Last week we recognised the achievements of many of our students across grades 3-10 that had achieved well above grade level in subjects assessed against the Australian Curriculum. Congratulations to all of our students that have given their personal best and have been safe and respectful towards themselves and others across terms 1 and 2.

There is a clear link between the amount of time these students are at school, and their levels of achievement – We know every day matters. As of last week, there has been an increase in our school attendance of 1.1% compared to the same time last year. Whilst that may not sound like much, it actually means that there are 760 more instances where students have been present compared to the same time last year. To us, that is 760 reasons to celebrate students that are doing their best to get to school, 760 additional opportunities to build on to the learning from the previous day and 760 more times that students have built stronger connections with their peers and teachers.

Last year there were 3 students that hadn’t missed a day of school by the end of the year and currently 29 of the kinder to grade 10’s have been at school on time, all day, every day. My wondering is why this isn’t a higher number?

Research from around the world shows that students on average that are at school for longer; are healthier, live for longer, will earn a higher income from their job and will self-report being more happy than those that have had lower attendance.

I understand that this is not always as simple as it sounds, as illness and family situation can impact on this. A wondering I left our senior students with in assembly was, ‘What steps are you taking to support yourself, or encourage your friends in getting to school on time, and more often?’. If it means that the 21 year version of yourself could be healthier, have more money in the bank, live for longer and be happier, what advice would you be giving yourself or your friends?