If your child is going to be absent from school due to sickness or for any other reason - please notify the school office.

The Education Act 1989 requires that all children six years old and over must attend school. Once enrolled, it is compulsory for children to attend school regularly.

Avonhead School encourages students to participate fully in school life. Students are expected to attend school when required, and to be on time for classes. This policy applies for off-site activities as well, such as EOTC activities.

We monitor the daily attendance of students to:

· Ensure their safety both in getting to school, and in accounting for them in an emergency

· Identify students with achievement, engagement, or other issues

· Meet our legal responsibilities.

Parents and guardians also have legal obligations to ensure their children attend school. The school expects parents to:

· Notify the school office if their child is going to be absent from school by using our school app or phone (348 7361 - option 1) prior to 9am

· Try to arrange appointments etc. outside school hours or in holidays

· Work with the school to manage any attendance issues.

Absences are usually unjustified unless the student is too sick to attend school, or has suffered a bereavement.

Any child absent from class without a know reason will be followed up by a phone call from the office staff. The school roll is taken after the bell is rung at 8.50am and again when children go back in to class after lunch at 1:45pm.  If arriving at school after the 8.50am bell - please ensure your child signs in at the school office first before heading to class.

Holidays should only be taken during school holidays. If you plan to take your child on a holiday during term time then we ask that you make application, to the school office, either by visiting the office or placing the details in writing via email. The MOE classify any students who are on holiday during term time as an unjustified absence.

Thank you very much.