Everyone’s challenge

DECS Statement of Directions2005-2010:

“Our purpose is to engage every child and student so that they achieve at the highest possible level of their learning and wellbeing, through quality care and teaching.”

DECS Statement of Directions2005-2010:

• Goal 3:• Engagement and

Wellbeing:“Increase levels of child and student attendance, retention and engagement in learning programs.”

• Goal 2:Excellence in Learning:“Provide engaging, stimulating and flexible learning programs.”

Key elements of a successful strategy

1. Student engagement at school2. Parents’/caregivers’ and

community participation3. Encouragement and support

mechanisms4. Monitoring and following up

1. Student engagement at school

• Engaging curriculum – opportunity to experience success

• Attendance Action Zones• Early Literacy initiative• Alternative programs on-campus• Alternative programs off-campus

e.g School Retention Action Plan initiatives,VET programs, TAFE etc.

2. Parents’/caregivers’ and community participation

• Communication and reporting on attendance

• Working in partnership with the school community

3. Encouragement and support mechanisms

• Analysis of significant local factors in attendance

• Supportive approach with students and families

4. Monitoring and following up

• Attendance Improvement Package• DECS Draft Attendance Policy and

AIGs• Site Attendance Improvement

Plans• EDSAS records and reports

Meeting the ChallengeMeeting the Challenge

• We all understand the challenge.We all understand the challenge.• We all accept the challenge.We all accept the challenge.• We take the opportunity to We take the opportunity to

celebrate and share our successes celebrate and share our successes in meeting the challenge.in meeting the challenge.