Attendance FAQ
Q: Does it really matter if my child misses a few days of school?
A: Yes. Missing one day every two weeks amounts to missing 20 days over the course of the school year. In Ontario, chronic absenteeism (otherwise referred to as persistent absenteeism) is defined as missing 10% or 19 days of the school year.
Q: My child misses a few days of school every now and then, but they’re still really young. Why is that a problem?
A: Students who miss just two days a month in elementary school stand a 60% chance of dropping out of school in Grade 9. The routines that your child establishes at a young age will continue throughout their school career. Help set them on the path for success by encouraging daily attendance.
Q: I am aware that my child has been absent from school, but they’re still following along in Google Classroom. Why is the school calling with concerns about their absence?
A: Following along in Google Classroom is not equivalent to attending school in-person and it does not count as “e-learning” or “online learning”. Unless your child is registered with the Avon Maitland Remote Learning School, they must attend school in order to be considered “present”.
Q: What if my child is sick?
A: If your child is sick, keep them home. Please notify your child’s school of their absence. Also, please ensure that there is a plan to help them catch up. Check Google Classroom for missed assignments and information on due dates and/or establish a class “buddy” who can collect homework. Encourage your child to see the teacher directly for support on concepts they are unclear about or may have missed while they were away.