Late Arrivals & Absence

As we start to enter the Term 3 assessment period, I have been spending time looking through absence and late arrival data. There has been a spike in students arriving late to school. While this may happen once in a while, we have a number of students who have been late over 6 times in the first five weeks of this term. When you add up the missed minutes, this can equate to over 80 minutes… the equivalent of a double period of Maths!

Recent research shows that there is a negative correlation between attendance and academic success at school. In addition to missing minutes in the classroom, non-attendance has also been shown to link with:

• early school leaving
• leaving school with fewer qualifications
• reduced opportunities for students to learn and access educational resources, further limiting achievement
• further absenteeism in higher year levels
• increased alcohol, tobacco, and substance use in adolescents.

The development of positive attendance habits is a priority for students in the Senior Years. A few years back I heard a past student from St. Mary’s emphasise that it is important that you arrive early, ready to work as a skill to be successful in the workforce. This quality is one that we still value here at OLSCC. Students need to arrive on time, ready to learn!

Assessment & Exam Dates

A reminder that parents and students can find the assessment and examination calendars on our College website. Now is the time to start mapping out how students will schedule their independent study time in the lead up to final submissions and exams.

Good luck to our Year 11 students who will complete their IA3 exams in Week 6.

https://www.dalby.catholic.edu.au/assessment

Communication and Pastoral Concerns
Throughout the year, parents are encouraged to communicate with their child’s subject teachers as an initial point of contact for any pastoral or academic matters. For further matters, please contact me through the College Office or by email matthew.hodge@twb.catholic.edu.au

Matt Hodge

Assistant Principal Senior Years