Every day matters.
At Newport Lakes Primary School, we believe that coming to school every day is one of the most important things children can do for their learning, wellbeing and sense of belonging.
We understand that school isn’t always easy. Some mornings are hard. Life is busy. Kids (and adults) sometimes need a breather. But the evidence is clear, and the message from the Department of Education is consistent: regular school attendance matters – every single day.
Why attendance is so important
When students attend school regularly, they are more likely to:
- Make steady progress in their learning
- Feel confident and capable in the classroom
- Build and maintain friendships
- Feel connected to routines and expectations
- Develop positive attitudes towards learning and school
Missing one day of school each week might not feel like much, but over a year it adds up to almost a full term of missed learning. That means students are constantly trying to catch up – academically, socially and emotionally.
Attendance isn’t just about being present for lessons. It’s about being part of a community.
Our shared responsibility
Attendance works best when schools and families work together.
At NLPS:
- Students are expected to attend school every day, arrive on time, and be ready to learn.
- Parents and carers are expected to prioritise school attendance, communicate openly with the school, and provide reasons for absences.
- The school is committed to creating a welcoming, engaging environment where students feel safe, supported and eager to attend.
If attendance becomes a concern, we work collaboratively with families to understand what’s happening and to put supports in place.
What to do if your child is absent
If your child needs to be away from school:
- Please notify the school as soon as possible
- Contact the school office for unplanned absences
- Inform your child’s classroom teacher for planned absences
If we haven’t heard from you, the school will follow up on the same day to ensure your child is safe and accounted for.
Supporting attendance and wellbeing
We know that sometimes attendance issues are connected to anxiety, health, family circumstances or other challenges. Wellbeing matters just as much as learning.
When attendance is a concern, NLPS may support students and families through:
- Individual attendance plans
- Return to School Plans
- Student Support Group meetings
- Wellbeing and learning support referrals
Our goal is always the same: to help students feel safe, supported and confident about being at school.