Parents are always very keen to support their child to do their very best, and at Talara we are very grateful for this. One of the most effective ways that parents can support their child to do well at school is to ensure that they are at school, organised and well rested, on time and ready to give their best every day.
In an initial analysis of the first four weeks of the year, attendance across the school is meeting our target of 96% (except for Friday 20 February due to cyclone Marcia).
It is terrific to see that 545 students have been here every day, with 803 students or 78% have been here every day except Friday.
Absenteeism of 10% or more is considered by Education Queensland to be 'chronic' absenteeism. After the first 4 weeks we had 120 students who were starting to fall in to this category.
In the first 4 weeks we have just under 100 students who have already been away for one week or greater. This is a significant concern.
This year we have a very clear focus on improving students’ attendance rates across our college. Last year our school had an average of each student having a 6% absence rate. This equates to 12 days off school throughout the year! We had over 200 students that had over 20 days absent, 4 weeks! All of the research is very clear - that students with a high rate of absenteeism generally find school very difficult and quickly fall behind. Being at school every day is one of the best strategies in supporting students with their learning. Missing school for a holiday away, their birthday, a shopping trip or after a big weekend does have a negative impact on schooling.
This year we want all students to be at school at least 96% of the time.