Attendance Questions

Will I receive an SMS if my child is absent?

Yes, Compass will send out an SMS with a link to the parent portal that will allow you to add an explanation for your child’s absence.

What absence reasons can I select when adding an attendance note?

The following is a list of the drop-down options available when you explain an absence:

• Medical - Illness
• Medical - Appointment
• Holiday
• Other Explained Absence
• Natural Disaster

You will be able to enter further details in the notes field provided.

Once I enter an attendance note can I edit it later?

Once the note has been saved you are unable to make further edits. Any changes can be made by contacting the school.

If the absence reason I select is inappropriate can the school change it?

Yes, schools are able to change absence note reasons if they feel another reason may be more appropriate.

As a parent will I be able to view information on previous attendance notes?

Attendance notes will be visible via the Notes/Approvals tab. This will display the date range that applies to the attendance note, reason, staff member/parent who entered the note and the date the note was entered.

If we are planning on going away can I add an attendance note for the time we will be away in the future?

An attendance note can be added for future periods, however any extended leave application may require further details to be provided to the school. The school has the right to review and reject requests for extended leave applications as usual.

Why can’t I add an attendance note to explain my child’s absence after 7 days?

Explanations for periods of absence can only be provided via the portal up to seven days after the absence. After this time you will need to provide an explanation directly to the school.

Can I download a letter to explain my child’s absences and submit a paper version to the school?

Yes, the portal allows parents to download an unexplained absence letter which can be completed and provided to the school.

What do the coloured squares mean on the Attendance Summary tab?

The Attendance Summary grid displays a coloured box to represent each day of your child's attendance.

Key	Attendance Status
	Student was present
	Partial Absence (Unexplained)
	Whole Day Absence (Unexplained)
	Whole Day Absence (Explained)
	Whole Day Absence (School Activity)
	Partial Absence (Explained)
	Partial Absence (School Activity)