My thanks to all students, staff and families for a good start to the year. I am very pleased with the school’s progress so far.

This year we are focusing on improving student engagement in their learning and school generally.

As we progress into another busy year, it is very important that all students do their best to succeed in their learning and living out our Mercy Values. That includes attending regularly, completion of assessment, focused learning in the classroom, positive behaviour and relationships around the school, and participation in all activities.

Parent engagement in a child’s learning is essential to improved outcomes for students of all ages. Genuine parent engagement exists when there is a meaningful relationship between parents and teachers with the shared goal of maximising learning outcomes for students. I encourage all parents and carers to have a genuine connection with their child’s learning and work with the school to achieve success.

One aspect of particular importance that parents and carers can greatly influence is regular attendance at school. I appreciate that many factors influence a student's ability to attend regularly, many which are out of their control, for example, illness. However, some students take the option of not attending on occasions, or for some students, many occasions.

Attendance really does matter.

Legal responsibilities about attendance

Children who are of compulsory school age are legally required to attend school every school day unless there is an acceptable excuse. A child continues to be of compulsory school age until they have completed Year 10 or turned sixteen, whichever comes first.

After the compulsory school age ends, the compulsory participation phase begins. The same legal requirements apply. A young person’s compulsory participation phase continues from the end of the compulsory schooling stage, until they turn 17 years of age, or until they gain a Qld Certificate of Education (QCE), a Certificate of Achievement, Senior Statement, Certificate III or Certificate IV.

When is it not okay to miss school?

From time-to-time absences from school may be necessary - for example sickness, accidents, or family emergencies. Parents/carers should let the school know the reason for the absence as soon as possible, either before or on the day of absence.

It is not okay to miss school to sleep in, finish assignments, go on holidays or shop. It is a legal requirement to attend school and missed lessons will set a student back in their learning.

Please work with your children and the school to ensure full attendance of your children. Contact the school about any concerns or queries you have. We are here to support your children.

God Bless