Attendance: Every Day Matter
At Mt Somers Springburn School, we believe that every day a student spends at school is an investment in their future. Consistent attendance doesn't just help with grades; it builds friendships, confidence, and a sense of belonging in our community.
Why Attendance is Important
Missing just two days of school a month means a student misses 10% of the school year. Over time, these gaps make it harder for students to keep up with their peers and feel "in the loop" with school life.
Our "Traffic Light" Guide
We use a simple system to help families monitor how their child is tracking:
- 🟢 Green (95% - 100%): All Systems Go! Your child is set up for success. They are in the "Success Zone" for learning and social growth.
- 🟡 Amber (85% - 94%): Keep an Eye Out. This is "At Risk" territory. Even 10 days off a year can cause gaps in learning. We may reach out to see how we can help.
- 🔴 Red (Below 85%): We Need to Chat. This level of absence makes it very difficult to progress. We will work closely with you to create a plan to get your child back on track.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I do if my child is sick? Please notify the school office by 8:45 AM via HERO or phone school. If we haven't heard from you, we will send a text to ensure your child is safe.
What about family holidays? The Ministry of Education classifies family holidays during term time as unjustified absences. While we understand the value of family time, we encourage you to plan trips during the school holidays to minimize disruption to your child’s learning.
My child is feeling anxious about school. What should I do? Talk to us! Reach out to your child’s classroom teacher as soon as possible. We have plenty of strategies to help make the transition into the classroom smoother and more supportive.
Our Commitment to You
We will:
What about family holidays? The Ministry of Education classifies family holidays during term time as unjustified absences. While we understand the value of family time, we encourage you to plan trips during the school holidays to minimize disruption to your child’s learning.
My child is feeling anxious about school. What should I do? Talk to us! Reach out to your child’s classroom teacher as soon as possible. We have plenty of strategies to help make the transition into the classroom smoother and more supportive.
Our Commitment to You
We will:
- Provide a safe, engaging, and welcoming environment for your child.
- Keep you updated on your child’s attendance data.
- Offer support and solutions if getting to school becomes a struggle.
Did you know?
- The "Social Gap": Most playground "inside jokes" and group projects happen in the middle of the week. Frequent absences can lead to a student feeling isolated.
- The 10-Minute Rule: Being just 10 minutes late every day adds up to 32 hours of lost learning time per year. That’s nearly an entire week of school!
- Routine is King: A predictable morning routine reduces "school refusal" anxiety. Pack bags and layout uniforms the night before.
