The academic year started with a student in one of my classes being absent for both unit tests and an assessed practical, despite adequate prior notice.
"She is frequently absent," said one student. "She falls sick a lot," informed another.
Whenever you have someone who is off the beaten track, there'll be issues with tolerance
My inquiry revealed no specific health issues but continued observation shed light on the group dynamics of the class, where this particular student always seemed to be on the outside looking in.
Her behaviour in class vacillated from asking unnecessary, attention-seeking questions or being completely withdrawn. One day she made repeated excuses for not doing work, so I intervened.
"No one talks to me," she said with tears in her eyes. "I hate coming to school."
Schools generally have strict policies against bullying and foster a climate that prevents it, either through student supervision or by ensuring staff continually educate students.