Focus of the Week: Student Absence

As a school, we are legally required to keep accurate records of student attendance and non-attendance. If your child is absent, even for a short time, you must inform the school using one of the following methods:

• Email: info@alsiraat.vic.edu.au
• Phone: 9407 7000 (you can leave a voicemail if calling before 8:00am)
• SMS: 0480 001 055

When notifying us, please include:

• Your child’s full name
• Their class
• The reason for their absence
• The expected duration of the absence (if known)

If we don’t receive a notification, our team will follow up with you directly—this process takes significant time and resources.

Late Arrivals

If your child arrives late and has not signed in at the office (for Primary students) or the iPad (for Secondary students), our system will mark them as absent. In such cases, you will receive an SMS alert. Please respond via phone, SMS, or email with the reason for their late arrival so we can update our records accurately.

Extended Leave During Term

Extended leave of one week or more during the school term (for reasons other than illness) is discouraged, unless there are exceptional circumstances.

If your child will be absent for a week or more, you must:

1. Complete the Extended Leave of Absence Form (below, and available on our website)
2. Submit the completed form to the school office
3. Notify all your child’s teachers via email of the absence period
4. If your child is in secondary school, arrange a meeting with Mr Vis before the leave begins

Please note:

• Leave for non-emergency reasons will be marked as Unapproved Leave.
• Extended absences can negatively impact your child’s academic and social progress. For VCE students, exceeding allowable absence days may result in failing or needing to repeat subjects.
• Absences of one full term or longer will result in termination of enrolment. Re-enrolment will be required upon your child’s return.

Communication is Key

The Department of Education requires schools to follow up on all unexplained absences. If we cannot reach you, we will contact the emergency contacts listed on your child’s file.

If you have any questions or need support, please contact our Customer Support Team. We’re here to help.