24 Mar 2017
As this is our last newsletter for term 1 I would like to wish all our families a safe and happy break. Our new principal will commence at the beginning of next term and I would like to thank Mr Tcaciuc and Ms Diakos for relieving as deputy principal while I have been acting principal. Both Mr Tcaciuc and Ms Diakos have done a wonderful job in taking care of student learning and wellbeing this term. I would also like to thank Ms Portelli and Mr Ijaz for relieving in the Head Teacher English and Mathematics roles respectively.
We have been conducting a review of student attendance this term. As you are all aware, regular school attendance is a legal requirement and all students under 17 years of age are required to attend school all day every day. However, regular school attendance is also of enormous benefit to student learning and wellbeing. The latest research shows a high correlation between good attendance and high academic results. Our top performing students in the HSC have very high rates of attendance of over 95%. Being at school every day means they don't miss out on the opportunities provided at school. Research also indicates that girls with regular attendance are better able to develop strong relationships and also to develop stronger strategies for building resilience. These important skills prepare students for life beyond school.
High absenteeism has a negative impact on learning. Absenteeism is lost learning. An attendance rate of 90% equals one absence per fortnight which equals 20 days per year. This equates to 1.3 years of lost learning over the 13 years of schooling. The effect of lost learning is cumulative and can impact on results over time. Good attendance habits can also have positive impact on work performance later in life.
There are times when absence is unavoidable, however it is important for girls to develop positive attitudes to regular attendance and understand the impact it can have on their success – both at school and in their future. It is also important that we work with parents and carers to assist the girls to develop this understanding and promote regular attendance at every opportunity.
Finally, I would like to thank you all for your support this term while I have been acting principal and look forward to welcoming our new principal at the start of term 2.
Ms R Daniels, Acting Principal