Attendance

Every student has the right to the educational opportunities that will enable the student to develop to their fullest potential. To maximize these opportunities, it is the responsibility of the student to be in attendance daily. École Secondaire Notre Dame High School is committed to the philosophy that every student should attend every class every day/all day. Regular attendance and promptness are expected in all classes and are essential for student success in school. Section 12 of the Alberta School Act states: 

12. A student shall conduct himself or herself so as to reasonably comply with the following code of conduct:

(a) be diligent in pursuing the student’s studies;

(b) attend school regularly and punctually;

The responsibility for regular attendance lies with the student and the parent. Students must also accept the consequences of their actions should they choose not to fulfill this responsibility. Students have an obligation to contribute to, as well as benefit from, the learning experience. Irregular attendance curtails a student’s ability to contribute and often hinders the progress of the class.

The following definitions are important in the interpretation of this policy:

Excused Absence​ - Home and school agree that absences are acceptable, thus excusable. Examples may include: personal illness, illness or death in the family, impassable roads due to inclement weather, religious observance, quarantine, required court appearances, attendance at health clinics, approved college visits, pre-approved family vacation, approved cooperative work programs, field trips, suspensions, pre-approved extra-curricular sports

Unexcused Absence​ - Home may regard this excuse as excusable but the school feels the absence is not valid or excusable. Questionable absences should be checked with the school in advance. Students are not in attendance and parents do not call in to excuse the absence (skipping class)

Parents are expected to phone the school to report excused absences (403-342-4800) and the reason for them. An absence not called in by parents within 48 hours will be considered unexcused. An electronic phone system will call the home of each student inexcusably absent from one or more classes. 

Any students that know they will be missing a consistent, extended period of continuous time (over 2 weeks) are asked to contact their grade administrator at the start of the semester to discuss the dates of the absence and possible support in order for the student to be successful. This could include a recommendation of completing a course or courses online. 

Attendance Consequences:

Students are expected not to exceed a 10% ​unexcused​ attendance rate.

If the unexcused absence rate is exceeded:

• Students will not be permitted to participate in extracurricular activities.
• Students in Grade 12 will not be permitted to participate in graduation activities including year-end graduation commencement ceremony and banquet.

A students’​ excused​ and ​unexcused​ absence rate (either combined or separate), in a particular class or overall, that exceeds ​15%​ will be subject to the following:

• Students will be placed on an attendance contract and/or closed campus contract outlining expectations for attendance. 
• A parent, student and administration meeting will be booked to address attendance concerns.

A students’​ excused​ and ​unexcused​ absence rate (either combined or separate), in a particular class or overall, that exceeds ​20%​ will be subject to the following:

• A meeting with the school counsellor, parents and administration will take place to discuss schooling options.

A students’​ ​excused​ and ​unexcused​ absence rate (either combined or separate), in a particular class or overall, that exceeds ​25%​ will be subject to the following:

• Students will be withdrawn from a course for not meeting the requirements for success that may include the lack of attendance.

In accordance with Section 45(2) of the School Act, a board shall direct a resident student to enroll and attend a particular school operated by the board. This means that the school administration has the right to enroll any student as a fulltime Inreach/Outreach student. If a student is directed to become a fulltime Inreach/Outreach student, they may not return to regular classes at École Secondaire Notre Dame High School until they demonstrate a commitment to their education by earning a minimum of 15 Credits in that program.

Teachers will encourage students to be in school every day. The faculty and administration maintain accurate attendance records and will provide this information to our students and their parents or guardians. If an attendance problem develops, the teachers, school counselors and administrators will make every effort to help the student reach a solution and maintain an acceptable standing at École Secondaire Notre Dame High School.