At Pascoe vale South Primary School, we believe that student success is dependent upon good attendance at school. Students need to attend school regularly in order to participate fully and gain maximum benefit from their schooling. Regular attendance enables students to access a full education, allowing them to reach their full potential. Students with poor patterns in primary school usually have poor patterns in secondary school and often disengage from school. There is a direct link between school attendance and achievement later in life. Poor attendance also makes it difficult for children to form positive relationships with their peers therefore; we feel that good attendance is essential for PVSPS students.

Attendance

If your child has an attendance record around the state average for their entire school life by the time they reach year 12 they would have missed one year of school. PVSPS are aiming above the state average for attendance. This year we are trying to get our attendance level well below the state average.

To help us with this goal please ensure that your child attends school on all designated school days.

Unacceptable reasons for allowing children to stay home from school include; fulfilling adult duties such as keeping an adult company, visiting friends and relatives, shopping trips, birthdays and ‘mental health days. Where possible try and avoid taking holidays in school time. If you are taking a holiday in school time please inform your child’s class teacher well in advance. If your child is absent, please immediately notify the school. When your child returns to school please send a note to the classroom teacher that clearly outlines the reason for your child’s absence.

Punctuality

At PVSPS we classify a child as late if they arrive at school after 9:00am. Children are expected to come straight to the office and receive a Welcome pass if they arrive after the bell at 9:00am. If a child is 15 minutes late everyday by the end of the year that is the equivalent of 8 days away from school. Please ensure that your child is on time for school every day. The need for punctuality is vital as the impact lateness can have on student learning and classroom routines effects your child’s education. Our lesson structure dictates that instruction commences once the roll has been called at 9:00am and in the first 10 to 15 minutes of class, so if a student misses this it is hard to catch up.

To help us to achieve our attendance goal we will be sending out regular updates letting you know how many times your child has been absent so far this year. This information is recorded on your child’s school report each Semester.

Remember Every Day Counts!