It is a worthy reminder for us adults too. UV levels are still above three so please continue to Slip on sun protective clothing, Slop on SPF 30 or higher sunscreen, Slap on a wide brimmed hat, Seek shade and, if practical, Slide on wrap-around sunglasses until the end of April.  Please check the daily sun protection times to be sure. These are available on the free SunSmart app and widget, in the weather section of the newspaper or at sunsmart.com.au Even in the cooler autumn weather, that UV exposure all adds up. Thanks again for your wonderful help and support in minimising skin cancer risk.

Communication

Wandong has a number of communication means and platforms. It is imperative that the correct and most appropriate channel is used to ensure we are able to provide the most helpful and timely response. In summary:

• Student absences – log on compass and family holidays must have Principal approval prior
• Change to contact details that are short term – email the teacher and call the office 57871232
• Change to contact details e.g. phone numbers and address – log on compass
• Urgent issue – contact office 57871232
• Discuss a student’s academic progress, health or wellbeing – make an appointment with classroom teacher
• Quick/easy question or clarification – email to appropriate person. See-saw is not appropriate in this instance.
• NOTE: Our official Facebook group is progressing well and it is growing exponentially. It is our intention that parents are utilising our official group for day to day communications within the community. It is important to note that staff administrators are not on this site 24/7 and won’t be available to answer pertinent questions. This is not a DET formal communication platform.
• NOTE: Seesaw is being utilised across the school to share with our families, the achievements made by students, as well as opening the doors of the classrooms to families, metaphorically speaking. If you have any questions, require clarification or would like to discuss anything relating to your child’s academic progress, health or wellbeing, you should make an appointment with the classroom teacher.

SCHOOL ATTENDANCE

The Department of Education initiative EVERY DAY COUNTS highlights the importance of regular school attendance.

• Going to school every day is the single most important part of your child’s education. Students learn new things at school every day – missing school or being late to school puts them behind.

 SCHOOL IS BETTER WHEN YOUR CHILD IS THERE

 Why it’s important

• We all want our students to get a great education, and the building blocks for a great education begin with students coming to school each and every day.
• If students miss school regularly, they miss out on learning the fundamental skills that will set them up for success in the later years of school.
• There is no safe number of days for missing school – each day a student misses puts them behind, and can affect their educational outcomes.
• Each missed day is associated with progressively lower achievement in numeracy, writing and reading.

 Getting in early

• Attendance patterns are established early – a child regularly missing days in kindergarten or in the early years of school will often continue to miss classes in the later years, and receive lower test scores than their classmates.
• It’s vital that students go to school every day – even in the early years of primary school. In

 In Victoria school is compulsory for children and young people aged 6 -17 years

 Student Absences

The main reasons for absence are:

• Sickness – There are always times when students need to miss school, such as when they’re ill. It’s vital that they’re only away on the days they are genuinely sick, and developing good sleep patterns, eating well and exercising regularly can make a big difference.
• Family holidays– It’s vital that holidays are planned during school holidays where possible, and not during the term. If you are planning to go on holiday during term time, make sure that you talk to the school in advance, so we can discuss holiday learning tasks such as keeping a journal or continuing with online learning tasks.
• “Day off”– Think twice before letting your child have a “day off” as they could fall behind their classmates – every day counts.
• Truancy – This is when students choose not to go to school without their parent’s permission. There can be many reasons for truancy. The best way to address this is for schools and parents to work together.
• School refusal– School refusing children will experience significant emotional distress not only when going to school but also at the thought of going to school; they may be absent from school for weeks or even months at a time. School refusal differs from truancy as children generally stay home with the knowledge of the parents and despite their best efforts to encourage their child to go to school.

 BEING AWAY FROM SCHOOL FOR ONE DAY A FORTNIGHT EQUALS MISSING 1.5 YEARS OVER 13 YEARS OF SCHOOL

 If your child is away

• Parents/carers are required to ensure their child attends school every day and have an obligation to enter the absence onto Compass or contact the school to notify their child’s absence. Parents/carers should inform the school or log the absence on Compass in advance of known upcoming absences, or on the day of absence as soon as practicable. In addition, in order to implement this requirement, it is essential that parent/carers provide schools with their most up-to-date contact details.
• Remember, every day counts. If your child must miss school, speak with the classroom teacher as early as possible.
• Openly communicating with the school about all absences is a good way to prevent attendance issues being escalated to a School Attendance Officer. A School Attendance Officer is a Department of Education Regional Director who has authority to follow up attendance issues. Chronic or ongoing attendance issues that are escalated can lead to an Infringement Notice being issued to parent/s.
• If you’re having attendance issues with your child, please let the classroom teacher know so we can work together to get your child to school every day.

 Top attendance tips for parents

• Schools want to work in partnership with parents – act early if you have any concerns by contacting the school and asking for advice and support
• Remember that every day counts
• There is no safe number of days for missing school – each day a student misses puts them behind, and can affect their educational outcomes and their social connectedness
• Talk positively about school and the importance of attending every day
• Open and prompt communication with the school about all absences is a good idea
• Avoid making routine medical and dental appointments during the school day or planning family holidays during the term
• Seek help from the school if you are concerned about your child’s attendance and wellbeing. Schools want to work in partnership with parents to support student attendance and wellbeing.