School absence in Poland ─ as a social and educational challenge

School absence is a problem with the consequences of which both pupils and their parents or legal guardians are confronted. It is also a challenge for the Polish educational system and, as a consequence of school failures, for the institutions of Polish social policy. The article consists of five points. It presents the understanding of the school absence concept as superior to various forms of student absence during classes and other obligatory activities proposed by the school. Attention is paid to the specific form of absence, which is the student's absence during physical education classes. The article presents selected legal acts that regulate the performance of the school obligation by parents or legal guardians and the procedure in the event of student absence at school. Attention is paid to the fact that school absence can be a serious threat to equal opportunities for children and youth.