1. Regular school attendance is the responsibility of the parent/guardian and the pupil and is required by The Education Act, 1995. Successful school performance is directly influenced by regular attendance. Chronic absenteeism will negatively affect learning.

2. If a student is absent from school the following is required of parents and students:

1. A phone call or signed note from the parent/guardian that notifies the school of the absence and provides a reason for the absence. If the school does not hear from the parent/guardian in a timely manner the school secretary will contact the parent/guardian as soon as possible.

2. The parent/guardian shall contact the school if the student is required to leave the school at some time other than at the end of the school day.

3. Students shall sign out at the office if leaving the school early and check in if arriving late. Tardiness is managed as a discipline issue according to our school’s Code of Conduct.

3. When a student is discovered to be truant from individual classes, the teacher of those classes missed by the student shall

1. contact the office immediately

2. be responsible for disciplinary and follow-up procedures. Should the problem continue, further follow-up will be done by the Vice-Principal and/or Principal

4. For absences without good cause of four or less days, the homeroom teacher shall follow the normal attendance procedures as set out in the staff handbook.

5. Students with significant truancy problems will be subject to investigation and action by the school administration. The Education Act, 1995 and by the school Code of Conduct guide the administrator’s actions.

6. It is the student’s responsibility to complete work missed if the student is late or absent.

7. Regular attendance is always important, but at the secondary level attendance can have direct influence on students earning credits for courses and so the following procedures apply to high school students:

3. After eight absences from a course, a letter will be sent to the parents/guardians indicating the absences.

4. After fourteen absences from any course, a meeting will be held to review the student’s performance and to determine if the student’s academic program needs to be modified by discontinuing the class. This meeting will involve the student, parents/guardians, the Principal or his/her designate, the course instructor, counsellors and other persons as deemed necessary.

5. If absences continue following the meeting, the Principal or his/her designate, in consultation with other persons as deemed necessary, shall make a determination in regard to the student’s continuation with the course.

BOARD APPROVED:

August 30, 2007

NEW POLICY _______

REPLACES POLICY ___2.3.6__

LEGAL REFERENCE ________