The Importance of Attendance
Research shows that in Queensland, higher student attendance is associated, on average, with higher student achievement. Additionally, attending school every day helps children to build social and emotional skills such as communication, teamwork and resilience.
Our Attendance Expectation
At Coombabah State High School our attendance expectation is 92%. As part of our Positive Behaviour for Learning program we recognise and celebrate students who meet and exceed this expectation.
Did you know there are many ways to let us know if your child is going to be late or away from school?
Attendance Procedures
| Absent from school |
Coombabah SHS
Students absent for 3 or more days will require a medical certificate to support their absences from school.
Year 11 and 12 students absent for an exam will require a medical certificate and should contact the Head of Senior School to discuss AARA options. |
| Late to school |
Parents / Caregivers must advise CSHS of any expected late arrivals to school. If no note, text message or phone call is received by the time the student arrives to school, the students will receive a lunch time detention. This late can be explained via text, phone call, QParents or email throughout the day and the detention will be removed. |
| Leaving school early |
It is encouraged for parents to email OR send an SMS with the student/s name, reason and date. This ensures we can easily reference the validity of the contact and keep an accurate record. Alternatively, you can provide a signed and dated note prior to the start of school to Student Services, use QParents or phone in emergencies. |
| Late (because bus/train was late) |
Report to Student Services to sign in and cite the bus number. Please note: a SMS will still be sent home for the Parent/Guardian to verify a late bus. This ensures the school follows EQ policy in notifying parents of any unexplained late arrivals. |
| Absent from a class due to illness or family reasons |
Student to follow up with class teacher/s on return for any work missed. |
| Late for a class |
Bring a note from the previous teacher/staff member. Student Services cannot issue a late pass without prior Dean approval. |
| Extended absence (planned) |
Parent to contact Year Level Dean to organise work to be completed during absence. Students absent for 11 or more days may be eligible for an exemption. Please refer to your year level Dean for more information. |
Important Notes
- Students must sign in at Student Services for late notices to be processed and thus approved. Students are not to go straight to class when running late as this negates the approval process.
- Parents should not arrive to collect students from the office without prior arrangements being made using the leave pass procedure.
- Students cannot be easily contacted in class and require a leave pass before a teacher will allow them to leave a class.
- Please do not rely on the school's TXT message notifying of an absence to update CSHS of your child's attendance.
Senior Student Requirements
| Senior student attendance |
Must maintain at least a 90% attendance record to avoid the Cancellation of Enrolment process from commencing. |
| Repeated student truancy |
Cancellation of Enrolment process commences. |
Attendance Monitoring
Senior students (Years 10-12) must maintain consistent attendance to remain enrolled. Regular monitoring helps identify issues early and provide appropriate support.
Checking Your Child's Attendance
QParents App
You can check your child's attendance (including class attendance) via the QParents app. The Attendance menu will show any unexplained absences.
Additional Support Resources
We understand that attendance can sometimes be challenging. Here are some helpful resources to support your family:
Anxiety About Going to School
Information and strategies for parents when children experience school anxiety, including signs to look for and how to help.
Learn More
How Can I Get My Teenager to Go to School?
Practical advice for parents dealing with teenage school refusal, including setting expectations and maintaining routines.
Learn More
Preparing Your Child for High School
Guidance for helping your child transition successfully to high school, reducing anxiety and building confidence.
Learn More
Every Day Counts
Missing one day of school each week adds up to 2 months missed over a year.
Regular school attendance increases access to learning, helps maintain friendships, and results in better long-term life outcomes.
For more information about the importance of attendance, visit the Queensland Government's "Every Day Counts" initiative.