Student Attendance 

You may have heard in the media of late that absenteeism in schools is becoming increasingly evident. Yet we all know the impact absenteeism has on learning outcomes. Research has been highlighting for years the affect one or more days absence has on learning. For every day, the impact grows increasingly significant. Whilst the research is there for all to delve into, you do not have to become entrenched in it to realise the issues associated with your student missing days of school. 

Whilst we support students remaining home when unwell, it is imperative that students attend school and attend to their learning for each and every day during their formative years. Education provides students with whole-rounded skills and attributes in a range of curriculum areas. More so, being at school enables students to learn how to learn, a skill we do not often identify as being crucial in life. Knowing where to turn to when challenged, and how to identify and determine a suitable outcome is a skill necessary for all people in life. We access this need each and every day no matter what we do. 

Add to that the social learnings that occur within a school setting, that being the ability to positively co-exist within a broad and diverse community is also another underestimated skill and outcome of schooling. What is glaringly obvious to us all in education is the need for students to have learning role mode, both at school and in their family/care team setting. It is a vital cog in providing the encouragement and reassurance that all students should value the worth of school and thus aim to attend every day. 

Without education champions in the lives of students, they can lack the guidance necessary and begin to establish patterns of absence that only lead to further challenge in their adult lives, something no-one wishes upon their young person. I encourage you to become an education champion for your student. A person who will guide them in the right direction when they seem to need realignment. A person who can express the holistic value of education in the formative years at school and outline the importance it has on the outcomes for all people in all areas of their chosen future life. 

With that in mind, it is then about modelling and supporting positive choices and health habits that accompany the ‘ready to learn’ principles of schooling (sleep patterns, diet, access to learning materials etc.). You will find some of these support suggestions and habits below. It would be a good exercise to sit with your students to reflect on them together. 

We will continue to support your student and your family/care team with these positive and wholesome endeavours. It is something we are passionate about and dedicated towards. The future success of all Newcomb Secondary College students is something we are committed to delivering, and together we can, and will, achieve great outcomes for all students. We certainly appreciate your support!

Have a great week!

Mr McLeod

Principal