Attendance Policy

Statement of Principles

The school is dedicated to cultivating a learning environment where all students are present and engaged, recognising the value of attendance in fostering academic growth and a sense of belonging.

Regular attendance is essential for students to participate in the learning process fully, connect with their peers and teachers, and develop a strong foundation for future success.

This policy is guided by the principles of mindfulness, encouraging students to be present and attentive in their learning, and compassion, promoting a supportive environment where attendance is understood and supported.

Definition of Attendance Expectations and Responsibilities

Attendance is defined as a student's consistent presence and active participation in all scheduled school activities, including classes, assemblies, excursions, and other learning experiences.

It encompasses:

• Punctuality: Arriving on time for all scheduled activities to minimise disruption and maximise learning time.

• Regularity: Attending all scheduled classes and activities, recognising that consistent presence is crucial for academic progress. Students must attend at least 80% of scheduled course contact hours for satisfactory attendance.

• Participation: Engaging actively in the learning process, demonstrating a commitment to being present not just physically but also mentally and emotionally.

Responsibilities for ensuring positive attendance are shared by:

• Students: Taking ownership of their learning by prioritising attendance, being punctual, and communicating any unavoidable absences promptly and clearly.

• Parents/Guardians: Supporting their child's education by ensuring regular attendance, communicating with the school about absences, and collaborating to address any attendance concerns.

• School Staff: Creating engaging learning experiences that encourage attendance, monitoring attendance patterns, communicating with students and families, and providing support to students facing attendance challenges. The Admissions Manager will identify students whose attendance is a cause for concern (less than 90% but at least 80%), or unsatisfactory (less than 80%).

Guiding Principles Based on School Values

• Mindfulness: The school promotes mindful attendance, encouraging students to be fully present and engaged in their learning, recognising the importance of each moment in the classroom.

• Compassion: The school understands that students may face challenges that affect their attendance and is committed to responding with empathy and support, working collaboratively to find solutions. Students at risk of not meeting attendance requirements will be offered counselling and support when absences total 25% of a study period.

• Responsibility: The school fosters a sense of responsibility in students for their own learning, encouraging them to take ownership of their attendance and understand its impact on their academic journey and the school community.

• Community: The school recognises the importance of attendance in building a strong and connected learning community, where all students feel a sense of belonging and mutual support.

Scope of the Policy

This policy applies to all students enrolled at Pal Buddhist School, all staff members, and parents/guardians. It covers attendance in all school-related activities, including on-campus classes, off-campus excursions, and online learning activities.

Responsibilities

Creating a culture of positive attendance is a shared responsibility of the entire school community.

• Students: Students are expected to prioritise attendance, be punctual, actively participate in class, and communicate any absences to the school promptly, in line with the school's values of responsibility and mindfulness. Students whose attendance falls below 85% will receive an Attendance Warning.

• Parents/Guardians: Parents/guardians are expected to support their child's attendance, communicate openly with the school, and collaborate to address any attendance concerns, demonstrating compassion and shared responsibility.

• Teachers: Teachers are expected to create engaging and inclusive learning environments, take accurate attendance records, communicate with students and parents/guardians about attendance concerns, and provide support to students, fostering a sense of community and mindful learning.

• School Administration: The school administration is responsible for implementing and monitoring this policy, providing support and resources to staff and students, and promoting a school-wide culture that values attendance and its contribution to student success.

Reporting Procedures

Accurate and timely reporting of attendance is essential for the effective implementation of this policy.

• Teachers will maintain accurate records of student attendance in all classes.

• Parents/guardians are expected to inform the school of any student absences, providing a reason for the absence.

• The school will communicate attendance information to parents/guardians regularly.

Intervention and Support

The school is committed to providing support to students who are experiencing attendance difficulties.

• The school will identify students with patterns of concerning attendance and offer early intervention and support.

• Interventions may include communication with students and parents/guardians, counselling, and the development of individualised attendance plans. If attendance is less than 80% after a written agreement, the Admissions Manager will provide a Notice, informing them they will be reported. Students will not be reported if attendance has not fallen below 70% and they provide documentation of compassionate or compelling circumstances.

• The school will work collaboratively with students and families to address the underlying causes of attendance issues and promote positive change.

Prevention Strategies

The school will implement proactive strategies to promote positive attendance and a culture of engagement.

• The school will create a welcoming and inclusive learning environment where students feel connected and supported.

• Teachers will use engaging and student-centred teaching practices that foster active participation and a love of learning.

• The school will promote mindfulness and well-being, recognising the connection between student well-being and attendance.

• The school will celebrate and acknowledge positive attendance, reinforcing its importance within the school community.

Review and Evaluation

This policy will be reviewed and evaluated regularly to ensure its effectiveness and alignment with the school's values and goals. The review process will include feedback from students, staff, and parents/guardians.

This revised policy aims to integrate the core principles of the Pal Buddhist School, drawing upon the values of mindfulness, compassion, responsibility, and community to promote a positive and supportive approach to student attendance.