Did you know that if a student misses as little as 8 days in a school term,
by the end of primary school they will have missed over a year of school!

Research shows that regular attendance is integral to successful academic, employment and social outcomes. Therefore, it is important that students, staff and parents/carers have a shared understanding of the importance of regular student attendance. 

Education in New South Wales is compulsory for all children between the ages of six years and below the minimum school leaving age. The Education Act 1990 requires that parents ensure their children of compulsory school age are enrolled at, and regularly attend school.    It is the obligation of the parent to comply with the compulsory educational requirements as set out in the Act, and ensure children attend school daily and without unnecessary absences. 

Equally as important as regular attendance is arriving at school on time each day. Both punctuality and attendance are monitored at St Francis. Unfortunately, some students are consistently late and are therefore missing out on valuable learning.  If students are ten minutes late to school each day, this equates to almost an hour of missed learning each week. Arriving at school and class on time helps your child learn the importance of punctuality and routine, and gives them time to greet their friends, thereby minimising disruptions during class. 

Lateness is recorded as a partial absence and must be explained. Traffic or sleeping in are not suitable reasons for lateness and will be entered as unjustified on the roll. Middle and Senior Years students may also receive an afternoon detention for repeated unjustified late arrivals.  

Understandably, there will be days that your child may need to be absent from school. Reasons may include being sick or having an infectious disease, having an unavoidable medical appointment or urgent family circumstances, for instance a funeral.  If your child is absent from school, it is necessary that you provide an explanation of their absence within 7 days. Students with frequent absences will be asked to provide a medical certificate or other documentation to justify their absence.  

In terms of travel, families are encouraged to take leave during school holidays.  If you intend on travelling during the school term, Mr Abernethy must be notified in writing outlining the purpose, location and duration of travel.  Please be aware, extended leave (over 5 days) taken during the school term will also be recorded as unjustified on the roll. 

For students with an attendance concern, parents will be notified and asked to attend an attendance improvement meeting.  At this meeting, strategies will be discussed to improve attendance. If attendance has not improved, an Attendance Improvement Plan will be developed collaboratively with the Catholic Education Office.  Persistent and unjustified absences may jeopardise your child’s enrolment.

Your support in these matters is greatly appreciated.


Mrs Rita Agostino
Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care