At Redbank Plains State High School, where we understand the importance of student attendance. Research shows that higher student attendance at school is closely linked with better academic achievement.
We firmly believe that attending classes is essential for students to succeed in meeting all class requirements and assessments. Consistently missing classes or arriving late can have serious consequences, including detention, a meeting with the relevant Deputy Principal to discuss continued enrolment, cancellation of enrolment, and possible prosecution of parents for non-attendance.
These standards are particularly crucial for students who are pursuing post-compulsory education or receiving Youth Allowance/Abstudy payments. At Redbank Plains State High School, we value the education and future success of our students and believe that regular attendance is a vital step towards achieving their goals.
If a student is absent for a full day,
a parent or caregiver must
1. Enter the absence details via the Compass App.
OR
2. CALL or LEAVE A MESSAGE: (07) 3432 1209
Please make sure you provide:
- Your name, contact number and relation to the student
- Student’s FULL NAME and year level
- Date/s of absence
- Reason for absence
- Pick up location
*A note from a parent/guardian (must match parent/guardian listed on school system) may be produced prior to absence or to explain a previous absence.
If a student will be late attending school or will need to leave early,
a parent or caregiver must:
Provide a note and the student must show the teacher and then take the note to student office to be signed out(must match parent/guardian listed on school system) must be provided in advance to notify teachers/staff when the student is to be picked up and the reason for it.
* Parents will still receive a text message if their student is late to school, even though they have advised the school prior because of safety regulations required from the Department of Education.
The school informs parents/caregivers about unexplained absences and lateness via Compass App or email. To avoid receiving a message, parents/caregivers must contact the school before 10.00am to advise that a student will be absent or late. Students must provide a medical certificate for any absence longer than 2 days. All medical certificates must be submitted to Student Office within 48 hours of returning to school.
Parents/carers will have 2 weeks from the date of the absence to provide a reasonable explanation to the school for the absence. If no reasonable explanation has been provided within the 2 weeks the absence will be recorded as an unexplained absence.
Reasonable and Unreasonable Student Absence Reasons
REASON | DESCRIPTION | EXAMPLES | CONSIDERED REASONABLE | COUNTED AS AN EXPLAINED ABSENCE |
Illness and medical appointments | The parent, has informed the school that the student is sick. Where these absences are greater than 2 days or are persistent and regular, the school will require documentary evidence (e.g. medical certificate) to be provided. Documentary evidence will also be required if a senior student is absent for assessment. If a student is unable to attend school for a period longer than 10 consecutive school days, an exemption is available. | - All references to ill health or reasons related to the health of the student (including mental health)
- Absences to attend medical/dental/ health professional appointments during school hours
| Yes
| Yes |
Family reasons | Student is absent due to family circumstances beyond the influence of the student. The parent is aware that their child is absent and an explanation outlining the family situation has been provided to the school. It is important that information other than just stating family is provided in order for the absence to be approved. | - Moving house
- Transport issues
- Family member is ill or in hospital
| Yes | Yes |
Sorry Business | Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander students participating in Sorry Business. Parents are encouraged to ensure their child misses as little school as possible. | - Cultural activities related to a recent family bereavement
- Grief for a close family member
| Yes | Yes |
Holiday | The parent has informed the school that the student/family is taking a holiday. If the absence is more than 10 consecutive days, an exemption is available. Parent is required to provide Information outlining holiday plans for this absence to be approved. Note that holidays during the school term should be discouraged. | | Yes | Yes |
Unexpected
| Natural disasters or health reasons
| - Flooding
- positive COVID -19 result
| Yes
| Yes
|
Other
| The principal has determined that the excuse provided by the parent or student (where the student is independent, an adult, or where it would be inappropriate to ask the parent) is reasonable. | - Religious observances
- Funerals
- Legal matters (i.e. attending court)
- Non-representative sport events / sports events not endorsed by the school
| Yes | Yes |
Unauthorised | The excuse given for a student absence is deemed as unreasonable by the principal. Parent authorisation without a reasonable reason is not acceptable. | - Leisure activities
- Visiting friends and relatives
- Celebrating birthdays
- Truancy/Sleeping in
| No | No |
Unexplained | No reason has been given for the student's absence. |
| No | No
|
Further information and documentation can be sourced by clicking here.