College Community

Regular school attendance is one of the strongest protective factors in a young person’s life. It supports academic achievement, social connection, emotional wellbeing and a sense of belonging. However, across Australia, schools are continuing to see increases in student anxiety, school avoidance and disengagement, particularly following the disruptions experienced in recent years.

While most young people occasionally have days when they do not want to attend school, ongoing reluctance or frequent absences can sometimes signal a deeper issue that requires support.

Understanding School Avoidance

School avoidance differs from simply “not wanting to go to school.” A young person may genuinely want to attend but feel overwhelmed by anxiety, social challenges, academic pressures, friendship issues, family circumstances or concerns about performance.

Signs that a young person may be struggling can include:

• Frequent requests to stay home.
• Complaints of headaches, stomach aches or fatigue before school.
• Increased anxiety on Sunday evenings or before school.
• Withdrawal from friends and activities.
• Changes in mood, sleep or eating habits.
• Difficulty coping with assessments or classroom expectations.

Early identification and support can make a significant difference.

What Parents Can Do

Parents and carers play a crucial role in helping young people develop resilience and maintain positive attendance habits.

Some helpful strategies include:

• Maintaining consistent morning and evening routines.
• Listening calmly and without judgement when concerns are raised.
• Encouraging problem-solving rather than avoidance.
• Celebrating effort and progress rather than focusing solely on outcomes.
• Monitoring changes in mood, behaviour or friendship groups.
• Seeking support early if concerns persist.

Most importantly, let your child know they are not facing challenges alone.

The Importance of Connection

Research consistently shows that students who feel connected to their school community are more likely to attend regularly, achieve positive outcomes and seek help when needed.

Strong relationships with peers, teachers and trusted adults can provide young people with a sense of security, confidence and belonging during the often-complex adolescent years.

How St Brigid’s Catholic College Supports Students

At St Brigid’s Catholic College, safeguarding extends beyond physical safety to encompass emotional, social and spiritual wellbeing.

The College supports students through:

• Pastoral Care and Support Programs.
• Mentor Teachers and Leaders of Wellbeing.
• Access to the College Counselling and Wellbeing Team.
• Learning support, attendance and academic intervention strategies.
• Student wellbeing initiatives and resilience-building programs.
• Partnerships with parents and carers to develop individualised supports where needed.
• Opportunities for faith formation, reflection and community connection.

Our goal is to ensure every student feels known, valued and supported throughout their educational journey.

Working Together

Safeguarding is a shared responsibility between school and home. When families and schools work collaboratively, students are better equipped to navigate challenges, build resilience and flourish.

If you have concerns about your child’s wellbeing, engagement or attendance, we encourage you to contact the College. Seeking support early can help prevent small concerns from becoming larger challenges and ensure that every young person receives the care and encouragement they need to thrive.

Email: stbrigids@dbb.catholic.edu.au or call 02 7256 2122 to arrange an appointment with the Wellbeing Team.