In Victoria, public secondary school absenteeism has surged post-COVID, with students missing an average of 5.6 weeks in 2023, up from 3.5 weeks in 2018. This trend has prompted a federal inquiry into chronic absence and school refusal, particularly affecting poorer families. Factors contributing to absenteeism include post-pandemic burnout among parents and teachers, health concerns among students, and financial pressures exacerbated by the cessation of COVID welfare payments. Virtual School Victoria has seen increased enrolments due to social and medical reasons, reflecting broader challenges in traditional school attendance. Concerns about school refusal’s impact on student well-being, including social isolation and mental health issues, have been highlighted. Absenteeism is more pronounced among year 9 students, with regional disparities noted in absence rates. Efforts to address absenteeism include initiatives like the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation, which has shown success in engaging students through hands-on activities.
