Complex school attendance challenges mean we need to think about ALL of the reasons why students might be missing school, instead of keeping a narrow focus on “types”. While the absence “diagnosis” differs between students, it’s the missing school that counts. Every missed day matters.
This week we highlight a resource from NSW education and health systems to assist in identifying and supporting students experiencing school refusal.
We also explore Education HQ’s article this week on medical and mental health-related absences which references MissingSchool’s work in using “learn from anywhere” technology to keep students connected. And our NIEDs Directories.
May is Neurofibromatosis Awareness Month, and we encourage support for the Children’s Tumour Foundation. This condition is really tough on kids.
Finally, the Carer Knowledge Exchange Research Incubator 2024 invites participants to discuss sustainability in carer-related fields. Have your say!
“Every day missed makes it harder for students to keep up with learning and this can increase disengagement and a sense of failure, making it even harder to get children to want to attend.” ~ Craig Peterson, President, NSW Secondary Principals’ Council
Resource For Schools
School Refusal: Every School Day Counts has been produced as a collaboration between several NSW education and health systems to assist schools and families in identifying and supporting students experiencing school refusal. It provides basic information for primary teachers, high school teachers and parents/caregivers in understanding school refusal and what can be done to help support children and young people who are refusing to attend school and experiencing mental health challenges. FIND OUT MORE
Health Crisis At Home
Complex school attendance challenges remain in the spotlight this week. We were pleased to see Education HQ’s article covering absence due to medical and mental conditions and our views on how it can be addressed. As the national attendance crisis persists we are buoyed by the schools we work with who are adopting “learn from anywhere” technology to keep absent students connected whatever the cause. Physical absence doesn’t have to limit school connection and engagement! READ MORE
Neurofibromatosis Awareness
May is Neurofibromatosis (NF) Awareness Month, a key time for the Children’s Tumour Foundation (CTF) to highlight NF signs, symptoms, and real-life stories. NF causes tumors on nerve cells, leading to blindness, hearing loss, bone abnormalities, and more. It’s unpredictable, progressive, and incurable. Every three days, a child is born with NF, requiring lifelong support. Let’s “Bring NF Out of the Shadows” this May and get behind the important work CTF is doing. CHECK IT OUT
Have Your Say On Caring
The Carer Knowledge Exchange Research Incubator 2024 is an interactive online event exploring sustainability perspectives on caring. The event will apply the concepts of social, economic and environmental sustainability to the fields of carer-related policy, research and practice. The annual Research Incubator aims to foster collaboration and advancement in Australian carer-related research. Researchers, policy-makers, practitioners and family and friend carers are invited to attend to learn and share their knowledge. FIND OUT MORE
At MissingSchool, we believe in the power of community. Together, we can create environments where every child feels like they belong.
It would be impossible for us to stay the course without your incredible support. There are many ways to help:
- follow along and cheer us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn
- share this newsletter with your family, friends, or colleagues so we can support more kids, and
- donate towards getting kids with complex conditions back into their classroom.
Every action moves us closer to the finish line: a world where every child is seen and heard at school. Where ‘learn from anywhere’ is universal.
Let’s keep connecting,
Megan
CEO & Cofounder
