Attendance Policy

Arles N.S.

School Attendance Policy

 

There is a very strong tradition of good attendance in Arles N.S.. However, the changing social fabric of the nation is altering attitudes to school and we are anxious that parents be aware of the absolute necessity for regular punctual attendance at school. Quite simply, children cannot learn if they are not in school. The following strategies have been put in place to help foster an appreciation of learning and good attendance;

 

  • Rewards in accordance with the Code of Behaviour
  • As stated in the Code of Behaviour, parents are expected to write a note/letter notifying the teacher of the reason for a child’s absence within three days of the child’s return on a piece of paper not in journals.
  • The teacher notes the reason for the students absence, especially those that are at risk of developing school attendance problems.
  • Class teacher must notify Principal of a 15 day absence who will send a letter to parents.

 

These are categorised as follows: Re notify Parents if absences reach 20 days:

 

  • Irregular Absentee: 2/5 days absent in a 20-day period without a valid reason
  • Seriously Irregular Absentee: 6/10 days absent in a 20-day period without a valid reason
  • Chronic Absentee: 11+ days absent in a 20-day period without a valid reason

 

Appropriate contact will take place between the school and parents/guardians of these children;

 

  • For irregular absenteeism, the teacher will inform the parents by letter of her/his concerns about the child and seek to meet the parents to discuss the matter
  • For seriously irregular absenteeism, the Principal will write to the parents inviting them to a meeting to discuss the problem
  • For chronic absenteeism the Principal will inform the Education Welfare Officer and notify the parents of this by letter

 

  1.  Attendance, behaviour and academic records of children who transfer to another primary school will be forwarded to the Principal of the school by post as soon as written confirmation of this transfer is received.
  2.  Attendance, behaviour and academic records of children who transfer into [Arles N.S.] will be sought directly from the previous school.
  3. Attendance, behaviour and Academic records of pupils transferring to secondary school will be sent to the school once enrolment has been confirmed.

 

References:

Education (Welfare) Act 2000: III;22.1

Education (Welfare) Act 2000: III;21.4

Education (Welfare) Act 2000: III;20.5

Education (Welfare) Act 2000: III;20.5

Education (Welfare) Act 2000: III;20.3

Education (Welfare) Act 2000: III; 22.5

“Empty Desks”, C.D.U. Mary Immaculate College