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Email: Student.Attendance@det.wa.edu.au

Students need to attend school on a regular basis to gain the maximum benefit from schooling and optimise their life opportunities. It is widely recognised that attendance problems are best managed by early identification and intervention.

The School Education Act 1999 requires compulsory aged students to attend school, or participate in an educational program of a school, on the days on which the school is open for instruction, unless a written arrangement has been entered into for the student (sections 23, 26).

Beginning in 2006 and 2007, education will be compulsory to the end of the year in which students’ turn 16. From 2008, education will be compulsory for students until the end of the year in which they turn 17.

Monitoring student attendance

The school principal is responsible for the accurate recording and rigorous monitoring of all students’ attendance. The principal will implement appropriate strategies to restore student attendance if there is any cause for concern.

Whole school planning for the full participation of all students can often help prevent attendance difficulties. Identifying attendance problems as they occur and intervening early gives the best outcomes.