Bell times & Attendance

Is regular attendance important?

Yes, attendance matters - all day, every day. Learning is at risk when attendance drops below 90%.

What time to I need to arrive at school?

All students are expected to arrive by 9am when the bell rings to move to rollcall.

Where do I go when I arrive at school?

Students are expected to enter the school grounds and observe the PBL expectations for passive and active areas.

What happens if I am late to school?

Students arriving after 9am need to sign in at the student window at the school office. Please bring a note to explain why you are late.

Can I leave school before 3.10pm?

Yes, only if you have arranged for an early leaver’s pass and have a signed note with permission from your parent/carer.

Do I come to school if I am not attending an excursion?

Yes, alternate lessons are always organised on excursion days.

What if we are planning a family holiday during the school term?

Permission needs to be granted by the principal prior to extended leave. Download an Application for extended leave - travel (PDF 830KB)  form and return it at least two weeks prior to the leave. Visit our  Extended Leave Application Procedure  to find out more.

Should I notify the school if my young person refuses to go to school?

Yes, you should contact the school and seek assistance as a matter of urgency. We have a very supportive wellbeing team who can help you and your young person.

What happens if my young person's attendance falls below 90%?

The parent/carer will receive a letter to notify them of the attendance concern. We value your support in working collaboratively with us to improve your young person's attendance at school.

How do I let the school know that my young person is absent?

Reply to the SMS that is sent from the school at 10am.

• Via the Sentral Parent Portal in the attendance section
• Email: maitland-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au
• Phone: (02) 4933 7933
• A note from home when the student returns to school

What information do I need to tell the school when my young person is absent?

• Student's name

• Date of absence

• Scholastic year

• Reason for absence

• Medical certificate or supporting documentation for absences of more than 3 days.

  

What are the justified reasons for a student absence?

• Being sick or having an infectious disease.

• Having an unavoidable medical appointment.

• Being required to attend a recognised religious holiday.

• Exceptional or urgent family circumstances e.g. attending a funeral.

  

What if I believe my young person is at school and I receive a message to say they are absent?

Please reply to the SMS to inform us your young person should be present at school. Include the student's name and a brief statement such as Lisa Smith should be present 12/5/23. Please check. From Donna Smith. The office staff will follow this up and contact you with the outcome as soon as reasonably practical.

Why am I receiving so many text messages from the school?

The school monitors attendance in a variety of ways and sends the following messages:

• Daily messages at 10am if a student is marked absent at Rollcall.
• Daily messages at 1pm for late arrivals.
• Weekly messages on Fridays for unexplained absences during the week.

What if my young person becomes sick at school?

Your young person should notify their classroom teacher or the supervising teacher on playground duty. The teacher will give them a note to take to the first aid officer for assessment and at times, treatment. If your young person needs to be picked up we will notify you by phone.