Researchers from our community partner, The Smith Family, have tracked the progress of 30,000 disadvantaged students over seven years in the first study of its kind.  It found those who were regularly absent from school in Year 7 had a less than 50 per cent chance of finishing Year 12. And Year 9 students who often skip school have only a 35 per cent chance of completing their studies. The study also confirmed that low attendance also affects future prospects, with only two-thirds…