EXPECTATIONS REGARDING ATTENDANCE
There is a strong correlation between regular attendance and academic success. Students who are absent miss vital instructional activities and assessment on day to day learning activities. It is school policy that regular attendance is a responsibility shared by the student, his/her/their parents/guardians/caregivers, the teachers and the school administration. Students have a responsibility to attend classes, to study and to learn. Parents/guardians/caregivers have a right to expect that their child is, in fact, attending classes and learning. The school has an obligation to report to the parents/guardians/caregivers when their child’s attendance or punctuality is unsatisfactory. Parents/guardians/caregivers will be contacted if such a pattern begins to emerge.
SIGNING IN AND OUT OF SCHOOL
ALL STUDENTS MUST SIGN IN AND OUT AT THE OFFICE. Students under 18 must have parent/guardian/caregiver permission to sign out. Leaving school without first contacting the main office to sign out is considered truancy.
SIGN IN:
- If students arrive during Period 1, go directly to class and the teacher will mark you late.
- If students arrive after an appointment, they must bring a note explaining absence.
- If students are late between classes, they do not need an admit slip from the office. The teacher will mark them late.
SIGN OUT:
- A note from parent/guardian/caregiver is necessary for any student who will sign out in the main. In lieu of a note, the main office will call home to verify.
- Medical and dental appointments should be made outside of school hours where possible. All class work missed is the student’s responsibility.
- If a student is not feeling well, they are to report to the Main Office. Parent/guardian/caregiver will be contacted by the office to obtain permission for the student to leave the school.
- A medical note will be required for any students who miss an assessment, otherwise this may result in a zero
- Students are expected to leave the premises immediately after signing out.
DO NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, LEAVE WITHOUT PERMISSION DURING THE SCHOOL DAY.
IF YOU ARE ABSENT
Have your parent/legal guardian/caregiver phone the school by 8:30 a.m. to explain your absence or reason for being late. You can leave a message at any time on the student absence line regarding a student's late arrival or absence or email us at Weston@tdsb.on.ca. When you return to school, bring a note explaining the absence to the main office. If you are 18 years of age or older, you may submit the required note to the Main Office.
Each day, through our Safe Arrival Program, an automated telephone call is made to Priority 1 Contacts for any unexplained student lates or absences.
It is the student's responsibility to be present for all classes, especially when tests, seminars, group work and/or major assignments are scheduled. If a student knows in advance that he/she will miss a class, arrangements must be made ahead of time for any work missed. This includes field trips, athletics, medical appointments, etc. Failure to make prior arrangements may result in a mark of zero. Skipping class when a test or assignment is scheduled may result in a mark of zero. Students over 18 may not “excuse themselves” from the consequences of missed work without a demonstrated valid reason for absence.
PROLONGED ABSENCE
Any prolonged absence (e.g., travel plans) must be discussed in advance with the Vice Principal or Principal, and an Extended Absence Form must be taken to all teachers for signature prior to leaving. Long-term illness should be reported to the appropriate Vice Principal when it becomes apparent that the student may be away for some time. Medical certificates must cover the dates of absence and must state that the student is unable to attend school. It is the student’s responsibility to inform his/her/their teacher and have their parent(s)/guardian(s)/caregiver(s) and teachers sign the form. It is also the student’s responsibility to get all the work ahead of the prolonged absence.