Regular school attendance is the foundation of a child's sense of belonging, well-being and success. It enables them to feel at ease at school and to thrive in their learning.

 

Right from the start of the school year, it's important to make students and parents understand that getting to school on time, every day, is essential. Good attendance is a skill that will help them succeed in school, in post-secondary education and in their professional careers.

Membership

The student becomes a member of the school community, building trust in the classroom and at school.

Wellness

Students feel safe and comfortable in their environment. His skills, self-esteem and confidence all increase. They are satisfied with their school career, their efforts and their potential.

Success

Students experience moments of pride and achievement (academic, social, cultural, sporting). They are positively integrated into their school environment.

School attendance

Compulsory schooling : Pupils who have reached the age of 6 must attend school until the age of 18, or until they graduate. Under the compulsory schooling rule, pupils are admitted to 1re year in September of any school year, provided they have reached the age of six (6) by December 31 of the same calendar year. If a person under the age of compulsory schooling is enrolled in an elementary school, the present applies during the period for which he or she is enrolled, as if he or she had reached the age of compulsory schooling.

 

School staff responsibilities : The school maintains a daily record of all students' absences and reasons for absence through Aspen. According to B009-P School attendanceFor each absence, there is communication between the school and the home. Where applicable, original supporting documentation from the physician must be retained for two years in the student's Ontario Student Record (OSR). On a regular basis, the principal or designate reviews student attendance data in Aspen. Together with school staff, the principal takes a critical look at each student to identify those at risk. Once recurrent absences have been identified, the next steps are documented using the B009-F1 Managing absences or late arrivals and stored in the student's DSO.

 

Prolonged absences : 

If you anticipate that your child will be absent for an extended period of time (e.g., travel, family emergencies, medical absences), you must inform the school so that the administration can offer a school exemption. 

 

Frequent absences or lateness :

Follow-ups will be carried out according to the number of absences, in compliance with Board policy and school procedures. 

 

From 5 to 10 days of late arrivals or accumulated absences, we can trigger the process set out in the policy, which may include :

  1. an initial communication from the school,
  2. a phone call from management,
  3. a meeting between parents and the school.

If concern persists, the attendance advisor can get involved.

Did you know that...

...school attendance is an issue that concerns everyone involved in children's education.

 

Parents and guardians, teachers, principals, administrators, attendance counsellors, social workers and community organizations work together to ensure student success.

... research shows that chronic absence from elementary school is the number one predictor of dropping out of high school?

 

Students who are regularly absent in the early years are at greater risk of falling behind in reading and math.

... the attendance rate at CSDC schools for Aurores boréaless in 2023-2024 shows a decline compared with previous years?

 

This is thanks to the identification of attendance as a goal by schools in their improvement plans, the implementation of strategies to increase attendance rates, and the support of the attendance advisor.

Frequently asked questions

An excused absence is when a student is excused from school for a specific period and for a specific reason. The student receives a work plan and is expected to hand in finished work upon his or her return.

 

Exemption from school allows students to avoid falling behind in their work, and absences can be excused.

  • Frequent absences may be a sign that the student is losing interest in school, struggling with homework, bullying or other difficulties.
  • When a student misses 10 % of school, i.e. 2 days a month, or 18 to 20 days during the school year, this is considered chronic absenteeism.
  • Chronic absenteeism can have harmful effects on the student:
    • Performance: The student may experience academic difficulties, a significant learning gap, and less access to support services.
    • Well-being : The student's social interactions are reduced, which can lead to isolation and anxiety, as well as an increase in mental health issues.
    • School dropouts : The student loses interest in his studies, and falls behind in the subject being taught.
  • Have an evening and morning routine.
  • Prepare dinner, snacks and clothes the night before.
  • Have nutritious meals for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks.
  • Don't let our children stay at home, unless they're really ill.
  • Have evening discussions with our child about their day, what they learned, favorite moments, etc.
  • Encourage reading on a variety of subjects.
  • Monitor their needs and seek support when required.
  • If your child seems anxious, it's important to talk about it with the teacher, principal, social worker or health professional (doctor, nurse, etc.) to help him or her feel comfortable at school and regain motivation to learn.
  • If your child refuses to go to school, it's important to talk to him or her to understand the reason, and to discuss it with the teacher and/or principal.

You must inform the school in advance in writing, indicating the start and end dates of the trip so that your child can be excused. The school can provide you with a work plan with assignments so that your child does not fall behind and continues to learn.

 

If you have any questions, please contact your child's school.

A medical absence may be granted for any medical condition that is accompanied by documentation from a health care provider (physician, physiotherapist, etc.).

If your child needs to be absent from school for a medical appointment or for medical reasons, absences can be excused with medical documentation. You must submit the physical documentation or an electronic copy to the school office.

If you have any questions, please contact your child's school.

It is the responsibility of the student and parent to inform the school of the absence. It is the student's responsibility to make up any missed classes.

If you have any questions, please contact your child's school.

Some resources to help you