Student Attendance and the Education Act
The Education Act states that a child is not required to attend school if the child:
- is unable to attend school by reason of the child’s sickness or other unavoidable cause. Medical documentation could be required.
- is officially excluded from attendance under the Act or the regulations (i.e. suspension).
- is absent on a day regarded as a holy day by the religious denomination of the child or the parent of the child, or
- in circumstances considered exceptional by the Minister, is exempted from attendance in writing by the Minister (ex. Home Schooling).
- no consequences will be given for absences considered as school-sanctioned activities. A school-sanctioned activity is one approved by the school administration and/or Superintendent. It is to be recorded as excused.
In addition, the Act states that a parent’s role is to cause his or her child to attend school as required by the Act (13 (1C)) and it is the duty of all students to attend school regularly and punctually (14(1h)).
Rationale: The Education Act refers to regular attendance as both a duty of the pupil and an expectation on the part of parents to cause attendance to take place. Regular attendance is positively related to academic success. . Attendance records reflect habits of responsibility and state of health. Learning experiences that take place in the classroom environment are a meaningful and essential part of a student’s education. Time lost from class cannot be recovered, especially in the interaction and exchange of ideas between students and student and teacher. Academic success can be jeopardized as a natural consequence of non-attendance.
All students are expected to attend all of their classes. For the purposes of this policy, all missed classes are considered absences. Excused absences for reasons as outlined in the Education Act are acceptable. Except in extenuating circumstances, all other absences will be considered truant. Truancy is not an authorized absence from classes and, as such, will be regarded as a discipline issue as opposed to an attendance issue.
If a student is to be absent, parents or guardians are to contact the school with an excuse. The school can be called, written excuse or email to the school or homeroom teacher is acceptable. Students are responsible for making up missed work and assessments when they are absent.
After five (5) unexcused absences from a class, the teacher will inform the ESST. The homeroom teacher will contact the parent/guardians with a letter through email. The Vice Principal will follow up.