This week, Mrs Jenny Kemp, Meriden’s Dean of Pastoral Care, shares an important message about attendance and the vital role it plays in each student’s learning, wellbeing, and sense of belonging. We know that being in the classroom, consistently and on time, helps students build routines, stay connected, and engage fully with the opportunities available to them. I encourage all families to take a moment to read Mrs Kemp’s article below and explore how we can work together to support every student in reaching their potential.

Mrs Jenny Kemp, Dean of Pastoral Care

At Meriden, we place a high importance on attendance at school because we value learning and the fun of enjoying life together as a school community. It is also compulsory to attend school in NSW between the ages of six and seventeen years.

We understand that girls may be tempted to miss a day when they are tired or facing the pressure of a looming deadline. However, attendance at school is the most significant predictor of school achievement. Missing one day of school each week adds up to two months of learning lost over a year. Our long-term memory builds with the incremental addition of new content, so being absent interrupts the continuum of learning.

Missing school also has an impact on students’ social and emotional learning, as absences at school impact the growth of their relationships with peers. Attendance helps the girls develop the skills of being consistent and committed. It allows them to feel that they belong to a community where their contribution and participation are valued and missed when they are absent. Interrupted attendance at cocurricular activities can also make it hard for girls to feel connected with their ensemble or team.

Please encourage and support your daughter to attend school. Ensuring a good night’s sleep and a calm start to the day can make a big difference. If you are finding it hard to help your daughter attend school, we have many forms of support at school to help you. Non-attendance can be a sign that your daughter is struggling with a variety of concerns, and we can work with you to provide appropriate support. Please inform us of the reasons for any absences on the new Meriden Parent App (to download, please click here), and contact your daughter’s Year Coordinator or myself as soon as possible if you are concerned.