Having regular attendance on the part of students is vital to the process of learning. If regular attendance becomes an issue, parents/guardians will be contacted, and the student will be counselled to assist with promoting regular attendance. If he/she is still unwilling to attend regularly, he/she may fail to achieve credit for his/her courses.

Regular Attendance

Expected Behaviour

  • All students are expected to attend school regularly

  • Parents of students who will be away from school for a known period of time (i.e. vacation) must contact the appropriate alpha VP to notify of absence dates

  • Students returning from an absence must present a note signed by a parent/guardian containing the following information:

                  • Date of absence

                  • Student's name

                  • Specific reason for absence

  • The note must be presented to the office on the day the student returns to school prior to 8:25 a.m.

  • Students, 18 years of age or over, may submit their own notes

  • A phone call may be made in lieu of a note. The school has a voice mail system which is available 24 hours. Call
    905-623-3990 ext 1015 to leave a voicemail message

  • Parents calling the school regarding absences should: state the student's name, date of absence and date of return to school, if known

  • A voice message system is currently in place, which will automatically call parents of those students who have an unexplained or unreported absence. Students who have unexplained or unexcused absences may be consequenced

Reasons for Expected Behaviour

  • Regular attendance is directly related to academic success

  • Regular attendance is required by the Education Act Consequences for Unreported/Unexplained Absences

  • It is important to note that unreported/unexplained absences are considered a truancy and will be appropriately consequenced.

  • When a student has been truant for 15 classes, the Principal will review this student's program at St. Stephen.

  • Students with attendance concerns will be referred to the Student Success Team, and if under 18 years of age, may be referred to the Board Attendance Counsellor.

Consequences for Unreported/Unexplained Absences

  • It is important to note that unreported/unexplained absences are considered a truancy and will be appropriately consequenced

  • When a student has been truant for 15 classes, the Principal will review this student's program at St. Stephen

  • Students with attendance concerns will be referred to the Student Success Team, and if under 18 years of age, may be referred to the Board Attendance Counsellor