Dellzahlia Adams and Trevor Avery from Tabulam Public School, on Bundjalung land, have each recorded an average yearly attendance rate of 98.2 per cent during their time at the school with some years up to 100 per cent.

“This is the kind of result you get when families, the community and school are working together for the benefit of students,” Mr Piccoli said.

“It reflects the responsibility and perseverance of everyone involved, starting with the students.”

Asked why he’s so keen to come to school, Trevor had several reasons:

"I love coming to school to be with my friends, playing football and learning about math. Tabulam Public School is part of the community and one big family," he said.

Dellzahlia is not an extroverted student, but willing to try everything and particularly keen to pursue her creative and performing interests:

“I like being part of Tabulam Public School and now high school because of the opportunities I have in creative arts. I feel comfortable, and the teachers listen to me – they let me be me,” she said.

Shaun is keen to emphasise that high attendance isn’t just a statistic.

“The main points are the benefit it has in terms of each student’s learning and development, the example and therefore expectation it fosters in other students, and also in professional satisfaction for the staff,” he said.

“That’s why we want to thank Dellzahlia and Trevor and their families for the wonderful contribution they have made to Tabulam Public School and its culture.”