ATTENDANCE GUIDELINES FOR PARENTS (Every day matters) 

The Department of Education’s guiding principle for attendance is that every day matters. Although most students attend school regularly, some students struggle to attend every day. Some reasons are legitimate. The following information is for parents whose child has ‘other’ (simple or complex) reasons for not attending school.

The Department recommends the following three approaches to improve attendance: 

Promote - Parents can use a strong rationale for attending school every day. Research shows positive correlations between attendance, engagement and accomplishment. Life skills, accumulated knowledge and positive relationships are clear benefits of a high attendance rate.

Prevent - Monitor attendance for patterns, and act early to find out underlying reasons why your child is not attending. Facilitate consistent sleep (8-9 hours) and healthy eating habits. 

Respond - Let the school know the reason why your child is going to be or has been absent from school as soon as possible. It is appreciated that you communicate by 9.00am so that your child is accounted for. Refer to the contact options below. A holiday during school term is classified as an unauthorised vacation. If you still choose to go, continue to communicate to seek possible support for the absent student. Cultural/religious/medical reasons are authorised.

To advise the school of absences, please email or SMS the Name of student, Advocacy and Reason for Absence.

1. Complete the Absence Note in the Parent Portal of Compass (our preference).  

2. Email the Student Services absent email:  perthmodern.absentees@education.wa.edu.au

3. SMS the Absentee number: 0409 109 784

When a student is absent, parents will receive an SMS attendance notification. Parents are to write an Absent Note in Compass or contact Student Services (details above).

We thank you for your assistance.