Australian parents voice concern over ‘ridiculous’ rule allowing schools to deny leave to children for holidays

Australian parents have voiced their concerns after they were left surprised that schools can mark a child’s absence as unapproved if they go on holiday during the term. The issue was flagged by a popular influencer, Sarah Stevenson, who goes by the name of Sarah’s Day on Instagram, who told her over a million followers the absence of her six-year-old kindergarten child for a five-day holiday to Fiji was not “approved.”

She further stated that in filling out the extended leave form for her child, she had to show proof of flights. Stevenson was at the airport and leaving to go on the trip when she learned the leave had not been approved by the principal. “He’s only missing five days of school. Anyway, on day one of the trip, I get an email back… it basically says Fox’s leave hasn’t been approved,” she said in a clip posted by Outspoken the Podcast, Sky News Australia reported.

“Yes, I want him to learn how to read and write and be in a classroom, but I haven’t pulled him out of school for a month. Anyway, whatever. Love school,” she added.
Several followers expressed their thoughts on the matter. One follower said that restricting when kids can and can’t go on holiday is “ridiculous.” “Travelling and being cultured is a way better life experience than missing a week of ABCs,” she said.

Other parents also extended their support for taking their kids out of school for holidays. “I’m all for taking your kids out for holidays, real-life experiences, AND family time,” one said, as quoted by SkyNews Australia. “We have to apply for approval at our primary school, but I would still go even if it wasn’t approved,” another added.

Australian schools often approve absences when the reason for why children cannot attend school is accepted, such as sick leave, appointments, or family emergencies like funerals.If not satisfied with the explanation provided for the absence of the child from the class, principals can ask the parent or carer to provide a medical certificate. The rule is the same in case the child has a history of poor attendance or there are other child protection concerns.If leave is not approved by the school, it gets put through as unjustified absences. This often happens when the principal is not satisfied with the reason for the absence.

Unjustified absences have no consequences, but if they become frequent, the school may choose to intervene to address the issue. Children who fall in the compulsory school-aged category are required to attend school each day it is open in all states and territories in Australia.

In Victoria, if a child frequently misses school, the attendance officer will monitor and investigate the attendance and a notice. The absence can result in an official warning, or a fine could be issued to the parents.

“It is essential the school has all relevant information to ensure the student’s learning and health care needs are addressed through the individual health support planning process” to support the student’s school attendance, according to the NSW Department of Education, as reported by SkyNews Australia.