Absenteeism Policy
The Education Act refers to regular school attendance as both the duty of the pupil and an expectation on the part of the parents to cause attendance to take place. The Act recognizes that regular attendance supports the learning success of the student and contributes to the learning environment of the school. (Article 13-1)
All student absences from school for any reason are to be supported by a written ote from the parent or health care provider. Parents can also report an absence by using the SafeArrival system.
With SafeArrival, you are asked to report your child’s absence in advance using any of these three convenient methods:
- Using your mobile device, download and install the SchoolMessenger app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store (or from the links at https://go.school.messenger.com). The first time you use the app, select Sign Up to create your account. Select Attendance, then Report an Absence.
- Using the SafeArrival website, (https://go.schoolmessenger.com. The first time you use the website, select Sign Up to create your account. Select Attendance then Report an Absence.
- Calling the toll-free number 1-833-294-4838 to report an absence using the automated phone system.
These options are available 24 hours/day, 7 days a week. Future absences can be reported at any time.
In addition, we will use the SchoolMessenger Communicate automated notification system to contact parents whose child is absent when the absence was not reported in advance. The automated notification system will attempt to contact parents several times until a reason is submitted for the absence. If our system is unable to reach the designated contacts, office staff will follow up by calling all the numbers provided for the student until we know the student is safe.
Note: If you report your childd’s absence in advance using the SafeArrival toll-free number, website or mobile app, you will NOT receive these notifications.
Students not reporting to school for classes will not be permitted to join after-school events, dances, and activities on that day.
Absenteeism Procedures
- Teachers record daily attendance with support from the office.
- After 5 absences, the teacher will contact the parent.
- After 10 absences, the Principal will notify the parent and the Director of Schools and refer the student to the Educational Support Services Team for intervention and supports.
Types of Possible Interventions:
- Meetings with parents and student
- Referral to Social Development
- Referral to Child and Youth Team
- Referral to appropriate health care professionals
Late Arrivals/Tardiness
Students are considered late if not signed into class at 8:30 a.m., after O Canada has played.
Students arriving after 8:40 a.m. are required to stop at the office and sign in.
Tardiness is recorded and monitored by Teachers, Administration, and the Educational Support Services Team.
Parents of students who have excessive tardy behaviour will be required to meet with the Principal to develop a plan for improvement.