As a parent of two children with medical conditions that are worsened by common illnesses, I see the fundamental flaws in the NSW Department of Education's attendance programme. The 'Attendance Matters' campaign has unintentionally alienated students with disabilities and chronic illnesses and their families who conscientiously keep sick kids at home to avoid worsening their conditions.

Astonishingly, the campaign also includes controversial 100% attendance awards, which can create a stigma and misguided pressure on students who cannot achieve this due to no fault of their own. Absence due to illness is not an indication of ill-will or laziness but simply a necessity for the health and wellbeing of the student.

Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (2018) reveals that around 1 in 10 Australian students have a disability (1), many of whom are likely to miss school due to their conditions. It stands to reason that insisting on these attendance rates is unrealistic and unfair to a significant proportion of students, who face challenges beyond their control.

We ask the NSW Department of Education to reassess the 'Attendance Matters' campaign to be inclusive of those with disabilities and chronic medical illnesses, and terminate the 100% attendance awards in all government and non government schools. This not only respects the reality of students who cannot achieve perfect attendance but also puts health and wellbeing ahead of attendance percentages. Please, sign this petition to ensure that every child is included and valued, irrespective of their health.