Attendance at Caddies Creek
Extended Leave: While our school will on occasion approve ‘leave’ for special one off holidays during school term dates (Overseas trips, etc) absences accumulated from extended holidays are included in the count under policy requirements. Our school recognises that family holidays are rich experiences where our students learn much about the world, however, parents are reminded that these absences are included in both the child’s attendance record and the school’s. Parents looking to travel on holidays during school term are asked to complete an ‘Application for Extended Leave’ form – available from the office. This will be processed by the Principal.
Arrival Time: The official school times for our school are 9:00am to 3:00pm. The playground is open 30 minutes before classes commence and teachers are rostered on duty in the playground from 8.30am. Children should not be arriving at school before this time. Parents are reminded CCPS OOSH does provide child care before school.
Attendance Procedures at CCPS: Whole and part day absences are recorded and registered each day by Caddies Creek PS staff following DoE policy and guidelines. Students who have attendance rates below 85% will be identified as a concern and are required to be followed up by school and or regional staff. 85% attendance rate equates to approximately 8 days absent each term or three school weeks each semester and will have a negative impact on learning.
Late arrivals: At CCPS, the school day commences at 9:00am and finishes at 3:00pm. Students who arrive at school after 9:05am are required to present to the office and get a ‘late slip’ before proceeding to class. These students will be recorded as a ‘partial absence’.
Early leavers: When a student is collected early, prior to 3:00pm, parents are asked to report to the office in the first instance. The office will call the classroom and arrange for your child to be walked to the office. This process ensures the school can account for all students at all times – which is critical in the event of an emergency. Late arrivals and early leavers will be recorded as a ‘partial absence’ (P) as per DoE guidelines.
Administration of student absences: When a child is away from school their absence is declared on the attendance register. Parents and carers are asked to notify the school (in writing - within 7 calendar days of the absence occurring) of the reason for absence. This note must be provided within seven days of the student's return to school and must clearly state the student's name and class, and be signed by a parent/ guardian.
Unexplained absences: If the school does not receive notification within 7 days of an absence occurring, the absence is required under NSW DoE Policy to be registered as absence unexplained (A) and cannot be changed.
Absence unjustified will also be recorded (A) on the attendance register when the reason for absence is deemed unsatisfactory. An example of an unsatisfactory explanation might be ‘My child was absent because we went shopping’ or ‘My child was absent because he was away.’ Your co - operation in providing written explanations for all absences on your child's first day back at school is appreciated. A phone call before the absence where possible to supply appropriate information is appreciated.
Sick: Students who are unwell are recorded as sick (S). Our school may ask parents to supply a medical certificate after three consecutive sick days. A medical certificate is not required for absences of one or two days but may be requested by the school for absences of three days or more. Parents may choose to supply a medical certificate for sick leave for any number of school days.
Leave: When there is absence and the child is not sick, schools can grant leave (L) for special or significant events such as religious occasions, funerals, festivals or special family events. Schools are limited as to how many leave (L) days can be granted annually.
Extended Leave: Families who look to take extended holidays are advised that a special ‘application for extended leave’ form is now available from the office. This must be done in advance of the extended leave and cannot be completed post absence.