Attendance

ABSENTEEISM & ATTENDANCE

We expect that every student will strive for full attendance and punctuality in each class as attendance is a key factor to academic success.  There are also legal considerations for those students under the age of 16.  The Education Act states that children must attend school until they reach the age of sixteen years.   Furthermore, the Act requires that every student (regardless of age) shall "attend school regularly and punctually".

 

The PVSD Student Attendance Policy (AP-3040) can be viewed on the PVSD website.

 

Definitions:

 

1.      Compulsory School Age

The Education Act 1995, Chapter E-0.2, Part 1: Interpretation, states: "compulsory school age" means having attaining the age of seven years but not having attained the age of 16 years.

2.      Local Attendance Counselor

The Education Act, 1995, Section 159(1) states: Every board of education shall appoint a person or designate a member of its staff to be the local attendance counselor for the school division. The Local Attendance Counselor for the Division is the Superintendent of School Services.

3.      Chronic Absence

Refers to students missing an extended period of school when excused absences are taken into account. Chronic absence is defined as missing 10% or more of the school year (equivalent to 18 days out of a 180 day school year)

4.      Chronic Truancy

Refers to students missing an extended period of school when unexcused absences are taken into account. Chronic truancy is defined as missing 10% or more of the school year (equivalent to 18 days out of a 180 day school year).

 

Students are responsible for arriving at class on time and appropriately equipped.  To have the absence excused, it is the parents' responsibility to contact the school prior to or on the day of the actual absence.  If the school does not receive a phone call from the parent on the day of the absence, the absence will be recorded as "unexcused."  Failure to report the excused absence, for any class, may result in contact of parents, during the day, when students are absent from their classes.  Generally excusable reasons for absence are illness, a medical appointment or a family emergency.  Students 18 years of age or older may be responsible for their own attendance if they are no longer living at home. 

 

The student is responsible for work covered and assignments given in his or her absence, no matter what the reason for absence by checking with the teacher PRIOR to the known absence.  The student is responsible for making suitable arrangements to catch up.  Subject teachers, Grades 9-12, will keep daily attendance records, class by class.  If a student arrives after attendance has been taken, it is the student's responsibility to ensure he or she is marked present by checking in at the office.  Students are reminded that they are responsible for their attendance and lates at the various classes and activities scheduled during the noon hour.

 

15 absences may result in the loss of credit standing in the subject unless there are extenuating circumstances that are

recognized by school administration.  An attendance contract will be developed with the student and parent.  A total of

20 absences will result in the loss of credit in the subject unless there are extenuating circumstances that are recognized

by school administration.

Lates:    5 lates/month = ½ hour DT at lunchtime/parent notification

               10 lates/month = 1 hour DT at lunchtime/suspend extra-curricular activities for the month

               15 lates/month = parent meeting/attendance contract

Failure to attend a class for which a test has been scheduled may result in the student's receiving zero on the test.  This will not be the case if adequate reason is given and/or adequate arrangements made with the individual teacher ahead of time. Students must attend school for the full day to be eligible to participate in any extra-curricular activity on that day/evening. Parental cooperation will be greatly appreciated.  Students writing final assessments are not to be away during those weeks.  We encourage parents to honor this directive and not book any holidays during the final exam weeks of each semester.