ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES

If a student is going to be absent from school, a parent/guardian MUST confirm their child’s attendance as soon as possible. If the student is 18 years or older, they can confirm themselves.

WHAT IS SAFE ARRIVAL?

SafeArrival is an absence management system that improves student safety and makes it easy for you to let the school know about your child's absence. You are asked to report your child's absence in advance whenever using SchoolMessenger.

Please download the School Messenger app and create your account. You will be asked to verify your account login via your email address. Using the SchoolMessenger, 3 options are available to report a student’s absence:

  1. Using your mobile device, download and install the SchoolMessenger app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store or go.schoolmessenger.ca . The first time you use the app, select Sign Up to create your account. Select Attendance then Report an Absence.

 

  1. Use the SafeArrival website go.schoolmessenger.ca. The first time you use the website, select Sign Up to create your account. Select Attendance then Report an Absence.

 

  1. Call [1-833-337-8065] to report an absence using the automated phone system.

These options are available 24 hours/day, 7 days a week. Future absences can be reported at any time.

 

 In addition, we will use the SchoolMessenger Communicate automated notification system to contact parents whose child is absent when the absence was not reported in advance. The automated notification system will attempt to contact parents at multiple contact points until a reason is submitted for the absence. If our system is unable to reach the designated contacts, office staff will follow up. If you report your child’s absence in advance using the SafeArrival toll-free number, website or mobile app, you will NOT receive these notifications.

Please report absences in advance using SchoolMessenger instead of sending notes or

calling/emailing your school site. Staff will be using the SchoolMessenger notifications to let you

know if your student is absent (when you haven’t reported the absence in advance). If you are releasing your child from school for an appointment or if they need to leave early, parent/guardians are requested to contact the attendance line until further notice 519-822-4290 and press 3 for attendance.

 

519-822-4290 - Press 3 for Attendance

The Attendance Secretary can be reached daily between

8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

519-822-4290 extension 102222.

 

SIGN-IN, SIGN-OUT, LATE, APPOINTMENTS:

  • If a student has an appointment that requires him or her to arrive late or leave early, parents/guardians are requested to leave a message at the Attendance desk providing the date and time of the appointment. Once a parent has called the student must report to the attendance desk before 8:45am to receive a sign-out slip and arrive to Period 1 class on time. Students must always sign in or sign out with the Attendance Secretary.
  • Students are not allowed to miss classes without first signing out. Classes missed without signing in or out will be considered truant. Once a student has signed out or has been confirmed absent, the student must leave the school property. Every effort should be made to schedule appointment outside of school hours.
  • Notes for appointments or early release from class, must be brought to the Attendance desk before 8:45 a.m. This includes sign-outs for 18-year-old students.

 

STUDENTS WHO ARE 18 YEARS OF AGE:

  • May excuse themselves from class for legitimate reasons. Parents/guardians who wish to remain informed about their child’s education may obtain a consent form from the main office. Consent is subject to the student’s approval. Students who sign themselves out MUST leave the building.

 

STUDENT ATTENDANCE CONCERNS:

  • When the subject teacher’s attendance records indicate that a student’s credit may be in jeopardy due to poor attendance, the teacher will refer the student’s name to Administration who will review the student’s status, and meet with the student, parents/guardian, and subject teacher(s) to determine an action plan.

 

CONSECUTIVE ABSENCES:

  • If it appears that a student will be absent for more than two days, parents/guardians may notify the attendance office to request school work. One day’s notice is requested to assemble this material.
  • If a student is ill or suffering from a medical condition, please contact Administration about the requirement of a medical note.
  • If a family is scheduling a trip during the regular school day, please contact Administration about the required Intent to be Absent form.