The Rising Suns rewards scheme at Eaton Community College was implemented in 2010 to combat sluggish attendance rates in the school.

The award honoured students with a citizenship award pin providing they maintain a 90 per cent attendance rate throughout the year.

Most notably, attendance rates in Year 9s jumped an impressive 10 percent from 81 per cent in 2009 to 91 per cent in 2011.

Eaton Community College principal Alan Brown said the incentive had been a success in motivating students.

“By providing a reward, the student sees value in being here,” he said.

“We value our kids and we want school to be a good place for them.

“Every day counts and we believe in that.”

The program was a clear success as attendance percentages from Years 7 to 10 spiked in comparative figures from 2009 to 2011.

Mr Brown said the Rising Suns program was an important step in securing a consistent student population.

“We had some struggles with attendance to begin with,” he said.

“It’s been a conscious decision to push and make changes for the kids to be included more.”

As part of the program, parents are alerted via text message if the student has not shown up for class.

“We are also seeing an improvement in student achievements,” he said.

“There is a clear link: students who regularly attend perform better than those who do not.

“Every day you miss, you miss out on something that could benefit your future.”

Education minister Elizabeth Constable said last Friday that parents are an integral part to ensure school attendance.

Attendance figures throughout the South West have held steady at 91 per cent since 2008, but Mr Brown agreed with Dr Constable’s advice to avoid family holidays during school dates.