Student Attendance and Participation
Regular attendance and active participation in school help students stay connected, engaged and successful in their learning. Building strong attendance habits is important for students in every grade, and families and schools play an important role in supporting this together.
Reporting Student Absences
Parents/guardians can report an excused absence using SchoolMessenger or by contacting their child’s school.
Excused absences (e.g. illness, family vacations and recreational, competitive and school sports) are permitted and will not negatively affect this portion of a student’s mark.
If you forget to report your child’s absence, please contact the school within three days of the date of the absence so the absence can be accurately recorded as an excused absence.
What if an Absence is Not Reported?
An absence that is not reported will be recorded as unexcused.
For secondary students, an unexcused absence may affect the attendance and participation portion of the student’s mark and their final course grade.
New for Secondary Students in 2026-2027 School Year
New for the 2026-2027 school year, the Ontario Ministry of Education requires attendance and participation to make up:
- 15% of final course marks in Grades 9 and 10
- 10% of final course marks in Grades 11 and 12
Excused absences are permitted and will not negatively affect the attendance and participation portion of a student’s mark.
Attendance on Exam Days
Secondary students and families should make every effort not to be absent on exam days.
Families are encouraged to review the School Year Calendar when planning vacations or other time away from school.
Questions?
If you have questions about your child’s attendance or attendance record, please contact your child’s school.
More information
For additional information, families can review these resources from the Ontario Ministry of Education:
