Catholic education

As the school term stretches on, many parents might be tempted to take their children out of school. Perhaps they want to beat the crowds at the snow or enjoy off-season prices at the coast. Maybe they just need a break. As parents, we have certainly experienced this dilemma. But what are the rules around taking your child out of school in term time? And is it a good idea?

You do need to send your child to school

• But by law you are required to send your child to school every day.
• all students who are enrolled at school, regardless of their age, are expected to attend that school whenever instruction is provided.
• The act also says parents are responsible for ensuring their children attend school and must explain absences within seven days.
• It’s an offence not to send your child to school and parents can be prosecuted.

Why a trip can be a good idea

• Education psychologists Jerome Bruner and Jean Piaget developed “discovery learning”, believing it is best for learners to discover facts and relationships for themselves.
• School excursions are an example of experiential learning, and depending on what trip you’re planning, you might be able to provide your child with invaluable experiences.
• They know how to ask the right questions, guide, support, and make connections between real-world and theoretical learning.

Potential negatives

• It’s also important to be aware of potential negatives when planning to take your child out of school in term time.
• There is a wide body of research on the relationship between school attendance and academic achievement, with some studies suggesting school attendance is the best predictor of academic achievement.
• In some instances, taking your child out of school could exacerbate any school refusal tendencies when they return to school.

But is a cheeky long weekend OK?

• There is no clear answer around taking your child out of school during term time.
• It will of course depend on what you are planning to do and for how long.
• If children are missing school frequently or for long periods, there is likely to be an impact on your child’s learning.

• PHOENIX, June 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Catholic Education Arizona is honored to announce it has been awarded a generous grant from Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust.
• Nancy Padberg, President and CEO of Catholic Education Arizona shared, "We have been accepting Arizona Individual and Corporate tax credit funds for 25 years.
• Catholic Education Arizona is grateful to Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust for its unwavering commitment to education and philanthropy.
• Catholic Education Arizona is changing lives one scholarship at a time through tax credits, planned gifts, and donations.

• Jim Pogge, Director of Development for Catholic Education Arizona's new Changing Lives division said, "Supporting Catholic education is a key philanthropic goal for countless people throughout the Diocese of Phoenix.
• Donors to the Changing Lives division can join Catholic Education Arizona's Legacy Society.
• Deadline for the corporate commitment form is June 30, 2023 to the Catholic Education Arizona office or send to [email protected] .
• Catholic Education Arizona is the largest provider of scholarships to families attending Catholic schools in the Diocese of Phoenix.

• PHOENIX, Aug. 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Catholic Education Arizona (CEA), Arizona's largest Catholic School Tuition Organization, welcomes three new members to its Board of Directors.
• Catholic Education Arizona's President and CEO Nancy Padberg, MBA, shared, "We are excited about our new board members, this is a gifted group with new ideas, and energy who will blend effortlessly with our current board members."
• Board Chairman, Todd Bankofier also affirmed, "We are truly blessed to have three new Board members with a wealth of experience in Catholic Education, and all from completely different settings and scope.
• Catholic Education Arizona is the largest provider of scholarships to families attending Catholic schools.