We know that every day of school attendance adds to your child's chances of success and achievement from kindergarten to high school. You play a key role in making sure your child attends school every day, and you do this because you understand that attendance leads to success, not just at school but later in life. Every day at school counts towards your child’s learning.

We realise some absences are unavoidable due to health issues or other circumstances. However, we also know that when students miss too much school, no matter the reason, it can cause them to fall behind academically. The more absences your child has, the harder it is for them to catch up on missed work and stay connected to their school community. Absences add up quickly. If your child is absent just one day every two weeks over a school year, this will add up to 20 days of lost learning. This is almost half a school term.

Along with many other schools across Australia, we have noticed a large increase in absenteeism since COVID-19. We understand that this is partly due to parents being vigilant about keeping sick children at home, and we appreciate this; however, some absences can be avoided.

The following table indicates the levels of attendance.

Part of my job is to respond to all emerging absenteeism (less than 90% attendance) with support to improve attendance. This may involve an initial letter or phone call, subsequent letters, and creating a Student Attendance Plan.

We want your child to succeed at school and know that you do as well. Please let us know if you require support in ensuring your child attends school on time each day. Feel free to contact me to discuss this or any other concerns.

Catholic Education Canberra Goulburn has asked each school to aim to achieve a rating of 90% this term; let's see if we can blitz that goal.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact the Office.

We have been asked to warn our school community that death cap mushrooms are growing in the ACT.

This deadly fungus has caused multiple poisonings and deaths in Canberra. They often grow near established oak trees but have also been found elsewhere. Autumn is the peak growth period.

Please remind your school community of the risks of death cap mushroom poisoning. The key message is not to touch, pick, or eat wild mushrooms.

If you see a death cap mushroom growing:

• keep children and animals away;
• remove the whole mushroom using gloves or a tool, including any part under the ground;
• secure it in a plastic bag;
• place it into a rubbish bin that cannot be accessed by children, to go to landfill; and
• wash your hands.
Also:
• monitor the site frequently for further growth;
• remove mushrooms before mowing to prevent spreading; and
• do not compost them.