Western Cape College expects every student will attend school each day of the school year unless prevented by reasonable circumstances from doing so. It is our mission to ensure that every student is attending every lesson, of every school day.
Why Attendance Matters
Regular school attendance gives students a better chance at life. Students achieve better when they go to school all day, every day because:
- They have increased access to learning opportunities
- Social and emotional development and maintenance of friendships
- They stay connected to the curriculum progression
- They develop self-efficacy as a learner
- They have better long-term life outcomes
Notifying Us of an Absence
When reporting absences, please state the student's:
- Name and year level
- Date of absence
- Reason for absence
- Expected duration
Weipa Campus
SMS: 0408 015 323
Email: absences@westerncapecollege.eq.edu.au
Telephone: 07 4090 6444, Option 1
Q Parents: Log in and fill out all necessary fields.
In person: Please see staff at our College Administration during opening hours.
Mapoon Campus
SMS: 0408 666 146
Email: absences@westerncapecollege.eq.edu.au
Telephone: 07 4082 9333
Q Parents: Log in and fill out all necessary fields.
In person: Please see staff at our Administration Office.
If Your Child is Late
If your child is late, they must report to College Administration to sign in where they will receive a late note to take to class. An explanation must be received by the parent/guardian either by phone, SMS, email, Q Parents, or note explaining the reason. If no explanation is given the late pass will stay in the system as an unexplained late for the student.
If Your Child Needs to Depart Early
Parents/Guardians are to notify the school in advance of any early departures, communicating the time of departure, pick-up location and the reason. Students must sign out and collect a leave pass from Student Services before they leave the school grounds.
1 or 2 Days a Week Doesn't Seem Much But...
Missing even a small amount of school adds up significantly over time:
| If they are missing... |
That equals... |
Which is... |
Over 13 years that's... |
Finishing school in... |
| ½ day per week |
20 days per year |
4 weeks per year |
Nearly 1.5 years |
Year 11 |
| 1 day per week |
40 days per year |
8 weeks per year |
Over 2.5 years |
Year 10 |
| 2 days per week |
80 days per year |
16 weeks per year |
Over 5 years |
Year 7 |
| 3 days per week |
120 days per year |
24 weeks per year |
Nearly 8 years |
Year 4 |
How About 10 Minutes a Day?
Even small amounts of time missed each day add up significantly over a school career:
| If they are missing... |
That equals... |
Which is... |
Over 13 years that's... |
| 10 mins per day |
50 mins per week |
1.5 weeks per year |
½ a year |
| 20 mins per day |
1hr 40 mins per week |
2.5 weeks per year |
1 year |
| 30 mins per day |
½ day per week |
4 weeks per year |
1.5 years |
| 1 hour per day |
1 day per week |
8 weeks per year |
2.5 years |
Need Help?
For any questions about absences or attendance, please contact your campus Administration Office.
Weipa Campus
07 4090 6444
admin@wcc.eq.edu.au
Mapoon Campus
07 4082 9333
admin@wcc.eq.edu.au