I need help (getting to school)

We know that sometimes getting to school can be hard.

There are a number of reasons why making it there isn’t always easy.  But if you can turn up it will be worth it.  Whatever you want to do in life, there is a pathway to take you there.  It all starts with education and training.  With an education, anything can happen.

Regular school attendance will help you gain the skills and knowledge you need for success both now and later in life.

If you are having problems getting to school it is important that you talk to your teachers about this, there is lots we can do to support you to attend school.

Why turning up matters

See what happens when you miss just…

1 day each fortnight

That equals 20 days per year

Which is 4 weeks per year

… and therefore, from Kindy to Year 12, that is nearly 1½ years of school.

This means the best you can achieve is equal to finishing Year 11.

1 day a week

That equals 40 days per year

Which is 8 weeks per year

… and therefore, from Kindy to Year 12, that is nearly 2½ years of school.

This means the best you can achieve is equal to finishing Year 10.

2 days a week

That equals 80 days per year

Which is 16 weeks per year

… and therefore, from Kindy to Year 12, that is nearly 5 years of learning missed.

This means the best you can achieve is equal to finishing Year 7.

3 days a week

That equals 120 days per year

Which is 24 weeks per year

… and therefore, from Kindy to Year 12, that is nearly 8 years of learning missed.

This means the best you can achieve is equal to finishing Year 6.

Leaving requirements

We want you to be job-ready when you finish school.  We want to help equip you with all the skills and tools you will need for your future.  By turning up to school, you are giving yourself the best chance of a successful future and the job or career you want.

It’s also important to know that in Tasmania, young people are required by law to stay in education and training until they turn 18 years of age or meet a leaving requirement. 

What is a leaving requirement?

After Year 10, you can choose any of the following education or training options:

1

Completing Year 11 and 12 (this may include an Australian school-based apprenticeship);

2

A full time VET program at TasTAFE or other Registered Training Organisation;

3

An apprenticeship or traineeship with an employer

4

A combination of these options, if the provider(s) allow.

For more information, or to help find the right option for you, talk to your school, email years9to12learning@education.tas.gov.au or visit careerify.tas.gov.au.

Young people with full time employment (or other specific circumstances) need to apply for an exemption so that they can leave education and training early.    

Wellbeing support

We know that turning up to school and your wellbeing are often linked.  When you feel safe, connected and secure you are of course more likely to engage in your learning better.  A strong sense of wellbeing gives you the confidence to take advantage of new opportunities.  If you are feeling anxious or worried about your own wellbeing, or a friend’s wellbeing, there are a number of supports and resources available to help you:

  • Your Wellbeing – a resource to help you understand the importance of your wellbeing and learning
  • Talk to your school psychologist, school health nurse or social worker
  • Kids Helpline – phone 1800 551 800
  • Kids Helpline Webchat (available from 8am until 12am)
  • Lifeline – phone 131 114
  • Aboriginal Health Services
    Hobart – phone 6234 0777
    Launceston – phone 6332 3800
    Burnie – phone 6431 3289
  • eSafety Commissioner
  • Headspace e-help (available from 9am until 1am)
  • ReachOut
  • Working It Out
  • Your local Doctor
  • Phoenix Centre
    Southern Tasmania – phone 6234 9138
    Northern Tasmania – phone 6724 2820