Dear Parent/Carer,

At Cathays High School, we are committed to ensuring that every pupil has the best possible opportunity to achieve their full potential. One of the most important factors in academic success, wellbeing and future opportunities is regular attendance at school. As outlined in our Attendance Policy, we expect all pupils to attend school every day.

Every lesson matters. When pupils miss school, they miss valuable learning experiences, important information, opportunities to develop friendships and support from staff. Even a small amount of absence can have a significant impact over time.

We would also like to remind families about the importance of punctuality. The first bell sounds at 8:25am and lessons begin promptly at 8:30am. Arriving late can mean pupils miss key learning that is often introduced at the start of lessons. In fact, being just ten minutes late each day is equivalent to missing a full lesson every week. In addition, pupils who arrive at school after 9:00am will receive a reflection. This is intended to reinforce the importance of punctuality and ensure that valuable learning time is not lost.

We ask all parents and carers to support us by:

• Ensuring their child attends school every day wherever possible.
• Reinforcing the message that every day and every lesson counts, and that regular attendance is essential for success.
• Ensuring their child arrives on time each morning.
• Contacting the school before 8:00am if their child is absent due to illness.
• Providing appropriate evidence for medical appointments or absences when requested.
• Avoiding taking holidays during term time, as these absences cannot be authorised and may result in further action.

The school carefully monitors attendance and punctuality. We celebrate and reward excellent attendance. Where attendance begins to decline, we will contact families to discuss any difficulties and offer support. Parents and carers may also receive attendance letters throughout the year. These letters are sent to keep families informed about their child’s attendance and to reinforce the importance of regular school attendance. If you receive a letter and have any questions or would like to discuss your child’s attendance, please contact your child’s Head of Year. Our priority is always to work in partnership with parents and carers to identify barriers and help pupils attend regularly.

We understand that there are times when families face challenges that can affect attendance. If your child is experiencing difficulties with attendance, punctuality, wellbeing, health or any other issue that may impact their ability to attend school, please contact your child’s Head of Year so that we can work together to provide support.

Thank you for your continued support in helping us ensure that every pupil attends regularly, arrives on time and makes the most of the opportunities available to them at Cathays High School.

Yours faithfully,

Ms G Murray
Head of School (Pupil Inclusion)
Cathays High School

Year 7: Mr C Cotter
Year 8: Mrs H Alexander
Year 9: Ms A Jacka
Year 10: Ms C Bentley
Year 11: Mr P Williams