22 Jul 2024
During Week 1 of this term, all families where emailed to inform them of some recent changes to the current Exemption from Attendance Policy relating to Elite Sport.
Below is the content of the email.
Dear parents and carers
We are writing to inform you about a recent change to the current Exemption from School Procedures under the Attendance at School Policy.
Previously, we have granted exemptions from attendance for State/National Championship events such as Surf Life Saving, State Cup, Oz Tag. However, due to policy updates, we are no longer able to categorise these absences as exempt under the "Elite Sport" definition. The definition of "Elite Sport" now includes participation at the international level or representation in national/state development squads. Students who meet this criteria are encouraged to apply for an exemption from attendance due to their sporting commitments when needed at events.
Moving forward, while we remain committed to supporting students in their participation in sports and the arts, absences related to these activities will now be recorded as either leave (with documentation provided) or unjustified (without documentation) on the official attendance roll. These absences will now impact a student's attendance percentage. We encourage students and parents to minimise these absences, especially since championships often coincide with weekends and school holidays.
Students competing for the school at events not coordinated by NSW/Australian School Sport may still be eligible for "School Business" if appropriate documentation is provided.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. Should you have any questions or require further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Additional to this we provide the specific definition of "Elite" Sports where exemptions will still be granted.
Elite individual sports, for example:
• member of a national squad or equivalent (Australian Institute of Sport)
• international representation during the last 18 months
• top 5 national ranking for the year prior • contracted to compete in professional sporting events in the last 18 months
• member of the NSW state team within the last/current competition season
• athletes who are a member of a state or national development squad as recognised by the relevant state or national sporting body. Elite team sports, for example:
• member of a national squad or equivalent (Australian Institute of Sport)
• member of a state squad or equivalent (NSW Institute of Sport)
• contracted to compete in professional sporting events in the last 18 months
• athletes who are a member of a state or national development squad as recognised by the relevant state or national sporting body.
Dance is not considered an elite sports activity. It is considered under elite arts.