Hello!

We are wanting to take our son out of prep for several weeks to travel in our caravan. We aren’t worried about this having a negative impact on him academically, nor are we concerned about the social impact with his peers. I’ve heard over the years that schools and teachers usually support families taking time to travel, and feel that wonderful learning can happen from these experiences outside the classroom? I hope this is correct. My husband and I have planned to take him out during the least impacted time of the term, but I still have this somewhat guilty feeling for my son, particularly when reading the overall attendance record and then seeing the absent days he will have had for the whole year. I guess being someone who doesn’t like to give less than 100% might be why I’m dwelling on this minor issue? How many days off school have you taken for a family holiday? Has your school ever refused a family holiday?


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  • I dont know that prep would be an issue but I could be wrong.
    I took my kids out of school for a 2 week trip overseas. The Primary school was fine but the high school contacted me and informed me of how unimpressed they were and told me that it was illegal and that they could report me. I just listened and said “ok”… i never heard another thing about it. Was insane as my daughter was not someone who was off school all the time.


  • Taking kids out of school for a holiday during school time isn’t something I would consider. I think I took my kids out of school once to visit my dad who was sick, even then it was during the final weeks of term when they’re not doing a lot learning wise


  • I never take my kids out of school longer than a week and I only have ever done this ONCE for 4 days and either 1st week of turn that starts with a pupil free day or last week of term because I know that is the least impacted.. That’s just my personal choice because I don’t want to have to lodge the paperwork required for a longer timeframe or for them to miss out anything important.


  • Better to take longer holidays in the younger years I feel.


  • Travel and adventure are an education inn themselves and quality time with family of good friends is important for good mental health, which in turn I think is a good thing for absorbing any learning that occurs in life.


  • Your child will be able to catch up.


  • We took our daughter to Europe for a 6 week holiday. When we spoke to her teacher and asked for homework he said read for 10 minutes everyday, keep a journal, learn about as much history as you can while you are there and enjoy. To be honest she learnt a great deal more on holidays in countries unknown to her peers than she would have at school. She picked right back up where she left off when she got back but actually excelled in classes like Italian and geography. Do what you think is best for you but I say go for it. It only gets harder to travel as they get older because they will miss alot more.


  • I would definitely speak to the Principal and ask if you can be given work to take for your child.
    Even if it is just reading books under your supervision, addition etc. tables etc. if the class has progressed that far. I’m sure you will receive other encouraging comments and suggestions re taking school work to be done.


  • Don’t stress I believe it’s fine!


  • We took holidays during prep – don’t sweat it it’s completely fine!


  • We liaised with the school about school work when we took an extended trip. The trip and educational and cultural experiences increased their knowledge.


  • It is unlikely for the school to refuse. Is there a way you could align it with school holidays though? Every day at school is important. However chat to your child’s teacher and see what you can do to support your child on your holiday. If done right, travelling can be a great educational experience.


  • I think it depends on the age of the child primary school not such a problem so long as he’s doing well and won’t end up behind


  • I’m a teacher and understand how expensive it is to go during school holidays as I have to do this with my family. Going on holidays can be a fabulous and rewarding learning experience if you encourage your child to write a diary, read signs and information about your holiday, count different things along the way, look at how much things cost etc.
    If you are concerned with what they are missing ask their teacher to collective you some work or they could collect the work the class does and you could catch up when you get back.


  • I agree with the other answer comments. I have taken my children out of school to go on a holiday. The High School was not impressed but we still went. As long as you have a discussion with their teachers and get some work for them to do while away, it should be fine.


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