Principal's Message

At Camperdown College, we strongly believe that every day counts when it comes to student learning and achievement.

There is clear evidence that regular attendance is closely linked to improved academic outcomes, social development and overall wellbeing. When students are present and engaged, they have the best chance to reach their full potential.

Did you know… if a child misses just one day every fortnight, that adds up to 20 days across the school year — the equivalent of four full weeks of learning lost. Over a child’s school journey, this can significantly impact their progress and achievement. That’s why every day really does count!

Regular school attendance also helps students build and maintain important friendships, develop communication skills and feel a sense of belonging within their class and school community. Being present allows children to engage in group work, classroom discussions and playground interactions — all of which are key to learning how to cooperate, solve problems and navigate social situations. When students are frequently absent, they may find it harder to connect with peers or may feel left out of group dynamics, which can affect their confidence and wellbeing.

To reinforce the importance of consistent attendance, we celebrate student efforts in several ways. Each week, the classroom attendance award is presented at the Junior Campus recognising the classes with the highest attendance. These moments help build a sense of teamwork and shared responsibility. At our Celebration Assemblies, we also acknowledge individual students with attendance awards, highlighting the value we place on showing up, ready to learn.

Of course, we understand there are times when students are genuinely unwell. Over the past few weeks, many families have been affected by seasonal colds and flu symptoms and we appreciate your efforts in keeping unwell children at home to rest and recover. Health and safety remain a priority for all of us.

For families planning holidays during the school term, please remember you can contact either campus to arrange an Absence Plan. These plans allow us to work together to ensure students can continue to meet learning goals while away and that the absence is formally approved.

One of our school’s external performance measures is student attendance (students who have more than 20 days absent in a school year) and I’m very pleased to share that, based on the current adjusted threshold data, we are currently performing better than the state average, our network of schools and schools with similar demographics. This is a fantastic achievement and a reflection of the strong partnership between families and staff in promoting regular school attendance. 

Finally, a big thank you to all the parents and carers who consistently notify us of their child’s absence - whether by phoning the school or recording it on Compass. Your communication helps us keep accurate records and supports your child’s learning journey.

Let’s continue to work together to support strong attendance habits and ensure all our students have every opportunity to thrive and succeed

Vicki Angus, Principal
Friday 12th September 2025