Why attend school?

At Salisbury East High School, we believe it is vital for every student to attend school 100% of the time. Regular attendance enables children to achieve success at school and widens their choices after school. It helps to establish positive attitudes to work and commitment.

Students who have poor attendance patterns are at risk of not achieving their educational and social potential. They are disadvantaged in the quality of choices they are able to make in later life situations.

Our innovative attendance system

At Salisbury East High School, we use DayMap to record daily and lesson by lesson attendance, and have implemented systems to promptly address issues related to non-attendance.

Compulsory enrollment and attendance at school

Under the Education Act of South Australia, parents/caregivers are held responsible for the regular attendance of all children in their care. All children aged between 6-16 years if age must be enrolled and attend school regularly.

Phone calls from the school enquiring regarding absences are made because we care about your child’s education and should not be misinterpreted as interfering.

Must I send my child to school?

Yes: all children between the ages of 6 and 16 years are required by law to attend school regularly.

 

Must I send my child every day?

Yes, unless:

    • They are too sick to attend
    • They have an infectious disease like chicken pox, mumps or measles
    • They have an injury that prevents movement around the school
    • The school is provided with an acceptable reason preventing the child’s attendance

Where possible, dental and medical appointments should be made out of school hours.

If a child is going to be away from school for an extended period of a week or more (i.e. family holiday, employment etc.) the parent/caregiver must apply to the school for an exemption. This should be done before the period of absence commences.

The principal can approve an exemption for periods less than one month. The appropriate forms are available from the school.

What are my responsibilities as a parent/caregiver?

Students must arrive at school for 8.35 a.m. and not leave until 3.05 p.m. (2.15 p.m. on a Thursday)

Students must attend school every day when instruction is offered unless the school receives a valid reason for being absent

Parents/caregivers must contact the school as soon as possible with an appropriate explanation for a student’s non-attendance followed up with a note in the school diary signed by parent/caregiver or a medical certificate

When a student is late for school, parents/caregivers must provide the school with an appropriate explanation: a letter, telephone call from a parent/ caregiver or a medical certificate

If a student arrives after 10 a.m. they will be marked as being away for half a day. Parents/caregivers must again provide the school with an appropriate explanation.

What are the school’s responsibilities?

    • To accurately record and monitor students’ attendance
    • To ‘follow up’ absences
    • To ensure that the necessary support is available to parents/caregivers
    • To ensure that the necessary support is available to students
    • Should I notify the school if my child refuses to go to school?
    • Yes, you should contact the school and seek assistance immediately. School contact number: 8258 2070

Our work together

We value the partnership between parents and staff. Please assist us by ensuring that your child attends school and keep us informed of any reasons for them not attending school.

It is through our work together, that we can ensure that all students maximize their potential.

Did you know?

    • There is a direct correlation between attendance and achievement
    • Frequent absences make it difficult for teachers who have to continually reteach information and skills
    • Being half an hour late to school each day from reception to year 10 equals missing one year and one-and-a-half terms of school
    • Being absent five days a term from reception to year 10 adds up to more than one year of missed schooling
    • Poor attendance makes it difficult for students to form positive relationships with their peers
    • Research shows that students who are often absent from school are likely to earn less than their peers as adults