15 September 2009

Dear Parent/Caregiver

RE:  Changes to the Late Reporting System

We realise that there are times when non attendance and arriving late to school is unavoidable and the College seeks parents/caregivers cooperation in ensuring that their son or daughter misses as little class time as possible.  Student attendance closely relates to academic progress, and even arriving 5 minutes late at the beginning of a period not only causes disruption for the student who is late but also to other members of that class.

As from the beginning of term four there will be a new system trialled for students who arrive at school late.

Each student will be allowed 2 unexplained late arrivals to school each term, these will be recorded and after the second late the Dean will see the student – any action at this stage will be determined at this meeting.

If after this intervention a third unexplained late is recorded the student will receive an after school detention, parents/caregivers will be notified in writing of this fact. Should the student not attend this detention parents will be notified by the Dean.

If this pattern of late arrival continues, further detentions will be imposed, as well as an intervention meeting being organised involving parents/caregivers and the student.  At this meeting strategies need to be agreed on to improve the situation, as formal discipline procedures could now be considered if a student continues to be late to school.

To clarify the Late Reporting System now is:

• All late students must report to the attendance officer and receive a late slip for entry into period 1 class.
• Any student who arrives 20 minutes after the start of period one without explanation will be sent to class but their name will be referred directly to the Dean for follow up.
• The late system will apply to all days regardless of school start time.
• If a student presents a note, this must be written by parent/caregiver and include date and reason for lateness and signed by parent/caregiver.  Presentation of a note will be recorded by the attendance officer.  Please note, a written note is not an entry to period one class – the student must still report to the attendance officer.
• Presentation of a written explanation does not “count” towards the allowed 2 lates per term.

Thank you for your cooperation.
G T MOORE
PRINCIPAL