Requesting a Term-Time Holiday
If you are considering a holiday during the school term, it is essential that you:
- Provide the College with plenty of notice - at minimum of four weeks notice is required.
- Submit a formal request for approval to the relevant Head of House/Community
- Wait for confirmation from the College before making final arrangements
Approval is at the discretion of the Principal and will take into account factors such as the length of the absence, the timing within the school year, and the potential impact on learning.
Approved vs Unapproved Absences
If a holiday is approved, the absence will be recorded as a reasonable excuse. A learning plan will be devised and documented for the period of the absence. If a holiday is taken without approval, the absence is recorded as unapproved, which may:
- Contribute to concerns about attendance
- Trigger follow-up from the College
- Lead to further action if absences become significant
Important Considerations for Senior Students (Years 11 and 12)
For students in Years 11 and 12, the expectations are particularly rigorous. Coursework, assessments, and attendance requirements are tightly regulated to meet VCE, VET and VM requirements. As a result:
- The College may not be able to accommodate missed learning or assessments
- Students may miss critical coursework, SACs, or instruction
- Students may be unable to meet the attendance requirements of their programmes
- This can significantly affect their ability to successfully meet outcome requirements
In some cases, this may mean that a student is unable to achieve satisfactory completion of a subject, regardless of the reason for absence.
Our Strong Recommendation
We advise that families plan holidays outside of school term time wherever possible. Regular attendance is essential to:
- Maintain continuity of learning
- Support academic success
- Ensure students remain connected to their teachers and peers
In Summary
- Term-time holidays are not an automatic right
- Advance notice and approval are required
- Unapproved absences may lead to attendance concerns
- Senior students are at significant risk of not meeting course requirements if absent
We encourage all families to carefully consider the impact of term-time travel and to contact the relevant Head of House/Community at the College early to discuss any planned absences.
Thank you for supporting your child’s education and attendance.
