Attendance – Parent/Carer Guide
Daily attendance and active participation in each class and subject are critical parts of the learning process.
Everyday counts: school absenteeism can impact significantly on students' learning and wellbeing. Regular attendance and punctuality are necessary for students to achieve the best results possible.
All absences must be explained.
Full Day Absence
Parents/Carer's must notify the school and provide an explanation of a student/s absence by 9.00am on the day of the absence. Please include the students name, year level, date of absence and reason.
Preferred notification is:
- SMS for each individual student: 0429 396 836
- Example SMS: “Harry Jones in Yr 8 Sick 03/05/25" – Please ensure to include a reason and date/s of absence
- Please DO NOT text any attachments – our system does not accept photos or certificates' and the text will be rejected
If texting is not possible you can notify by:
If no notification of the students' absence is received by 9.30am a SMS will be sent by 10.00am on the day of the absence. Please respond to the SMS sent, providing your students' name, year level and reason for absence.
As per Education Queensland Policy schools are required to notify parents on the same day that the student is absent from school when no notification has been received.
Absent for Three or More Days
When a student is absent for more than three days, parents/carers are to notify Stretton State College in writing by sending a SMS to 0429 396 836 or email to absence@strettonsc.eq.edu.au including the students name, year level, all dates of absence and the reason for the absence. If the absence is due to medical reasons, a medical certificate will be required for all absences for three or more days.
Certificates can be emailed to the absence email, absence@strettonsc.eq.edu.au or a hard copy can be handed in at Gowan Campus or Illaweena Campus. Please do not text any attachments as these will be rejected.
Please note teaching staff are not required to supply schoolwork to students taking leave during the school term
Senior Students: Please refer to the College Assessment Policy on our website to check the applicable requirements when a Senior Student is absent.
Exemptions from Compulsory Schooling Form
There are some circumstances where an exemption from schooling may be required. Where an exemption is approved, a student maintains their enrolment despite extended non-attendance. The circumstances for a student to be eligible for an exemption are listed below and are only for absences of 11+ consecutive school days:
- Illness or hospitalisation (including recovery period at home)
- 'Carer' responsibilities
- Diagnosed mental health condition
- Diagnosis of terminal medical condition
- Temporary interstate or overseas relocation where the family intends to return to Queensland (excluding holidays)
Late Arrivals
Students who arrive after 8.45am must sign in prior to attending class.
- Before 9.00am students are to sign in with Dean of Students/Deputy at the front of the school
- After 9.00am students must go to the Student Services window to sign in
- Students will be given a printed Late Pass to hand to their teacher to confirm that they have been signed in at school
- If no notification is received from Parent/Carer a SMS will be sent regarding the Students Late Arrival
Note: Consistent late arrivals will be monitored by Deans of Students and Year level Deputies and may result in disciplinary action
Early Departures
Students who need to leave during school hours:
- Notification must be sent by Parent/Carer by either SMS (0429 396 836 ) or Email (absence@strettonsc.eq.edu.au)
- Notes will not be accepted for any Early Departure requests
- Notification is to be sent before 9.00am on the day
- Leave Request will be processed for the student to present to the teacher at time requested
- Student MUST sign out through the office before leaving the school grounds
- Students should not sign out more than three times a term for an appointment or other reasons during school hours
- Parents are encouraged to schedule early leave during break times where possible
- Parents are encouraged to schedule appointments outside of school hours or during school holidays to minimise disruption to learning
Note: Dean of Students will monitor all Early Departures that impact learning and may result in disciplinary action
Sickbay
Students who become ill through the school day:
- Student must present to the office and be signed into sickbay
- Office staff will contact Parent 1 or Parent 2
- Emergency contacts will only be contacted in the case of an Emergency or if permission is given by Parent 1 or Parent 2
- If College is unable to contact Parent 1 or 2 within 1-2 hours depending on the illness, Office staff will contact Deputy/Principal to seek approval to contact Emergency contact
- Office staff will continue to try to contact Parent/Caregiver of child
- ID will be required for collection
- If your child contacts you directly to inform you of their illness, please direct them to go to Student Services to be signed into sickbay and for Office staff to contact home
Stretton State College appreciates your cooperation and support with the above processors, to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all students within our care.