Attendance procedure

Groupcall - Groupcall is now in operation at Earlston High School. If no explanation has been received for a childs absence by 10 am on any given day, a text message will be sent from the school informing parents that there child is not present and could a note be sent explaining the absence as soon as possible. (Please make sure that the school has up-to-date mobile telephone numbers and iform us if there are any changes.)

Absence Notes - Absence must be explained by a note signed by the parent or guardian. These absence notes should be handed to the register teacher immediately on return to school.

Extended Absence - By the third consecutive day of absence, parents should contact the school office to let us know the cause of absence. This will save us having to write.

Absence from Class - No pupil may be absent from a class without having previously obtained the teacher's permission.

Leaving School Grounds - No pupil may leave school grounds during class hours or at the morning interval without permission.

Leave of Absence - If a parent wishes to ask for leave of absence for a pupil this must be done in advance and in writing.

Late Arrival at School

Latecomers - Pupils who arrive late for school must report to the school office. They should bring a note, if possible.

Late-Slips - When a pupil is late without a note of explanation, a late slip is issued to be signed by a parent. The late-slip must be signed and returned to the school office. If it is not returned a letter is sent home.

Sixth Year Students

Sixth year students do not have to bring absence notes. However they must provide their own written explanation of absence and lateness.

If they wish leave of absence they must apply to the Depute Rector.

All explanations of absence and lateness are retained by register teachers in case they have to be checked or sent home etc.

Pupils Taking Holidays during Term Time

It is understood that a few families may have no choice about taking their holidays during school time. However, apart from exceptional circumstances we are not able to authorise absence for a holiday.

When a pupil is absent from classes to go on holiday it is very difficult for teachers to provide work for the pupil to do on holiday. When the pupil returns to school he/she must make every effort to catch up with missed work.

Please try to avoid absences which are not essential.

Concerns

Most absence from school is unavoidable. However, if a parent is concerned that any absences may be linked to a problem in school please contact the Guidance Teacher. If a pupil seems to be absent quite often the Guidance Teacher will contact the parent.