistent attendance. Absences of 10 or more school days require written requests to the Principal. To minimise disruptions, parents are advised to schedule appointments outside school hours.
Addressing school anxiety or lack of engagement early is crucial for student wellbeing, and extended absences will be monitored by staff. We aim to support families to ensure that students establish and maintain good attendance and are happy and settled. Continued unexplained absences will be followed up by classroom teachers, Year Patrons and the Wellbeing team, who may also involve the local Police Liaison Officer if necessary.
By NSW State law, absence from school for any period during the day requires a letter of explanation from a parent or guardian.
Parents and caregivers are asked to notify the School of any student absences, late arrivals, or early departures using the Absences link on the Engage Parent Portal, accessible on both desktop and mobile app. This feature can be easily found in the left-hand menu.
You can, if you prefer, email us to advise us of absences, early departures or late arrivals.
It is important that families consider the following issues when arranging holidays outside of school holiday times:
Please note that the submission of a student's Application for Extended Leave does not mean the leave will be approved, with any decision being at the discretion of the School Principal. Parents need to be aware of the “Attendance” requirements of the School Education Act 1999, particularly Section 23.
If you would like to submit an application for extended leave, please complete the Application for Extended Leave of a Student. You can email the form to Absences, or you can print it and drop it off at the School Front Reception.
Substitute work can be arranged ahead of time if a student is going to be absent for a week or longer due to illness or other unplanned absences. Please note that teachers may require one week's notice for this to be organised.
It is students' responsibility to ensure they adequately catch up on all missed work as soon as possible following their return to school.
In NSW, school attendance is compulsory until the age of 17. If a student plans to leave or transfer to another school, parents or caregivers must provide official written notice to the Principal at least one term in advance. If sufficient notice isn’t given, fees in lieu of notice may apply.
Before leaving, an Exit Form must be completed, any outstanding fees settled, and all school property — such as library books and equipment — returned. Please also let us know the name of the school the student will be transferring to, as this is a requirement from the Board of Studies.
ATTENDANCE AND ABSENCES
If you've already emailed us to advise the school that your child was absent, the Attendance Office will have verified the absence already — there is nothing more you need to do.
Otherwise, there may have been an error with our roll marking. Please email us so we can sort this out for you.
We understand how unexpected notifications can be concerning. Please reach out to us at so we can investigate and resolve the matter for you.
