“Every day counts and there is no ‘safe’ threshold for absences” – Hancock et al., 2013

At North Cottesloe Primary School, we are committed to ensuring every child makes strong, continuous progress—and one of the most significant factors in student achievement is regular attendance.

Why is attendance so important?

The reasons for regular school attendance may seem obvious:

• Learning is a building process, and it is important not to miss any of the steps
• Consistency builds success in learning
• More school equals more opportunities for social-emotional learning and more opportunities for building self-worth
• Students become more comfortable and increase their risk-taking in learning when they are regularly at school
• The inner critic quietens when our young people are busy and engaged. Humans need purpose.

Extended Holidays

While we understand that family commitments and travel opportunities arise, extended holidays during school terms can interrupt learning sequences, reduce essential practise, and make it more difficult for students to maintain momentum. Large absences, even for capable and highly engaged students, can have a noticeable impact on academic growth, confidence, and connection to classroom routines. Every day at school matters. By prioritising attendance wherever possible, we give our children the best chance to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Mental health days

When your child is struggling with academic or social issues at school, it can be so tempting to keep them home where things are easier, and you can wrap them up in love. It’s understandable, but not necessarily the best approach. When things aren’t going well, that is the time students really need to be at school. This is where they can be offered support and connection. This is where they can access their wellbeing and academic teachers and staff and the support of their peers.

Part-time attendance concerns

Not all absenteeism is for a whole day. Missing one hour in the morning every week, equates to 40 hours over a year (equalling more than 6 days), which is almost a semester of school over 12 years.