Attendance

At Balaklava Primary School we believe schools should provide a safe, success orientated and caring environment. We believe that students need to attend school regularly in order to participate fully and gain maximum benefit from schooling. Regular attendance enables children to access a full education, enabling them to reach their full potential. School staff should set an example for students, encouraging and emphasising attendance and punctuality.

Our aim is to ensure all children can access equitable educational outcomes. Monitoring of school attendance enables identification of students at risk and the early implementation of intervention strategies. We believe the early detection and assessment of the causes of school non-attendance and the provision of organisational structures, which are responsive to the needs of students, is vital.

All members of the school community are expected to meet the requirements of attendance and work to the best of their ability and skill as consistently as possible.

Student attendance is everyone’s business.

If you child is absent please notify the school in one of the following ways

  • Communication directly with classroom teacher
  • Phone call to the school
  • Text message – 0428 026 285 or 0408 847 002
  • Speak with administration staff

If your child/ren are going to be absent for 1 week or longer (eg family holiday) you will need to apply for an exemption which must be given to the Principal for approval prior to the absence. Please speak with Administrative staff for further information or to obtain an Exemption form.

"

Absence Notification Form

Illness

Please be reminded that we all need to do the right thing and keep children home when they are unwell to ensure we do not spread illness throughout the school. Students need to stay home from school for a minimum 24 hours after their last symptom. However, we appeal to you and strongly encourage you to keep your children home for 48 hours after their last symptom to ensure they are completely healthy upon return. If your child comes to school sick, or develops symptoms of illness throughout the day, we will contact you to collect them. Thank you for continuing to follow this SA Health, Department for Education and BPS directive. Students who are absent for 3 days or more require a Doctor Certificate.

Medical Certificates

The Department for Education system requires if a student is absent from school for 3 or more consecutive days due to illness, a medical certificate from a registered medical practitioner is required by the school.

Exemption from attending school

Exemptions from school attendance may be approved for students who are unable to attend school due to family travel, health conditions or home education.

Visit the SA Government website for information on applying for an exemption.