Why Being at School Every Day Counts
At school, every day truly counts. If your child is absent just one day per week, that quickly adds up to two months of missed school in a year. This absence can have a significant impact on their learning, social development, and future opportunities.
To address this, “Every Day Counts” is an initiative aimed at improving student attendance and helping children realise the importance of being at school every day. The initiative focuses on four key messages that are vital for parents, teachers, and the broader community to understand.
1. All children should be enrolled and attend school every day
The foundation of a successful education starts with consistent attendance. Regular school attendance helps children stay on track with their studies, build relationships with peers, and develop important life skills. Enrolling your child in school and ensuring they attend every school day maximises their learning opportunities.
2. Schools should monitor, communicate, and implement strategies to improve attendance
Schools play a critical role in fostering good attendance habits. It’s important that schools monitor student attendance closely, communicate with parents when attendance is irregular, and put strategies in place to help students who might be struggling with frequent absences. Regular follow-ups and a supportive environment can make a big difference in encouraging students to attend school consistently.
3. Truanting can place a student in unsafe situations and impact their future employability and life choices
Skipping school or being absent frequently puts students at risk of falling behind in their studies, which can impact their academic performance and future prospects. Truancy can also expose students to unsafe situations and behaviours that might not be present in the school environment. Long-term, irregular attendance can affect their employability, career options, and overall life choices.
4. Attendance is the responsibility of everyone in the community
While parents and guardians play a crucial role in ensuring their child attends school, improving attendance is a shared responsibility. Teachers, school staff, local communities, and even students themselves must work together to encourage regular attendance and to address any barriers students might face. When everyone works together, we can help all children achieve their best.
Learn More
The “Every Day Counts” initiative by Education Queensland aims to raise awareness and promote the importance of consistent school attendance. To get more details on how you can support your child’s attendance and learning, visit the Every Day Counts initiative external link.
By prioritising regular school attendance, we help our children set the foundation for a successful and fulfilling future.