Dear Parents and Carers,

Attendance is proven to impact student Wellbeing. As communicated last week we have recently updated our Student Attendance Policy and Procedures.  The use of Compass as our Student Information System (SIS) allows us to monitor attendance and for parents to communicate reasons for student absence. 

See below the key points within the updated policy:

• If your child is absent from school you must mark the absence on compass and enter a valid reason explaining the absence.
• All staff will mark the Class Rolls without errors and in a timely manner by 9am each day. 
• Class Teachers will regularly check the Attendance tab on their Class Page to monitor student attendance. 
• Teachers will contact parents/carers when a student has three consecutive unexplained absences.
• An automated SMS to notify parents is sent if their child is absent with a link to the portal so that  parents can add an attendance note (beginning Monday 19 August).
• Mrs Macourt (Leader of Wellbeing and Engagement) will continue fortnightly attendance analysis checks and follow up any concerns with teachers, parents and carers.

‘Grow Your Mind’ - Optimism & Positive Self Talk

We encourage our students to develop optimism by acknowledging ‘shark’ thoughts and ‘dolphin’ thoughts. Every time you catch yourself saying something negative, ask yourself, “Is there a ‘dolphin way’ to look at this problem?” More often than not, there will be a more positive way to view things! Life is full of ups and downs – sometimes it’s fair, sometimes it isn’t. Try and think if the thoughts you are having are helpful or not helpful, then challenge them! For example, a SHARK thought could be: “Oh no, I have to perform on the stage. I hate performing, I get so nervous and forget my place in the music.” Is this thought really going to help you with what you need to do? How else could you look at it? What would a DOLPHIN thought be? “It’s performance time! I am not so crazy about it, but I guess the more I practise being up on stage, the easier it will be.”

Practice acknowledging ‘shark thoughts’ and modelling ‘dolphin thinking’ with your children at home to promote more positive self talk.

Have a wonderful week and remember to keep refilling that cup. 

Amanda Macourt

Leader of Wellbeing and Engagement