VCE/VCAL CLASS ATTENDANCE POLICY 2012

12/12/2011                                     

 

 

RATIONALE:

It is a requirement at Belmont High School that students attend all timetabled classes so that teaching and learning opportunities can be maximised.  Attendance in class provides opportunities for student work to be authenticated by teachers.  Work which cannot be authenticated will not be accepted for assessment and will be awarded ‘N’.

It is important that students minimise the number of days away from school.  For information about attendance at Form Assembly please see the Yr 11 and 12 School Attendance Policy.

OPERATION:

1.  How many classes can a student miss without a medical certificate?                                

Students are allowed to miss only four lessons* per subject per semester without penalties being applied. 

* One double period is counted as one lesson. Different arrangements apply to students undertaking Outdoor and Environment Education. Please see your teacher for clarification.

2.  What does the student have to do when they return to school after ANY absence?

An explanatory note must be produced for Form Teachers and class teachers.  This note should preferably be written on the pro-forma in the student’s organiser so that a record of absences is kept.  It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that absences are explained.  All medical certificates, notes and V.C.E. Approved Absence slips MUST be shown to the class teacher within one week of your return to school.  Medical certificates must be presented to the General Office before being shown to teachers.

3. How will I know if I am approaching the limit of my absences in a class?

Students are expected to keep a record of classes that they have missed in their organiser. Students and parents will receive a warning that the student is approaching the limit of absences after three absences have been accrued.

 

4.  What happens if a student has a fifth absence in any subject?

An ‘N’ will automatically be recorded for that unit, and cannot be redeemed through make up time.

 

5.  What if the student is absent for more than two consecutive days?

A medical/dental/approved absence certificate must be produced.

 

6.  What if the absence is for a school activity, e.g.  excursion, sport team?

Students must obtain clearance from each class teacher prior to the absence.  Lists of students participating in school events submitted to the General Office before the activity takes place.  These absences do not count towards the total of missed classes. Students are expected to make up work that has been missed.

 

7.  What is a VCE/VCAL  Approved Absence?

If there is a reason (not covered by medical certificates) why the student cannot attend school eg. Family emergency, the student can apply to the VCE or VCAL Co-ordinator for a VCE/VCAL approved  absence, which is regarded in the same manner as a medical certificate.

 

8.  What if a student continues to suffer on-going effects from an illness and obtaining medical certificates for each absence could prove very costly?

The student should apply to the VCE or VCAL Co-ordinator for an extended approved absence.  (Documentation of illness will generally be required.)

 

9.  How many ‘N’ results can a student receive because of breaches of the attendance requirements?

Any student who receives two ‘N’ results (due to poor attendance) in one semester may have their enrolment cancelled in all units for the current year.  The student may apply to re-enrol in the following year.

 

10.  What does the student do about any work they have missed?

It is the student’s responsibility to catch up on missed work and collect any handouts that were given to the class in their absence.

Students and parents are advised to contact the VCE or VCAL Coordinator with any inquiries about this policy.