School absenteeism has significantly increased under the current State Government, with year seven students in eastern Victoria missing nearly a month of school each year according to Member for Eastern Victoria, Melina Bath.
An analysis spanning from 2019 to 2023 reveals a troubling rise in average absentee days for year seven students across eastern Victoria.
The Victorian Department of Education and Training (DET) data also shows Victorian year seven to 10 students lost an average of 29.2 school days across 2022-23, while students in year 11 and 12 lost an average of 23.4 school days over the same period.
Ms Bath, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Education, said skyrocketing school absenteeism cannot be swept under the carpet by the government.
“There is an urgent need to address the rise in absenteeism as students are missing out on vital classroom education,” she said.
“These year seven students lost up to 150 days of face-to-face learning during the pandemic which has significantly impacted their educational continuity.
“School attendance data reveals absenteeism for year seven students in East Gippsland increased by 18.37 per cent, resulting in an average of 31.03 absent days per student; Wellington increased by 39.27 per cent, with 27.36 days absent and Latrobe 37.61 per cent with 32.18 days absent.”
In 2023, Ms Bath established an upper house Inquiry into Victoria’s state education system, with a report due to be tabled this October.
Conducting hearings in regional Victoria and Melbourne, the Inquiry has been gathering evidence about declining student wellbeing and school refusal.
Ms Bath said understanding why students are disengaging with the school environment is paramount.
“Regional schools are facing a chronic teacher shortage; principals are under pressure and too many students are feeling heightened anxiety in the school setting.
“As a former secondary school teacher, I know that less time in the classroom will only reduce a student’s ability to learn the essential skills and knowledge needed to enter the workforce and pursue future educational and career pathways.
“Labor can’t manage our education system and Victoria students are paying the price.”
IMAGE: Member for Eastern Victoria, Melina Bath, is concerned about the rise in absentee school days in eastern Victoria. (PS)
