Frequently Asked Questions for Parents/Students
Who Are Under 18 Years of Age

Q1: What happens if a student who is under 18 years of age is absent from a class?

• If they are enrolled in a fulltime course then their absence will be reported to their guardian /parents within 3 working days of the absence
• If the student is a VET in Schools student then their absence will be reported to the secondary school they attend.  The school is then responsible for telling the guardian/parent.
• If the student is undertaking an apprenticeship then their absences will be reported to their employer.

Q2: What does a student do if they are unwell, who do they notify?
In all instances a student should contact their lecturer directly if they are going to be absent from a class.  Contact details will be given at student induction.   Please note that parents/guardian will be contacted to report the absences even though the student has called in sick.

Q3: What happens if the student knows they are going to have an extended absence from class due to illness or holidays?
Any extended absences needs to be discussed with the students lecturer to ensure that the student won’t fall behind in their studies.  Once the absence has been verified with a parent / guardian then they will not be contacted to report the absences again until the agreed date of return.

Q4: What happens if a student has a lot of absences during their studies?
If a student has more than two weeks of absences then their parent/guardian will be contacted to discuss the absences.  If the absences continue then the student may be referred to the Participation Directorate for follow up.
If the absences continue for longer than 4 weeks the students may find that their Lecturers have recorded them as a discontinued student.

Q5: If a student is under 18 years of age who do the TAFFE send their results to?
All students’ results regardless of their age are sent directly to the student.  Students do need to ensure that they update any changes of address or contact details on our system.  These changes can be made through the student portal or students can go to any administration area and complete a change of details form.

Q6: What happens if a parent/guardian does not complete the Health and Consent forms that they receive in the mail?
The health and consent forms will be sent out by the TAFE College on 2 separate occasions.  If they are not received back after 6 weeks then the student’s details will be provided to the Participation Directorate who will make contact with the parent/guardian to discuss the importance of these forms.

Q7: What can a student do if they don’t feel happy or comfortable in a class?
Students should discuss their feelings or problems with their Lecture.   If the situation doesn’t improve then a student can complete a customer comments form.  These forms are available at the administration areas on each campus.  These forms are confidential and will only be read by the appropriate Program Manager.

Q8: What assistance is available for students who are having personal issues? 
Challenger TAFE has a student services area on each campus.  Student services direct numbers can be found in the student diary or you can call 9239 8000 and ask for student services on your campus.

Q9: What can a student do if they don’t think they have picked the right course for them?
Challenger TAFE does have Carer Development Advisors who work from all campuses.  These staff will be able to discuss all the different options open to you from other course through to work opportunities.   Career Development Advisors direct numbers can be found in the student diary or you can call 9239 8000 and ask for the Career Development Advisor on your campus.

Q10: What should a student do if they decide that they no longer wish to attend Challenger TAFE?

• Students should discuss their decision with their Lecturers.
  
• Student will need to go to the administration area on their campus and complete a withdrawal form
  
• Parents/ Guardian will continue to be notified of a student’s absence until an official withdrawal form has been completed.

Q11: What should a student do if they are no longer living at home and their parents have no input into their decisions?
Students who are in these circumstances need to apply for independent status.   More information is available on this site or a student can call the Coordinator Duty of Care Minors to discuss their situation.

For more information, please contact: 

Coordinator Duty of Care Minors
School Aged Student Initiatives
Challenger TAFE
15 Grosvenor Street
Beaconsfield WA 6162

Telephone: (08) 9239 8531