Dear Parents and Carers,

It has been another amazing term at Kogarah Intensive English Centre with students engaging in a number of learning opportunities and forming new connections. The Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation, Subtext Program allowed our students to learn creative skills from professional artists while communicating their thoughts and ideas through visual art.  The MYOP (Migrant Youth Orientation Program) facilitated by the Australian Red Cross, provided the students with opportunities to connect with services and visit landmarks around Sydney. Students participated in Beach Safety Awareness Program at Cronulla Beach and a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House before enjoying a live show. Students have enjoyed playing volleyball and increased their skills by participating in coaching after school each week. The professional volleyball coach has been organised for our students through 2Connect Youth Services. The free Dental Screening program assisted families to make contact with Oral Health Services through South Eastern Area Health.

In the coming days you will receive your child's Semester 2 School Report. This is an opportunity for you to speak with your child about their strengths and areas that need developing. You may also review their home study routine, encourage daily revision and more home reading. There will be an opportunity to speak with class teachers in Term 3 at the Parent Teacher Interview afternoon.

As Term 2 comes to an end, it is time to thank our wonderful teachers for a great semester of teaching and learning and to wish everyone a happy and safe winter break. We look forward to resuming classes on Tuesday 18th July.

Student Attendance

Regular school attendance is a priority in all schools and ensures the best chance for children to achieve their full potential. At Kogarah Intensive English Centre we have enjoyed high levels of attendance over many years and this reflects the high level of support from our staff and parent community.

The Department of Education has reminded the school of procedures that are to be followed when a student is late to arrive or absent from school. Attached to the newsletter is the Department of Education’s parent information pamphlet with detailed information on all aspects of student attendance.

Whole Day Absence

• If a student is absent from school for the whole day, a note is to be returned with the student on the first day of the students’ return to school for recording on the class roll.

• A verbal notification by phone or email to the school on the day of absence/or prior is also supported and will be forwarded to the class teacher.

• The school will follow up absences if a notification has not been made.

Partial Day Absence

• Students arriving after the bell are expected to go to the school office to be marked as late to school and the reason will be recorded. They are given a late notice, and this is handed in to the teacher on arrival to class.

• Students requiring an early pickup are called to the office after the parents have notified the office staff. The reason for the absence is entered on the roll and recorded as an absence.

If you have not let the school know the reason why your child has not attended school, we will send a daily SMS to alert you. If a response is not received, a phone call will be made requesting an explanation. Your child’s teacher may also contact you to ask for a medical certificate if the absence has been longer than 3 days due to illness.

If you have any questions in relation to our procedures for monitoring student attendance, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Ms Moschatos

Head Teacher