Attendance and absences

Attendance

Teacher Candidates are expected to be punctual and to observe the same hours of attendance as the staff at the placement setting in which they are placed.

Teacher Candidates are expected to attend all scheduled placement days. When illness or injuries occur, candidates must follow the process outlined under the 'Absences' heading below.

Absences

When illness or emergencies prevent attendance at a placement setting, Teacher Candidates must telephone the Student Teacher Coordinator or nominated staff member and their Clinical Specialist before the teaching day commences. An email to the Mentor Teacher is also recommended.

Teacher Candidates must also complete and submit a ‘Placement Absence Form’ in their Sonia portal and provide supporting documentation e.g. a medical certificate. The submitted form and documentation will be viewed and approved by the Clinical Practice Coordinator.

Make up days for absences need to be negotiated between the Teacher Candidate, Mentor Teacher, and Clinical Specialist. Agreed upon make up days must be confirmed in writing with the Mentor Teacher and Student Teacher Coordinator.

Absences during a placement must be made up before commencing a subsequent placement and before a grade can be awarded.

Industrial action

In the event of industrial action by placement setting staff including the Mentor Teacher, the Teacher Candidate should withdraw from the placement setting for the duration of the action and notify their Clinical Specialist.

A Teacher Candidate should never assume the duties of a teacher participating in the action. Absences related to prolonged industrial action should be discussed with the Clinical Specialist and Clinical Practice Coordinator.