School Attendance and Absences

It is most important that students attend school unless there exists a genuine reason for absence. It is also most important that students attend school for the full school day. Whilst the first 10 minutes of school or the last 20 minutes of the school day may seem unimportant to parents, it is during these times that students are instructed of the essential routines and guides of the school day that help to create productive learning environments. As parents, you are urged to ensure your child/ren arrive at school on time and stay for the complete school day every day of the week. 

CEDoW ATTENDANCE POLICY AND GOOD SAMARITAN PROCEDURES

Good Samaritan aligns Attendance Policy and Procedures with the Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong (CEDoW) Attendance Policy.

Under this policy it states that it is the parents' responsibility for regular attendance and that they are legally obligated under the Education Act 1990.

Unsatisfactory school attendance is when:

• Regular absences without explanation occurs, this includes partial absences
• Explanations not accepted by the Principal
• Extended periods of absence without an explanation

Lateness is a partial absence which must be explained. All absences must be explained to the school within 7 days of the absence.

Permission to leave the school early must have been authorised in advance by the Principal or Assistant Principal in the Principal's absence.

Parents/carers must provide an explanation by Compass, phone, email or in person to the school:

• if your child is late for school, explaining this partial absence;
• if your child is absent for a full day from school, explaining this full absence; or
• if you are planning for your child to be absent from school, explaining this partial or full absence.

Medical certificates are required for extended absences due to medical reasons. Respiratory symptoms reporting must be followed in accordance with COVID-19 procedures.

• Medical illness
• Medical appointment
• Pre-approved travel. It is encouraged that travel is undertaken during school holiday periods
• Other explained absence i.e funeral, special event, religious ceremony or critical incident
• Domestic necessity i.e misadventure, unforeseen event, serious illness of an immediate family member
• Natural disaster
• Other school activity
• Elite Arts/Sport

If absent for 10 consecutive days parents/carers must request and complete the school Application for Extended Leave form.

In accordance with CEDoW guidelines, attendance letters will be sent out twice per term in Weeks 5 and 10 to parents/carer via COMPASS, in regards to unexplained absences. Strategies will be adopted in accordance with the CEDoW Attendance Policy where attendance is unsatisfactory.

P & F News

The next P&F meeting will be held on 19 June starting at 7pm. This will be in the school library. Everyone is welcome.

https://dowcatholic.zoom.us/j/61167642704?pwd=YXVBVHF1REcrblFzUjE1U3RHTEdOdz09

 Password: 444175

   

If joining by Zoom, please remember Zoom Etiquette:

• Be ready with your camera on 

• Be ready to introduce yourself to the group

• Pay attention to muting when not speaking to the group

• Avoid multitasking whilst in the meeting

This makes for an easier meeting for all attendees to fully participate in the meeting

Pie drive orders are now available through compass.  Orders need to be in by 24 July and will be delivered to the school on 1 August.  The pies will be supplied by Berkely Cakes and Pies and are always a big hit.  It’s the perfect meal to put in the freezer for those cold winter nights when you don’t have time to cook.  A tip from the P&F – the apple pies are a winner!

More details on school disco in term 3 to come!