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Regular attendance promotes success in education and sets the groundwork for a high quality of life beyond school.
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Early recognition and intervention in attendance concerns are critical to promoting student success.
Education Act - Legislative Authority on School Attendance
Detailed below are relevant sections of the Ontario Education Act under Part II- School Attendance.
21 (1) Compulsory attendance – Unless excused under this section,
(a) every person who attains the age of 6 years before the first school day in September in any year shall attend an elementary or secondary school on every school day from the first school day in September in that year until the person attains the age of 18 years; and
(b) every person who attains the age of six years after the first school day in September in any year shall attend an elementary or secondary school on every school day from the first school day in September in the next succeeding year until the last school day in June in the year in which the person attains the age of 18 years.
Students absent for 15 consecutive days without a medical note must be referred to the Attendance Counselor; otherwise the principal must remove the student from the roll on day 16
Extended Absences
From time to time parents may remove their children from school for extended periods for non-medical reasons. The parent or guardian of a pupil can make a written request for the student to be temporarily excused for a specified period of time (ex. vacation or family obligation).
TEMPORARY EXCUSAL FORM (Vacation) - any duration
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Elementary and Secondary students may remain on roll due to vacation or extended family trip longer than 15 days, however they must have a Temporary Excusal Form (click here) signed by a parent/guardian and Principal as well as a program of studies that is documented in their OSR and certified by the Principal. Otherwise students are to be removed from roll on day 16 and re-enrolled upon their return.
A student is late if he/she arrives after the class starting bell.
Parents/Guardians are to call or send a note to excuse all absences from school.
If a student is unexcused from class, progressive discipline measures will be used including detentions, in-school suspensions and out of school suspensions.
We want to support students who are finding it difficult to attend school so if you have concerns regarding this, please contact our guidance department.
If you have any questions or concerns please contact the principal/vice principal. Our hope is that by working in partnership, we are able to support students with school attendance and move to greater student achievement.