The SchoolMessenger system sends absence messages to inform parents/guardians of unexplained student absences. Parents/guardians can choose how they want to receive these messages by setting their communication preferences in SchoolMessenger. Options include communication via email, app notification (through the HDSB Mobile App), text message or phone call.
Absence Reporting (SchoolMessenger)
The Halton District School Board is committed to providing timely, effective communication to parents/guardians and students. The HDSB utilizes a Student Absence Reporting System called SchoolMessenger. This is the system used for:
- Reporting student absences.
- Receiving all messages and phone calls from your child's school and the HDSB.
Families receive instructions on how to register for SchoolMessenger when they register for school. All families must register for SchoolMessenger to report student absences online and set communication preferences for receiving messages from your child's school and the HDSB.
How to Report Student Absence
- HDSB Mobile App (available for download from the App Store and Google Play)
- Website: go.schoolmessenger.ca
- Phone: 1-877-409-6310 (toll-free)
Set Your Communication Preferences
Choose how you want to receive messages from your child's school and the HDSB:
- HDSB Mobile App
- Text Message
- Phone
Opt-in to receive text messages from the HDSB
If you provided your child’s school with a mobile phone number upon registration, you were sent a text message from SchoolMessenger providing you with the opportunity to opt-in to receive text messages from the HDSB. The text message requested that parents/guardians reply “Y” to opt-in to receive attendance text notifications.
- If you replied “Y” to the text message, you are subscribed to receive notifications by text about your child’s attendance.
- If you did not reply to the text message, you will not receive notifications by text from the HDSB.
No repeat invitations to opt-in will be sent. If you wish to receive text message attendance notifications, please update your communication preferences on the SchoolMessenger website or app once you have created your account with SchoolMessenger.
How We Connect with You: School and Board Updates
Additional Information & Translations
- How to Check Messages and Report Absences online
- FAQs on Reporting Student Absences
- FAQs on Receiving Messages
- HDSB Mobile App
- SchoolMessenger - Parent/Guardian Communication System - Arabic
- SchoolMessenger - Parent/Guardian Communication System - Farsi
- SchoolMessenger - Parent/Guardian Communication System - Spanish
- SchoolMessenger - Parent/Guardian Communication System - Ukrainian
- SchoolMessenger - Parent/Guardian Communication System - Urdu
- SchoolMessenger - Parent/Guardian Communication System - Simplified Chinese
FAQs on Receiving Messages
Frequently asked questions about receiving messages from your child’s school and the HDSB
What do I do if I am not receiving messages from my school?
Please confirm the following:
- That your child’s school has a correct/current email address and phone number for you
- That you have set your communication preferences (within SchoolMessenger) to receive messages from SchoolMessenger
- That security settings on your device/mail settings are not preventing you from receiving messages
How do I update my contact details?
Please contact the school and provide them with your current information.
How do I subscribe or unsubscribe from SchoolMessenger?
On the bottom of every email sent through SchoolMessenger, there is a footer with a link to either subscribe or unsubscribe. You can also set your communication preferences for receiving different types of messages by logging into your SchoolMessenger account.
Why am I am receiving messages and/or phone calls but should not be?
Check your communication preferences by logging into your SchoolMessenger account on the app or website.
How often will I receive messages?
This varies from school to school.
What time of day will I receive messages?
- Absence messages and phone calls are issued in the morning for elementary and secondary students. Secondary student absences and lates are also communicated in the evening. Parents are able to modify their communication preferences from within their SchoolMessenger account.
- Informational messages are generally issued at the end of the day.
- Urgent messages such as a school closure are communicated prior to the start of the school day.
- Inclement weather or bus cancellations affecting multiple or all schools are emailed only by 6:30 a.m.
FAQs on Reporting Student Absences
Frequently Asked Questions on reporting a student absent
Wait for the automated email, app notification, text or phone call (depending on your SchoolMessenger communication preferences) that the school will launch once the attendance report has been completed for the day. Parents/guardians will have an opportunity to provide a reason for the absence when they receive one of these notifications.
Why can’t I see the option to report an absence/late on the SchoolMessenger website or app?
Please ensure that the email you are logging in with is the same email your child’s school has on record. Please contact your child’s school to confirm or update your contact information. In the meantime, please use the toll-free phone number to report absences/lates for your child: 1-877-409-6310.
Learn How to Get Messages & Report Absences
Extended Absences
OTHS Student Leave of Absence Process:
Regular school attendance and punctuality is the foundation of academic success. It is critical for the student’s learning and achievement of course expectations. If, for exceptional circumstances, it is necessary for your student to be absent from school for more than 3 days, please complete the Extended Leave Of Absence Form and submit it to the school main office at least 1 week prior to the leave commencing.
General Responsibilities of Parents/Students
The school calendar, provided in August (and available online), clearly states the class schedule. Additional information regarding dates can always be obtained by contacting the school.
By withdrawing my student from school for the specified time period, I understand:
● Some tests and assignments, by their nature, are not repeatable at a later date.
● Such absences may influence my son’s/daughter’s chance for success in his/her subject areas.
● It is the responsibility of the student to complete missing work, or alternative work, with coordination from the subject teacher.
Planned absences of 15 days or more:
In order to properly document these excused absences for audit purposes, the Ministry requires each Board to follow the steps outlined below:
- Parents/guardians must complete the Extended Leave of Absence Form, requesting that their child be excused for a specified period of absence under subsection 23(3) of Regulation 298.
- This request requires administrative approval (Principal or Vice-Principal). The student will also need to collaborate with their teachers to develop a Program of Study for Planned Extended Absences.
How to Complete this Form:
● Print and complete the form below (leave the shaded section blank).
● Have your student take the completed form to each of their teachers for review and signatures.
● Once all sections are complete, the final form can be:
– Emailed from the parent or guardian’s email address to Mrs. Safaa Ali, or
– For Extra Step students, emailed to Mr. Vidal or
– Submitted in person to the main office.