(Absences of 3 days or less can be submitted using the Parent Portal)
The NSW Department of Education and the NSW Educational Standards Authority (“NESA”) set the requirements for the successful completion of study in NSW. These include expectations of regular attendance at school. It is important that parents are aware of the significance of continuity and time needed to develop skills and complete assessment requirements, which are central aspects of school education. Parents also have legal responsibilities to ensure their children attend school.
Attendance Exemptions
Occasionally, students may require leave from College for activities that NESA considers as eligible for an Attendance Exemption. Exemptions may be granted for the following reasons:
- employment in the entertainment industry,
- national or state representation in a sport program (or equivalent),
- national or state representation in an arts program (or equivalent),
- exceptional circumstances eg Public Health Act requirements
Parents may apply for leave in these circumstances using the “Exemption Application” on the College website. A schedule of participation, training or tour itinerary from the national or state arts or sporting body (eg Australian Institute of Sport) must be attached with contact names and numbers.
All applications for Attendance Exemptions are subject to the Principal’s discretion and approval. Applications must meet the NESA requirements.
Extended Leave
Family holidays and travel outside of College vacation periods are not considered “exceptional circumstances” and may be counted as an absence and recorded as an absence in your child’s report.
Before applying for extended leave, parents should consider the implications of the extended leave for their child.
Approved extended leave can only be provided when it has been clearly demonstrated to the College by the parent that the leave is necessary or desirable and that alternatives to providing leave have been considered. Further, the extended leave must be in the student’s best interests in the short and long term.
Approval of any type of leave in Years 11 and 12 is extremely rare due to the strict NESA requirements in relation to absences for Years 11 and 12. Particularly in Years 11 and 12, the impact of extended leave on the student’s completion of courses and assessments may be significant.
Senior School parents and students must ensure that they are familiar with the relevant Assessment Handbook when considering applying for leave (available in the College App – click “more”> Quicklinks> Assessment Booklets).
Parents may apply for extended leave using the “Extended Leave Form” on the College website. This form should be submitted at least 4 weeks before the leave period. Travel documentation, such as travel itinerary or e-tickets, must be attached to the application.
All applications for extended leave are subject to the College Principal’s discretion and approval.
College fees continue to be payable during any extended leave.
Extended Leave Application Process
- Parent applies at least 4 weeks before planned leave period.
- The application will be provided to the College Deputy Principal and the relevant College Leadership team members for review.
- The Principal’s has the authority to approve or decline extended leave applications.
- Parents will be emailed the outcome of the Extended Leave Application. The outcome email will indicate if the application was “approved” or “declined”. The outcome email will also outline ways to maintain continuity of learning and any conditions that apply to the leave, eg completion of assessment tasks or exams.
Continuity of Learning
Irrespective of whether extended leave is “approved” or “declined”, and a family chooses to take the extended leave, the College outcome email will outline the best approach for the student’s continuity of learning while on extended leave.
Assessment Tasks and Exams
- Students in Years 7-9 must speak to the Assistant Academic Dean and students in Years 10-12 must speak to the Academic Dean to discuss assessment tasks impacted by the extended leave, prior to the leave.
- In most instances, assessment tasks should be submitted before the first day of leave, or online while away on the due date. No extensions will be granted. Students must make adequate provisions during or prior to the extended leave to prepare for any future assessments.
- Exam dates cannot be modified.
- For both “approved” or “declined” leave, instructions or implications regarding missed exams (if any) will be outlined in the outcome email.
- Year 11 or 12 “declined” extended leave will always result in a zero mark.
- Exceptional circumstances may be considered by the Principal on a case-by-case basis.