Elite Melbourne school bans final term family holidays as students prepare for VCE

Families at one of Melbourne’s most exclusive schools face a big hit to their travel budgets, with students banned from taking holidays during the final weeks of the school year.

Prestigious Melbourne High has told parents not to book overseas holidays during school term, saying failure to attend final assemblies could jeopardise subject choices next year. Picture: HWT

Prestigious Melbourne High has told parents not to book overseas holidays during school term, saying failure to attend final assemblies could jeopardise subject choices next year.

Barely a week into the first term, Principal Jeremy Ludowyke has sent a directive, in what may be a pre-emptive strike before thrifty parents book budget friendly shoulder season airfares.

Mr Ludowyke outlined dates for final assemblies for year levels in late November and early December, saying under no circumstances, including overseas travel, should any family make arrangements that would see students miss school.

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“The school will not approve any removal from school and any student ceasing to attend before this date will place in jeopardy confirmation of their subject and course selection for the following year,” he said.

He said it was the “unconditional” policy for Year 12 students to attend a speech night at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Final assemblies will be held for Year 10 and 11 in late November and for Year 9 on December 6.

“Further, students who have not completed course requirements can be expected to attend after final assemblies,” Mr Ludowyke said.

In the closing weeks of term, schools run step-up or head start-type programs during which students start working on the next year’s syllabus, meet their teachers and get a feel for the demands of the year.

However, many families like to fit a holiday in before Christmas and before prices rise.

Mr Ludowyke told the Herald Sun the transition was essential for a good start to the next year.

“We are also finalising student subjects and course selection across this time, hence my comment that if they are not attending school these selections may be put at jeopardy as subject selections are generally not confirmed until December,” he said.

He said in any year six to 10 families apply for early dismissal. usually to travel overseas, but once the practicalities are pointed out many families review their plans.

“It would be unusual for more than three to four families to proceed to withdraw their child once they realise they are jeopardising their child’s preparation for next year’s studies,” he said.

He said approval to travel during the year is approved on a case-by-case basis.

“The difference at the end of the year is there is no capacity for students to catch up on studies missed on their return,” he said.

Melbourne High is one of state’s most coveted schools, offering an elite education at a fraction of the price demanded by private schools.

Melbourne High School principal Jeremy Ludowyke. Picture: Tony Gough

Spots are hotly sought in the major intake in Year 9 with more than 1500 students vying for around 200 places. There is a smaller intake of around 28 students in Year 10 and another smaller intake of arts and humanities students in Year 11.

While many schools embrace travel in the early years, believing it presents children will life skills and knowledge, it is frowned upon in the senior years.

Under the Victorian School Attendance Guidelines, principals are responsible for approving student absences, including for family holidays during the school term.

If a principal approves school term holidays a Student Absence Learning Plan must be developed by the school, parent and child to ensure they don’t fall behind.

“Victoria’s absence rates are among the lowest in Australia and this has been achieved through a shared effort from schools, families and students,” Education Minister James Merlino said.

“I have faith in Victoria’s school principals to develop appropriate policies for managing student absences during the school year.”

The Tasmanian Government has sought to clampdown on absences, overhauling its Education Act in 2017 to formalise specific reasons for authorised absences and counselling parents to plan holidays out of term time.

“If your family decides to take a holiday during school term, you are encouraged to discuss your plans with the principal or your child’s teacher,” the Tasmanian Department of Education said.