College Community

Student attendance has always been closely linked to academic success. Research shows that students who attend regularly are more likely to achieve strong learning outcomes, build positive routines, and develop meaningful relationships with teachers and peers. Even small amounts of missed learning time can add up—missing just one day a fortnight can equate to several weeks of lost learning over a school year.

Across Australia, there has been a significant shift in attendance patterns since the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2019, national attendance was around 91.4%, with approximately 73% of students attending at least 90% of the time. However, by 2023-2025, attendance rates have dropped to around 88-89%, with only 60-62% of students attending regularly. This decline highlights a growing national concern.

Schools are required to carefully monitor and report attendance. Please note that when a student’s attendance falls below 90%, schools must formally report this, regardless of the reason. This benchmark is used nationally, as attendance below this level is associated with declining academic outcomes and disengagement over time.

At St Brigid’s, we understand that there are many reasons why students may struggle with attendance, including health concerns, anxiety, or family circumstances. We are here to support you. If your child is experiencing ongoing difficulties, please reach out so we can work together to put appropriate supports in place. For extended absences, particularly due to illness or leave, we kindly ask families to complete the appropriate exemption forms.

By maintaining open communication and working in partnership, we can ensure every student has the best opportunity to thrive.