Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Attendance at school (part 2)


Legal requirements: Did you know?

Did you know that the Education Act 1989 says that all children enrolled at a school must attend school whenever that school is open?

Did you know that the Board of Trustees is required to take all reasonable steps to ensure that students do attend school whenever it is open?

Did you know that every parent of a child who is not at school without a good reason, commits an offence and can be convicted and fined?

Did you know that just because parents have provided an explanation to the school for their child’s absence, that does not mean it is a justified absence? The principal is required to make decisions about whether an absence is really justified.

What are good reasons for a student being absent?

• Illness (a medical certificate should be provided if child is away longer than a week)
• Bereavement
• Medical appointments
• Class trips

Many schools do not consider family trips or holidays or even overseas trips as good reasons for being absent from school. You should discuss such trips with the school principal prior to going.

Attendance procedures next....





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