PLANNED EXTENDED LEAVE

During the school year there are occasions when parents will request that their child be withdrawn from school for an extended period that does not occur during the normal school holidays. Parents are required to inform the Year Level Coordinator of any intended absences in writing and ideally with four weeks notice. This will enable teachers to have prior notice and ensure that current assessment tasks are completed before the student leaves.

When such absences occur the College does not provide set work for the student. It is recognised that these experiences can broaden student’s perspectives and understandings of the world. The experience itself provides students with an educational opportunity that may not be present in the school environment. Students should take the opportunity to learn from the experience without the constraints of completing schoolwork. It is important that students are up to date with their school work before they leave and they will need to see their teachers in regard to any work that will need to be submitted prior to leaving.

While seeing the educational opportunity these absences may offer, it is important that parents understand the implications of withdrawing their child from school for an extended period. Regardless of the time of year, students will miss out on important work while they are absent. Important concepts and topics are covered throughout the whole school year at all year levels and this work may form the basis of future learning and understandings.

It is important that parents acknowledge that extended absences will also have an impact on a student’s reports. Absences may mean that students miss assessment for certain VELS dimensions and may not have the opportunity to demonstrate achievement of the relevant VELS standards. This will affect the progression point students receive on his/her reports. In some cases, students may receive a NA (not assessed) or UG (ungraded) on reports if assessment tasks or exams have been missed.

If students are away from College when electives are being chosen, they may miss the opportunity to submit preferences for the following year. In this case, they will be assigned places in those elective classes which are available.

Whilst supporting family activities, the College requests that careful consideration be given to the timing of holidays so that disruption to school life is minimised. It is recommended that parents contact the College prior to planning a trip to determine the most appropriate timing.

Student Illness

On occasions when a student is absent from school for an extended period of time due to ill health, the College openly encourages parents to discuss what school work may be appropriate to do at home. When returning to school the child is expected to meet with his/her teachers to discuss work expectations. Teachers will note on the student’s report areas of work not studied due to the absence. When making contact with the College parents are asked to explain the nature of the student’s absence.