Student Absentee Information

Attendance Procedures & Guideline

St Simon Peter Catholic Primary School is committed to maintaining accurate attendance records for all students to comply with educational and funding requirements. It is essential that students maintain a minimum of 90% attendance. To ensure this, attendance is recorded by teaching staff at least twice each day.

Late Arrivals

Students arriving late (after 8:40 AM) must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to Reception (via Gate 7) to sign in using the SEQTA Kiosk. The adult must then escort the child to their classroom.
If a student has three late arrivals within a two-week period, parents will receive a letter from the principal requesting an explanation for the ongoing lateness.

Leaving School Grounds Early

If a student needs to leave school early (e.g., for an appointment), a parent or guardian must collect them from Reception and obtain a printed Student Pass. This pass must then be shown to the classroom teacher before the student leaves.
If the student returns to school after the appointment, they must be signed back in through Reception. They will receive another printed Student Pass to present to their teacher.

Absence from School

If your child is absent from school due to illness or another reason, it is a requirement to notify the school. You can do this through one of the following options (these are the preferred methods as they do not require further follow-up):

  1. Schoolzine App Absentee Notification:
    Use the Absentee Notification feature in the Schoolzine App. This will generate an email to the admin team, who will process the absence and notify the teacher. No need to call or email separately if you’ve used this method. This is the preferred option.
  2. Email the Admin Office:
    Email admin@ssp.wa.edu.au to notify the school of your child's absence. Please do not email the class teacher directly, as their account may not be monitored regularly, especially if they are on leave or busy teaching.

The Attendance Register is checked by 9:30 AM each day. If no absentee notification is received, an automated SMS will be sent to alert you to contact the school regarding the absence.

Why You’ll Receive an SMS

You will receive an automated SMS if no absentee notification has been received. This serves two purposes:

  1. To flag the absence as unexplained.
  2. To allow you the opportunity to explain the absence.

If you receive this SMS, please provide a written explanation for the absence. This is required under Western Australian school attendance protocols. The explanation must include the reason for the absence, be signed and dated by the parent or guardian, and given to the classroom teacher as soon as possible after the absence. Alternatively, an email from the parent’s nominated email address or a Schoolzine absentee notification can also serve as an acceptable explanation.

Extended Absences (Longer Than 5 Days) & Holidays During School Time

If you wish to take your child out of school for an extended period (5 days or more), you must notify both the class teacher and Principal in writing well in advance. This absence will be recorded as a long-term explained (unapproved) absence.

To request extended leave, you must complete a Leave of Absence Form, which can be obtained from the school website or the Admin Office. Please ensure you submit this form at least two weeks before the planned absence.

Please note:

  • Teachers are not expected to prepare work for students taking holidays during school time. Requests for this will not be accepted.
  • Extended absences during term time are not encouraged, and the school requests that parents complete a Leave of Absence form for any absence longer than five days.

Leave of Absence Form:

For absences of 5 days or more, please complete the Leave of Absence Form available on the school website or from the Admin Office.