St John the Evangelist Catholic High School Nowra
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31 John Purcell Way
Nowra NSW 2541
Subscribe: https://sjedow.schoolzineplus.com/subscribe

Email: info@sjedow.catholic.edu.au
Phone: 02 4423 1666

PASTORAL CARE

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ATTENDANCE

As part of our care and support for all students at SJE, we conduct regular attendance checks, make wellbeing calls home and arrange support meetings for parents/carers and students to explore relevant and effective strategies in maintaining the regular attendance for all students. In conjunction with this, our school attendance procedures aim to communicate attendance concerns to parents/carers when students move into categories of attendance concern. These procedures are outlined as follows:

  1. Step 1: When attendance falls below 90% (explained or unexplained)
    • Student interview and Step 1 letter sent home outlining the concern
  2. Step 2: When attendance falls below 85% (explained or unexplained)
    • Student interview, parents/carers contact by phone to discuss possible supports and Step 2 letter sent home.
  3. Step 3: When attendance remains below 85% (explained or unexplained)
  • Student and Parents/carers are interviewed by the Year Coordinator and/or the Pastoral Care Coordinator (PCC) and where needed, a learning plan is developed to assist parent/carer and student in improving attendance. CEDoW informed. Registered Step 3 letter sent home.
  1. Step 4: When attendance continues to remain below 85% (explained or unexplained)
  • Student and Parent/Carer meets with PCC, Assistant Principal and/or Principal. Step 4 letter sent home. CEDoW will advise on further actions. N Warnings will be issued where required if outcomes are not being met due to non-attendance.
  1. Step 5: Above 30 days 
  • By law, SJE will report educational neglect concerns to the Child Story Reporter (DCJ) and/or the Child Protection Helpline. Student and Parents/Carers meets with the Principal, PCC and CEDoW representative. If not enrolled, CEDoW will notify DCJ and NSW Department of Education. N Warnings issued.

Attendance is important, not only because it is mandated by the Education Act (1990) but because when a student’s attendance falls below 90% they are at risk of lower academic achievement, possible social isolation from peers, poorer mental health and poorer social functioning. Students, supported by their parents/carers, should aim for an attendance rate of 95%. Achieving a 95% attendance rate allows students a maximum of 10 days off per year (excluding school holidays) to allow for illness. This is an achievable target that aligns with real world employment expectations that students will face in their lives beyond high school. 

Parents and carers of senior students must also understand that attendance and/or punctuality concerns could impact on a student’s ability to successfully meet their course outcomes. This, in turn, may result in N-Warning(s) which may adversely affect their RoSA and/or HSC.

If you believe there are concerns surrounding the attendance of your child or the person in your care, please do not hesitate to contact their Year Coordinator as soon as possible to arrange a support meeting.

If there are any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me on the school number.

Ms Sonia Diaz

Pastoral Care Coordinator