At Gilmore College our task is to transform positive relationships into meeting the unique learning potential of every student. Attendance at school is paramount in achieving this purpose.
Missing a half day of school each week equates to missing a full month of learning each year and further equates to further losses due the potential absence of prior learning required to cover new curriculum. For example, missing the first 15 minutes of a lesson means you have not been introduced to the learning intentions for the period or the success criteria necessary to ensure learning has occurred. You have not had the chance to recap prior learning or see how the new learning has been built on this prior knowledge.
Helping your child develop the habit of being at school each day and arriving to school and class in a punctual manner is vital so they don’t miss out on the important ideas and skills they need for the future, and they further develop the soft skills necessary in further education or employment.
Western Australian law stipulates that all school-aged children must attend school every day. The College is required to keep accurate attendance records for all our students. This includes taking attendance at every lesson. When a student’s attendance falls below the 90% benchmark for regular attendance, the school is required to investigate the matter and develop a plan, in consultation with the family, to address the issues and restore regular attendance. Your assistance in explaining absences assist us to clarify the issues affecting attendance so we can best support your child.
Your child may not want to come to school or attend particular classes for a variety of reasons. There may be learning difficulties/disabilities, behavioural issues and/or emotional/social issues impacting their desire to regularly attend school, or they may simply not value what education is there to provide in the longer term. Other reasons could include falling behind in schoolwork or feeling overwhelmed about keeping up, extracurricular activities or employment, bullying or cyber bullying, amongst others. All these issues are compounded by further absence from school. Absence is not the solution.
If you think your child might need help in any of these areas, please contact and speak to our friendly Student Services Team.