Education for your child is important and regular attendance at school is essential for them to achieve their best and increase their career and life options. Education in NSW 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, or, are registered with NESA, Teaching and Educational Standards for home-schooling.

The NSW Government provides some helpful information to inform parents of what is expected of them. Some of the key areas are outlined below.

The importance of arriving on time

Arriving at school and class on time:

• ensures students do not miss out on important learning activities scheduled early in the day
• helps students learn the importance of punctuality and routine
• gives students time to greet their friends before class
• reduces classroom disruption.

Student learning is more successful when students are present consistently for the whole school day. Students who arrive “just a few minutes late...” miss out on vital information on the day ahead.

What if my child has to be away from school?

On occasions, your child may need to be absent from school. Justified reasons for student absences may include:

• being sick, or having an infectious disease
• having an unavoidable medical appointment
• being required to attend a recognised religious holiday
• exceptional or urgent family circumstance (such as attending a funeral).

In the case of an absence, parents should notify the school early in the morning. This can be done via phone. Following an absence from school, if notification as described above has not been given, you must ensure that within seven days you provide St James’ with a verbal or written explanation for the absence. If the school has not received an explanation from you within two days, the school may contact you to discuss the absence.

Travel

Families are encouraged to travel during school holidays. If travel during school term is necessary, please discuss with the principal first. An Application for Extended Leave may need to be completed. Absences relating to travel will be marked as leave on the roll and therefore contribute to your child’s total absences for the year. In some circumstances, students may be eligible to enrol in distance education for travel periods of more than 50 school days.