Attendance Policy and Procedure
St. Aloysius Gonzaga Catholic Secondary School upholds the policy of compulsory attendance that is stipulated in Bill 52, the Education Amendment Act, Learning to Age 18, which received Royal Assent on December 2006. This legislation requires that, as of December 20, 2006, all students under 18 years of age be in attendance at school unless they have already graduated or are otherwise excused from attendance at school. Legal reasons for being absent from school (e.g. receiving satisfactory instruction at home or elsewhere) continue to apply.
St. Aloysius Gonzaga Catholic Secondary School recognizes that there is a direct correlation between student attendance and student achievement; thus, in the best interest of student success, we endeavour to ensure that students attend school and engage in learning on a daily basis.
PARENTAL/GUARDIAN PROCEDURES REGARDING ABSENCES
In the event of an absence, the parent/guardian is required:
- To notify the Attendance Office before 9:00 a.m. on the day of the absence at (905) 820-3900 x70008;
- Or to send a signed and dated written note on the day of the return.
If this process is not followed, the student will be considered TRUANT and consequences implemented.
STUDENT SIGN-IN PROCEDURES
Upon returning to school following an absence:
- If the parent/guardian has not contacted the Attendance Office regarding the absence, the student is required to obtain an Admit Slip from his/her homeroom teacher in exchange for a parent/guardian signed note confirming the absence;
- If a student does not bring a parental/guardian note, the student will be marked as truant for the days absent until parental/guardian contact is made with the school;
- A student who arrives at school after 9:00 a.m. must sign in through the Attendance Office and obtain an Admit Slip.
STUDENT SIGN-OUT PROCEDURES
A student who is required to leave at some point in the school day for any reason must:
• Obtain a release slip from the Attendance Office;
• The release slip will be issued between 7:45 a.m. and 8:15 a.m. from the Attendance Office upon submission of a dated and signed letter from the parent/guardian;
• The release slip may be used as an Admit Slip upon return.
Note: If a student feels ill during the day and wants to leave the school, the student must sign out through the Attendance Office and will be released after parent contact.
If a student leaves school without following the proper sign out procedures, the student will be considered TRUANT.
STUDENT MUST RESPONSIBLY MANAGE ABSENCES
A student who is absent from class, for any reason, will be responsible for:
• Obtaining an Admit Slip;
• Completion of homework/assignments/notes;
• Submission of any due material.
The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board remains committed to the success of all students and will continue to offer all available programming to ensure completion of students’ graduation requirements.
Once students turn 18, they may withdraw. Students who are over 18 will be allowed to remain in school provided that they attend regularly, behave appropriately, and work toward academic success.