Education
Term Time Holidays
THE FACTS
Are you considering taking your kids out of school for a family holiday this year? What are the rules? Will you get fined if you do? We look at the facts around taking time off school in Queensland! WHEN MUST I SEND MY CHILD TO SCHOOL? Under Queensland law, you must make sure your child of school age (6.5 years – 16 years) is enrolled and attends school all day, every school day unless they have an acceptable reason. Illness, doing work experience or competing in a school sporting event are acceptable reasons for being absent from school. Principals decide if the reason given for your child’s absence is acceptable.
WHAT DOES THE LAW SAY ABOUT SENDING A CHILD TO SCHOOL? Queensland parents may be prosecuted if they do not fulfil their legal obligations regarding
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WHAT IS AN EXEMPTION AND WHY DO I NEED IT? Parents can apply for an exemption from their child’s school when their child cannot attend school for a period of more than 10 consecutive school days. Situations where an application for an exemption may be made include: enrolment and attendance of their child at school (or participation in an eligible option). You can see the details of the law on the Department of Education & Training website. In Queensland, the department states that holidays during term time should be “actively discouraged”. Any absences of more than 10 consecutive school days require an ‘exemption’.
Your Local Families Magazine February / March 2018
• Illness • Family reasons • Cultural or religious reasons So, if your child is exempted from compulsory schooling for the period then they are ‘excused’ from attending. However, the rules go on to state that the school principal is not responsible for providing an educational program to your