Students AP 330: Student Attendance

Background

Regular attendance is important because regular school attendance contributes to academic success and to development of responsible student behaviour. Provincial legislation requires students to attend school regularly and punctually and identifies circumstances under which an absence may be deemed excusable.

Definition

Absence constitutes missing any instructional period.

Procedures

1. The Director of Teaching and Learning shall be the Division’s Attendance Officer.
2. Principals, in consultation with school staff and School Council, will establish school level attendance plans that encourage regular attendance
3. The Principal will monitor student attendance, involve the parent in resolving attendance problems and develop school measures that address poor attendance.
4. Communication to parents regarding poor attendance, and attempts to resolve the poor attendance, are documented through formal written correspondence that has been uploaded into the digital student file.
5. Written correspondence to parents will reference the Education Act, outline school action taken to date, and include the number of days absent.
6. Students who are chronically absent from classes or school may be referred by the Principal to the District Attendance Officer.
7. The attendance officer will:
   1. Confirm appropriateness of school measures taken,
   2. Advise if additional measures are required,
   3. Determine if outside agency involvement is required,
   4. Advise the parents formally of their involvement,
   5. Compile all written documentation (ie: correspondence to parents, record of attendance, etc.),
   6. Determine if a referral to the Attendance Board is recommended.