Supporting School Engagement and Attendance

Student disengagement and attendance challenges are increasingly common — spanning learning, wellbeing, family and systemic factors, not just anxiety‑based absence. This practical, full‑day professional learning workshop supports schools to strengthen engagement, attendance and connection across the student population.

Led by Associate Professor Lisa McKay‑Brown (University of Melbourne) and experienced clinical and school psychologist Dr Matt O’Connor, the day blends research with real‑world school practice to help staff respond early, work collaboratively with families, and implement reasonable, inclusive adjustments.

Participants will build skills in:

• Early identification of engagement and attendance difficulties

• Strengthening parent and carer partnerships

• Making reasonable adjustments to support learning and wellbeing

• Using collaborative, pastoral and whole‑school approaches

• Understanding anxiety‑based attendance challenges within a broader engagement framework

Ideal for teachers, support staff, wellbeing teams and school leaders from all education sectors.

In‑person attendance is highly recommended to allow for discussion, reflection and shared problem‑solving however an online option is also available for regional Queensland schools and interstate educators.