From time to time, students may be absent from school for an extended period during the academic term, often due to family holidays or travel associated with sporting or other extracurricular commitments.
The College acknowledges the value of such experiences in supporting student wellbeing and providing opportunities for personal development and broadening of perspectives. However, it is also important to recognise the potential impact that extended absences may have on a student’s academic progress.
To assist us in supporting your child during any extended absence, we ask that parents and carers notify the College as early as possible. This includes contacting your child's Tutor Teacher and relevant subject teachers and recording the absence via the Parent Access Module (PAM).
Please be aware that while teachers are not expected to prepare work in advance for students taking extended leave, your child is encouraged to consult with their teachers regarding the content that will be covered during their absence. It is expected that they will complete any necessary catch-up work either prior to departure or upon their return, to minimise any disruption to their learning.
If an assessment task is missed during an extended absence, a mark of 'NA' (Not Assessed) will be recorded. In some circumstances, students may be offered an opportunity to redeem the task to meet the requirements for satisfactory completion of the unit.
It is important to note that all extended absences taken during scheduled school time are recorded as 'unauthorised absences', even when taken with parental consent. This classification is in accordance with the College’s attendance policy and is used for reporting purposes only; it does not imply any judgement regarding the student’s attitude or work ethic.
Following the notification of an extended absence via PAM, families will receive a standard letter outlining the expectations around missed work and reiterating the 'unauthorised' nature of the absence in line with College policy.
Should you have any questions regarding extended absences, we encourage you to contact your child's Tutor Teacher in the first instance.
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