Children are required by law to attend School regularly and it is essential that they do so to succeed. Every day is important therefore children should not be absent without a valid excuse. To improve our attendance procedures, we will inform parents/caregivers about any unexplained absences for their child. The school expects parents/caregivers to contact the school in advance if they know their child is to be absent.
The preferred contact methods are
· Phoning 5321 5266 and leaving a message
· Student absentee line studentabsence@palmviewss.eq.edu.au
· QParents
Palmview State Primary School will send an SMS message to the parent/guardian's mobile phone if a student is recorded as absent without an explanation. If you are not receiving text messages and believe you should be, please contact the school as soon as possible to confirm your contact details. The message will arrive on your telephone displaying our dedicated absentee phone number.
Parents should store this number in their mobile phone under "Palmview SPS" so that when the message arrives, the parent can easily identify when the school is contacting them.
Alternatively, simply reply to the message from the school and add your son or daughter's roll class, name, reason for absence or late arrival and date of absence. If you are receiving SMS messages, it is important that you reply to the school within seven days (as per Government Legislation). The easiest way to respond to text messages is by reply SMS. Remember – "EVERY DAY COUNTS"!
Exemptions from Compulsory Schooling and Compulsory Participation
What is an exemption and why do I need it? Every parent of a child of compulsory school age or a young person in the compulsory participation phase has a legal obligation to ensure their child is enrolled and attending school or participating in an eligible option.
Parents can apply for an exemption from this obligation when their child cannot attend or it would be unreasonable in all the circumstances for their child to attend school or participate in an eligible option for a period of more than 10 consecutive school days.
Situations where an applications for an exemption may be made include:
1. Illness
2. Family reasons
3. Family holidays
4. Cultural or religious reasons
If your child is exempt from compulsory schooling, you are excused from your obligation in relation to compulsory school or compulsory participation. The school principal is not responsible for providing an educational program to your child, however they may provide advice on other educational options available.
Who decides to grant or not grant an exemption?
For state school students: Decision about exemptions for up to one school year are made by the Principal of the school the student attends. Decisions about exemptions for more than one school year are made by the relevant Regional Director of the Department of Education, responsible for the supervision of the school your child attends. Applying for an exemption. You are encouraged to discuss with the school whether an application for exemption is a suitable option. The school can provide you with an application form for an exemption.
It is important that supporting documentation and evidence are attached to the application. When a decision about the exemption has been made, you will be informed in writing whether or not the exemption has been granted and if any conditions have been imposed. If you are not satisfied with the decision made, you can make a submission for the decision to be reviewed.