Student Wellbeing Update

Every Day Counts: Supporting Regular School Attendance at Damascus College

At Damascus College, we are committed to ensuring that every student has the best opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. One of the most critical factors in a student’s success is regular attendance. Research consistently shows that students who attend school regularly achieve better academic outcomes, develop stronger social connections, and build positive lifelong habits.

As part of our commitment to student wellbeing, Damascus College will be following the Diocese of Ballarat Catholic Education Limited (DOBCEL) attendance processes and policies. These policies outline clear expectations around school attendance, ensuring that students remain engaged in their learning and receive the support they need if attendance becomes a challenge.

Why Attendance Matters

Regular school attendance is defined as attending 95% or more of the time - this means missing fewer than 10 days in a school year. When students miss between 10 - 19 days per year, they are considered “at risk,” and those who miss 20 or more days per year fall into the category of chronic absenteeism. Missing even one day per fortnight can significantly impact learning outcomes and social development.

Every day counts. Missing school regularly - even for reasons that may seem minor - can lead to gaps in knowledge, difficulty catching up, and increased anxiety about returning to the classroom. Attendance is not just about being physically present; it is about building consistency, routine, and a sense of belonging.

Understanding Approved and Not Approved Absences

While we acknowledge that some absences are unavoidable, it is important for families to understand what constitutes an approved absence. These include:

• Medical or dental appointments (where possible, these should be scheduled outside school hours)
• Bereavement/Funeral attendance
• Sorry Business (cultural obligations related to the passing of a family member or community member)
• School Refusal provided that a plan is in place with the Damascus College Wellbeing Team
• Cultural Observances
• Family Holidays must be approved in advance, with a learning plan put in place

Absences that are not approved include:

• Leisure or social activities (e.g., shopping trips, staying home for birthdays)

• Absences not sought out in advance
• No explanation provided

How We Can Support Your Child

We understand that for some students, attending school can be challenging. Whether due to anxiety, health conditions, or other personal circumstances, our Wellbeing Team is here to help. If your child is struggling to attend school, we encourage you to reach out to their House Leader as soon as possible. Together, we can create a supportive plan to help them re-engage with their learning.

Additional Support and Resources

For families seeking additional support, the following resources are available:

• School TV – A resource providing expert information, strategies, and guidance on managing school refusal and supporting student wellbeing.

• Brave Program - An interactive, evidence-based program designed to help young people overcome anxiety and improve mental wellbeing.
• HeadSpace Ballarat - A youth mental health service providing support for young people experiencing challenges with school attendance and wellbeing.
• Ballarat Community Health: Head2Health - A mental health service offering access to psychological support, counselling, and referral pathways.
• The Orange Door - A free service supporting children, young people, and families experiencing family violence and wellbeing concerns.
• Tuning Into Teens - Later in the year, Damascus College will be running the Tuning Into Teens program, which supports parents in developing emotional intelligence in their adolescents. This evidence-based program helps parents build strong relationships with their teenagers, improve communication, and support emotional resilience.

By working together - students, families, and school staff - we can ensure that every student at Damascus College has the opportunity to achieve their full potential.

Let’s make every school day count!

Swimming Sports Thursday 27 February 2025

Next Thursday all students will be transported to and from the Eureka pool for our annual swimming sports. Please note that this is a compulsory event for all students. There are many activities for students to engage in that take place outside the water.

We would like to remind all parents/carers that when students are not in the water, they are expected to be appropriately covered. This includes wearing a rash vest, t-shirt, or other suitable clothing over swimwear to ensure sun protection and maintain school expectations of modesty.

We welcome parent’s attendance at the swimming sports on Thursday. We remind parents that to ensure the safety of our students appropriate ID will be required to enter the pool