Previously when families took leave within the school term, schools issued a certificate of extended leave, approving leave for holidays and other personal matters.  As of 2025 the CEDoW Attendance Policy has been updated to reflect the importance of school attendance for all students. This means that schools now issue an Acknowledgment of Extended Absence. This acknowledgement indicates whether the explanation for the absence has been accepted by the Principal or not.  An explanation that is not accepted is recorded as an unjustified absence.  Generally, an explanation for extended absence for the purpose of travel outside the school holiday period cannot be accepted by a Principal, unless there are exceptional circumstances, such as urgent family situations, illness, funerals or special religious ceremonies.  

Leniency on this policy has been given during the first half of Term 1, as I understand that many of the leave lodged was booked late in 2024, before the introduction of the new policy, however it should be noted that moving forward an explanation for extended absence may not necessarily be accepted.  

The below Fact Sheets provides further information about the new policy.