Procedures for Parent/Carers
All absences need to be explained via a phone call or text from a guardian to FLO Administration on 0437 494 270 or landline (03) 9971 1589.
Any planned absences are to be discussed with the Operations & Engagement Leader on 0438 214 738.
Medical certificates can also be provided with a photo of the certificate sent via text to FLO Administration on 0437 494 270 or a copy emailed to melton.sc.calm@education.vic.gov.au
Students will be marked as an unexplained absence for any school day they do not attend without a reason reported to the FLO Administration.
A medical certificate is required for more than 2 consecutive days’ absence or regular/consistent absences due to illness.
For planned extended absences (for example, family holiday or medical/health concerns) a Student Absence Learning Plan needs to be created prior to the student’s absence.
If an absence is explained it is still an absence that impacts their overall attendance percentage.
Staged Response to Unexplained Absences
CaLM Staged Response
Step 1
An hour after schedule class start time, the Melton FLO Administration will make contact via text or phone call to guardian.
Step 2
Following 3 consecutive days of absence without communication from a guardian, or an emergency contact an Attendance Notification letter will be sent.
Step 3
Where there are prolonged absences the Operations & Engagement Leader will reach out to guardians and/or emergency contacts.
Any wellbeing concerns will be referred to the Student Wellbeing Coordinator.
Step 4
Leadership team meeting with student and parent/carer to be organised to develop an Attendance Improvement Plan where absences persist beyond Stage 3.
Step 5
When all strategies have been exhausted and unexplained; a referral to Student Support Services (SSS) for additional support will be made. A referral to the Navigator Program (if student has “attended less than 30% of the previous school term”).
Step 6
If efforts to contact the guardian have not been successful and the school is concerned about the student’s safety, leadership staff will contact Department of Family, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) or request a police welfare check through Melton/Brimbank Proactive Policing Unit.
If there is no further improvement to attendance there will be a referral to Department of Education (DE) School Attendance Officer.
FLIP Staged Response
Step 1
Due to the flexible nature of the FLIP Program, guardians will be notified weekly (Tuesdays) of unexplained student absences by FLO Administration via text.
Step 2
Following 3 consecutive days of absence without communication from a guardian, or an emergency contact an Attendance Notification letter will be sent.
Step 3
Where there are prolonged absences the Operations & Engagement Leader will reach out to guardians and/or emergency contacts.
Any wellbeing concerns will be referred to the Student Wellbeing Coordinator.
Step 4
Leadership team meeting with student and parent/carer to be organised to develop an Attendance Improvement Plan where absences persist beyond Stage 3.
Step 5
When all strategies have been exhausted and unexplained; a referral to Student Support Services (SSS) for additional support will be made. A referral to the Navigator Program (if student has “attended less than 30% of the previous school term”).
Step 6
If efforts to contact the guardian have not been successful and the school is concerned about the student’s safety, leadership staff will contact Department of Family, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) or request a police welfare check through Melton/Brimbank Proactive Policing Unit.
If there is no further improvement to attendance there will be a referral to Department of Education (DE) School Attendance Officer.