Attendance and Participation
At Charters Towers School of Distance Education, regular participation in learning is essential for student success. Research consistently shows that students who engage regularly with their learning program achieve better educational outcomes.
As a School of Distance Education, attendance is demonstrated differently from a traditional school setting. Under Section 177(2) of the Education (General Provisions) Act 2006, a student enrolled in distance education is considered to be attending school by completing and returning assigned work as required.
What Attendance Means at CTSDE
Attendance at CTSDE includes:
- Completing and submitting assigned work in accordance with each subject’s Work Rate Calendar.
- Participating in scheduled web lessons wherever possible.
- Accessing lesson recordings when attendance at a live lesson is not possible.
- Maintaining regular engagement with the learning program.
Parents and carers play a vital role in supporting student participation and ensuring attendance requirements are met.
Why Attendance Matters
Regular participation in lessons and learning activities:
- Improves academic achievement and learning outcomes.
- Helps students remain connected to their teachers and peers.
- Supports the development of positive learning habits and routines.
- Increases the likelihood of long-term educational success.
Attendance patterns often continue over time, making it important to address any attendance concerns as soon as they arise.
Parent and Carer Responsibilities
Parents and carers of compulsory school-aged students are legally responsible for ensuring their child actively participates in their educational program. This includes:
- Supporting attendance at scheduled lessons wherever possible.
- Ensuring assigned work is completed and submitted on time.
- Notifying the school of any absences.
- Communicating with teachers if difficulties arise.
Student Absences
If your child is unable to attend a scheduled lesson, please notify their teacher by email as soon as possible and provide a reason for the absence. Where possible, absences should be advised in advance.
Parents who have registered for attendance notifications may receive an SMS when their child is absent from a scheduled lesson. If you receive a notification, please respond promptly to the teacher regarding the reason for the absence.
Please ensure the school always has your current contact details, including your mobile phone number.
Holidays During School Time
Families are encouraged to schedule holidays during school vacation periods wherever possible.
If a holiday must occur during school time, please notify the school in advance. Depending on the circumstances, arrangements may include:
- Completing work while away.
- Negotiating a modified workload.
- Applying for an exemption from schooling for a specified period.
Establishing Successful Learning Routines
A consistent daily routine can help students engage successfully with their learning program. Consider:
- Setting regular bedtimes and wake-up times.
- Organising learning materials the day before.
- Establishing consistent times for lessons and independent learning.
- Limiting distractions such as television, gaming and social media during learning times.
- Speaking positively about learning and school participation.
- Maintaining routines throughout the school term.
If Your Child Is Experiencing Difficulties
If your child is struggling to participate in lessons or complete assigned work, please contact their teacher as soon as possible. Early intervention allows the school to provide appropriate support and develop strategies to assist your child.
Additional support is available through:
- Roll Class Teachers
- Head of Student Services
Engagement and Truancy
Students who do not submit work in accordance with their Work Rate Calendars, and who do not have an approved reason, may be considered insufficiently engaged in their learning program.
Where concerns arise regarding attendance or engagement, families will be contacted to discuss support options and develop a plan for improved participation.
Ongoing non-participation may result in a student being classified as truant under relevant legislation. In such cases, the school is required to follow legislative processes, including reporting requirements where applicable.
Insufficient participation may also affect eligibility for certain government assistance payments, including Youth Allowance and Assistance for Isolated Children.
Where a student is at risk of being classified as truant, the relevant Head of Student Services will contact parents or carers to provide guidance, support and advice.
For further information, please refer to the school's Managing Student Absences Policy.