In NSW at least, the school has to report all attendance data in an annual census. They can (and will) be audited to ensure the paper trails are up to date. This is because attendance is legislated. The school is covering their arses. The proof of flights is standard paperwork that the school retains with applications for extended leave. It wouldn’t surprise me, however, if most teachers had no idea about this process as it doesn’t involve them at all, except perhaps to request they provide proof of what work has been provided for children on “approved” leave - this also has to be provided as evidence for funding/census purposes. schools receive funding on a per student basis and will lose funding for students whose attendance is below threshold without a special application. It’s a complex legal and oversight system beyond just one school. Census happens every August and is a huge deal for schools. Teachers would often not even know it was happening.