Important information on leave

Please ensure you read the information below which outlines key changes to our leave process and the impact on assessments and school representation/leadership.

Process for Leave Applications

Educational research shows a strong link between regular school attendance and achieving higher learning outcomes. We are committed to working in partnership with parents and carers to 

encourage and support regular attendance at school. When your child attends school every day, 

they will have greater success with their learning and build stronger relationships. 

As a College, we have reviewed our leave processes in line with the NSW Education Act 1990, which requires children of compulsory school age to be enrolled at and regularly attending school. 

Below outlines the revised processes for leave applications for Exemption from Attendance at school  and Extended Leave - Travel. 

Type of Leave Applications

Families can apply for a Certificate of Exemption from attendance at school, under the NSW Education Act 1990 for the following reasons:

• Employment in the Entertainment Industry

• Elite Sports or Arts (refers to national/international sports events, elite programs run by national and international organisations, talent identification programs)  

• Exceptional Circumstances

These applications are either approved or unapproved. If the application is approved this will not impact your child’s attendance percentage. 

Families can apply for a Certificate of Extended Leave - Travel.

This application is either approved or unapproved. Approved and unapproved applications do impact your child’s attendance percentage. 

Please note that a Certificate of Extended Leave - Travel will only be approved once every two years.

Process for completing application for Exemption from Attendance or Extended Leave - Travel

• The Exemption from Attendance or Extended Leave - Travel form are available on the College website. 

• Families complete the Exemption from Attendance or Extended Leave - Travel form and send it to the Student Services Office by email sso@redbendcc.nsw.edu.au

• The Principal reviews the applications for Exemption from Attendance or Extended Leave - Travel and it is either approved or not approved. 

• Families will be notified of the outcome by the Student Services Office.

Leave Forms

The impact of Student Leave on Assessments

Approved Student Leave	The student completes and/or submits assessment tasks as determined by the Director of Curriculum If the validity of the assessment task cannot be maintained, the student will be provided with a standardised score and may be required to complete the assessment as a formative task If required, extensions are given in consultation with the Director of Curriculum
Unapproved Student Leave	The student will receive a zero mark and may be issued an N Warning Letter (if in Years 10 - 12), and will be required to complete the assessment as a formative task

Attendance, School Representation and Leadership Opportunities

Students representing the College require 90% attendance at the time of selection until the event. 

Students are required to attend the following College days and events:

• First and last days of term

• Commencement Mass

• Year level retreats

• Champagnat Day

• Assumption Day Mass

• House Swimming, Athletics, Cross Country Carnivals and House Carnival

• Prize Giving Ceremony

Students who have attendance percentages below 90% and/or do not attend the College days/events outlined above will not be eligible for the following:

• Leadership opportunities

• Boarding Representative Council

• Student Representative Council

• College Immersions

• College Sports/Academic/Cultural Representation

• Debutante Ball

• Junior Dinner Dance