As we conclude Semester 1 and prepare to begin Semester 2 in Week 11, we would like to remind families of the updated College attendance policy, which will take effect from the start of Semester 2. This follows the communication shared earlier this term.
From Semester 2 the process will be:
- Where a student’s attendance falls between 80 and 90%, the Wellbeing teacher will follow up cyclically to the student and you, as their parent/carer, to encourage them to be present at school more often.
- Where a student’s attendance falls between 71 and 80%, the WELCOM of the Year Level will email cyclically to students and you to maintain that connection but also as a way of reminding students that they are at risk of falling below 70% for the semester. If a student falls below 90% in a single subject, that subject teacher will also send a letter of concern to you around the attendance.
- If a student falls below 70% attendance in any subject by the end of a semester, they will be given an automatic ‘N’ for that subject (VCE/VCE/VM) or ‘No Progress’ on their reports for Year 7 – 10.
In conjunction with this change, we will implement an Attendance Exemption process to accommodate students whose circumstances prevent them from attending school for a lengthy period of time (five weeks or less) for one of the following reasons:
- exceptional circumstance (such as physical/mental health of the student)
- employment in the entertainment industry
- participation in state/national sporting events
- participation in elite arts’ program
- the child being prevented from attending school because of a direction of the Public Health Act 1991
- other approved exceptional circumstances
Please be aware that holidays remain an unapproved absence and will not attract an Exemption.
All learning plans for an approved attendance exemption will be formalised and endorsed by a relevant, independent third person (eg: health practitioner / event organiser). It is important to note, however, that even with an Attendance Exemption, students who cannot engage in learning after five weeks will be awarded ‘No Progress’ for students in Year 7 – 10 or ‘N’ for a VCE Unit. Students can apply to redeem missed units at VCE.
As we move into Semester 2, we wish to reiterate the importance of students arriving punctually to school and to each of their classes. Should a student be absent, we kindly ask that the school be notified through PAM. Alternatively, absences may be communicated by contacting the Student Office via telephone or email.
Please note the following reminders –
- All students arriving late to school must sign in at the office before proceeding to class.
- Students leaving school early must always sign out at the office
- Whenever possible, please provide advance notice for early pickups to help us ensure a smooth process.
Further detail can be found in the following link Sign In and Out Procedure – Clonard College Geelong
Sarah Hobbs
Attendance and Engagement Leader
Sarah.hobbs@clonard.vic.edu.au
