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Early Departure and Bus Passes

As a College we are proud of the outstanding improvements to learning outcomes for students. This has been based on a consistent approach to classroom expectation and high expectations for learning success. This strong focus on learning has supported students at VCE to excel and achieve outstanding results with a mean VCE study score of 31, and Year 7 & 9 NAPLAN results exceeding state, similar and network schools.

A core part of our improvement strategy is improving attendance. We know that regular attendance is paramount in supporting student learning, relationships and success at school. Our College is focused on minimising disruptions to the continuity of learning across all year levels.

We are providing clarity for parents and carers around student attendance and in particular, early departure from school. Our responsibility for student wellbeing and our duty of care, extends well beyond the school boundary and because of this we are reluctant to issue students with early departure passes. This reluctance is for 3 core reasons,

• the disruption to learning
• the impact it has on teachers and peers learning and
• ensuring that we meet our duty of care

There have been unprecedented numbers of students, parents and carers requesting an early leavers ‘bus pass’. Students will only be allocated a ‘bus pass’ where they are required to access the Skye 3:07pm or the Pearcedale 3:05pm bus. This bus pass allows students to be dismissed from class at 2:55pm, I note that these students will be required to remain in the bus bay which is supervised area of the College. If your student is required to access either the Skye or Pearcedale bus you are asked to read and complete the following google form:

Where a student is required to leave school early for any other reason, their parent or carer must sign them ‘out’ via compass or student services.