Attending School
Daily school attendance is important for all students. Students who attend school regularly are more engaged in learning, have a greater sense of belonging to the community and are more likely to obtain a high school diploma. If good attendance habits are not developed in the early years, by middle years and high school, absenteeism becomes greater, academic achievement is lower, and the likelihood of school dropout increases.
Attendance Requirements
Under Manitoba’s Public Schools Act, children are required to attend school from the time they reach compulsory school age (7 years of age or will be reaching 7 years of age by December 31 in a given calendar year) until they attain the age of 18.
Every parent of a child of compulsory school age is responsible for sending their child to school regularly. Every student is responsible for attending school and classes regularly and on time and completing assignments and other related work.
Absences
Any time that a student is not in class or not participating in a school activity while not being on suspension/expulsion.
- Excused Absence – refers to any time that a student is not present in class or not participating in a school sanctioned activity (while not being on suspension/expulsion) with the mutual consent of the school principal and the parent.
- Unexcused Absence – refers to any time a student is not present in class or not participating in a school sanctioned activity (while not being on suspension/expulsion) without the mutual consent of the school principal and the parent.
Absenteeism
As per Manitoba’s Action Plan to Enhance Student Presence and Engagement, Chronic Absenteeism is where unexcused absences account for 10 or more classes in a single high school course or 10 percent or more of instructional days in Kindergarten to Grade 8 in a reporting period.
Absence Due to Sickness
Children who are sick should not attend school. Public health officials strongly urge anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms, such as a cough, fever, runny nose, sore throat, or headache, to remain at home.
Absence Due to Extreme Weather
If concerned about child safety during periods of extreme weather, parents/caregivers may, at their discretion, choose to keep their children at home.
School Notification
If your child is away from school for any reason, please ensure your child’s school is notified in a timely manner as per standard absence procedures. Please call the school directly or report your child’s absence through the HSD Parent Portal.