The Herald-Sun published an article today about a rise in student absences from school in Victoria.
According to the article:
Victorian students are missing more than seven million days of classes each year because parents take their kids on family holidays during term or choose to keep them home without school approval…
In 2024, public school kids across all year levels missed a combined 16.3 million days of school, which equates to about 25.5 days per child…
Even more alarming, 45 per cent of absences in 2024 were as a result of travel, unexplained absences or parent choice for reasons not approved by the school.
Parents Victoria CEO Gail McHardy is quoted in the article:
But Parents Victoria chief executive Gail McHardy said travelling during term was sometimes the only practical way for kids to participate in important family events.
“It’s not about undervaluing education, it’s about balancing children’s learning with real-life opportunities and family connection,” she said. “Families want children to learn, but they also recognise that attendance is just one part of a child’s development.” … Ms McHardy said the data did not capture the full picture, as some absences reflected complex circumstances such as financial hardship, transport issues, unwell parents, caring responsibilities or students experiencing anxiety, bullying or safety concerns.
Here are Gail’s comments in full, as provided to the Herald-Sun:
On why more parents are opting to take family holidays during school time:
We live in a very different world than previous generations. Families today are navigating cost-of-living pressures, limited leave availability, and the reality that society now values family experiences and wellbeing. Travelling during term time can sometimes be the only practical way for children to participate in important family events or holidays. It’s not about undervaluing education—it’s about balancing children’s learning with real-life opportunities and family connection.
On whether parents consider the impact of taking a child out of school for a family holiday when making a booking:
Yes—most parents weigh this carefully. Families want children to learn, but they also recognise that attendance is just one part of a child’s development. Decisions often balance school impact with wellbeing, family experiences, and affordability. Schools and parents are both part of communities that are still adjusting to the lasting effects of pandemic disruptions and other societal pressures, so a supportive approach is key.
On other unauthorised reasons parents may take their child out of school:
The data often doesn’t capture the full picture. Many “parent choice” absences reflect complex circumstances: financial hardship, transport issues, a parent being unwell, caring responsibilities, or students experiencing anxiety, bullying, or safety concerns. Society now encourages workers—and by extension families—to prioritise mental health and wellbeing. Some families are responding to real challenges, not simply ignoring school and department rules.
On what PV believes needs to be done to lower truancy and school refusal rates:
Early intervention, wellbeing support, and strong school–family partnerships are critical. Truancy and school refusal are often linked to anxiety and mental health challenges. Families and schools need resources to respond flexibly, provide accessible support services, and help students feel connected. Parents Victoria has long advocated for family engagement or community liaison roles, because relationships matter—students who have a strong sense of belonging are far more likely to attend and thrive.
On what more needs to be done to reduce the number of students missing school for external expulsions:
Prevention is the focus. Internal suspensions could serve as a safe “circuit breaker” while students remain connected to learning—the Department could fund CRTs to supervise suspended students so they don’t miss out. But long-term, keeping students engaged relies on inclusive education, behavioural support, and early intervention. Expulsions should be the last resort, because removing students entirely often disengages them further. Supportive, educative approaches benefit students, families, and the whole school community.
Further comments:
Attendance is important, but the data also reflects broader pressures on families in today’s society. Parents value education, but they’re balancing work, family, wellbeing, and financial realities in a world where family-first thinking is more prominent than ever. The most effective response supports families and schools to work together—building safe, cohesive communities—rather than focusing only on compliance.
Read the Herald-Sun article (subscription only)
The Herald-Sun published an article today about a rise in student absences from school in Victoria.
According to the article:
Parents Victoria CEO Gail McHardy is quoted in the article:
Here are Gail’s comments in full, as provided to the Herald-Sun:
On why more parents are opting to take family holidays during school time:
We live in a very different world than previous generations. Families today are navigating cost-of-living pressures, limited leave availability, and the reality that society now values family experiences and wellbeing. Travelling during term time can sometimes be the only practical way for children to participate in important family events or holidays. It’s not about undervaluing education—it’s about balancing children’s learning with real-life opportunities and family connection.
On whether parents consider the impact of taking a child out of school for a family holiday when making a booking:
Yes—most parents weigh this carefully. Families want children to learn, but they also recognise that attendance is just one part of a child’s development. Decisions often balance school impact with wellbeing, family experiences, and affordability. Schools and parents are both part of communities that are still adjusting to the lasting effects of pandemic disruptions and other societal pressures, so a supportive approach is key.
On other unauthorised reasons parents may take their child out of school:
The data often doesn’t capture the full picture. Many “parent choice” absences reflect complex circumstances: financial hardship, transport issues, a parent being unwell, caring responsibilities, or students experiencing anxiety, bullying, or safety concerns. Society now encourages workers—and by extension families—to prioritise mental health and wellbeing. Some families are responding to real challenges, not simply ignoring school and department rules.
On what PV believes needs to be done to lower truancy and school refusal rates:
Early intervention, wellbeing support, and strong school–family partnerships are critical. Truancy and school refusal are often linked to anxiety and mental health challenges. Families and schools need resources to respond flexibly, provide accessible support services, and help students feel connected. Parents Victoria has long advocated for family engagement or community liaison roles, because relationships matter—students who have a strong sense of belonging are far more likely to attend and thrive.
On what more needs to be done to reduce the number of students missing school for external expulsions:
Prevention is the focus. Internal suspensions could serve as a safe “circuit breaker” while students remain connected to learning—the Department could fund CRTs to supervise suspended students so they don’t miss out. But long-term, keeping students engaged relies on inclusive education, behavioural support, and early intervention. Expulsions should be the last resort, because removing students entirely often disengages them further. Supportive, educative approaches benefit students, families, and the whole school community.
Further comments:
Attendance is important, but the data also reflects broader pressures on families in today’s society. Parents value education, but they’re balancing work, family, wellbeing, and financial realities in a world where family-first thinking is more prominent than ever. The most effective response supports families and schools to work together—building safe, cohesive communities—rather than focusing only on compliance.
Read the Herald-Sun article (subscription only)
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