Attendance and Absences

Regular attendance at school is important for every student. Attending school consistently supports students to engage in learning, maintain routines, develop communication and social skills, build relationships and work towards their individual learning goals.

At Broderick Gillawarna School (BGS), we recognise that our students may experience complex health, disability, transport, behavioural, therapy needs and family circumstances that can impact attendance. We work in partnership with families, carers and relevant support services to identify barriers to attendance and provide individualised support where required.

Compulsory School Attendance

In NSW, all children from the age of 6 are legally required to attend school or be registered for home schooling through the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA).

All students must attend school until they are 17 years of age, in line with NSW Department of Education requirements.

Once a student has turned 17, early school leaving may be supported where an appropriate post-school placement or pathway has been established.

Parents and carers are responsible for ensuring that children of compulsory school age attend school every day that instruction is provided, unless there is a valid reason for their absence.

School Hours

The school day at BGS is 8:45am to 2:45pm.

Students should arrive at school ready for the commencement of learning at 8:45am and remain at school until 2:45pm unless an approved arrangement is in place.

We understand that some students may have individual circumstances that affect their arrival, departure or attendance. Families are encouraged to contact the school so that appropriate supports can be discussed..

Reporting an Absence

If your child is absent from school, parents and carers are required to provide the school with an explanation for the absence.

All absences must be explained within 7 days. Families can contact the school to provide a reason for their child's absence via phone, Seesaw or Sentral.

Where an absence remains unexplained, the school will contact the parent or carer and may send a written notification requesting an explanation.

Regular unexplained or concerning patterns of absence will be followed up by the school in partnership with the student's family.

Arriving Late

Students arriving after 8:45am will be recorded as arriving late.

Parents and carers should provide the school with a reason for the late arrival. We recognise that disability, health needs, appointments, transport arrangements and other individual circumstances may occasionally affect a student's arrival time.

Where there is an ongoing pattern of late arrival, the school will work with the family to understand any barriers and identify appropriate strategies to support improved attendance.

Leaving School Early

If a student needs to leave school before 2:45pm, a parent or carer should notify the school.

Students must be signed out through the school office before leaving the school grounds.

Where possible, families are encouraged to arrange routine appointments outside school hours to minimise disruption to learning. We understand, however, that specialist, medical and therapy appointments may not always be available outside school hours.

Partial Attendance

Students are expected to attend for the full school day unless an approved arrangement is in place.

In some circumstances, a student's individual needs may require a temporary variation to their attendance. Any formal partial attendance or exemption arrangement will be developed in consultation with the family and in accordance with NSW Department of Education requirements.

The school will regularly review these arrangements with the aim of supporting the student's participation in education..

Supporting Attendance at BGS

BGS takes a supportive and individualised approach to attendance.

When a student's attendance becomes a concern, the school may work with the student, their family and relevant professionals to understand the reasons affecting attendance and identify appropriate supports.

Depending on the student's circumstances, this may include:

• regular communication with parents and carers
• individualised attendance goals and plans
• adjustments to support engagement and participation
• collaboration with health professionals and external agencies
• support with identified transport or transition barriers
• monitoring and reviewing attendance patterns
• referral to appropriate Department of Education attendance supports where required.

Our focus is on working collaboratively with families to reduce barriers and maximise each student's access to learning.

Planned Leave and Family Holidays

Families should notify the school in advance when they are planning for their child to be absent from school.

Under NSW attendance requirements, family holidays and travel taken during school terms are generally recorded as absences. Families planning extended travel should contact the school as early as possible and complete the below form so that the appropriate leave procedures and documentation can be discussed.

Application for Extended Leave (Travel)

Working Together

Regular attendance is a shared responsibility between the school, students, families and carers.

If your child's disability, health, behaviour, transport arrangements or family circumstances are affecting their ability to attend school regularly, please contact the school. We encourage families to discuss concerns early so that we can work together to support their child's attendance, engagement and participation in learning.

For further information, families can refer to the NSW Department of Education School Attendance Policy or contact Broderick Gillawarna School.