Email Absence: Ernestmanning@cbe.ab.ca

An absence is any absence, whether explained or otherwise, with the exception of school sponsored field trips. The parent’s/guardian’s responsibility is to email the school before 2:00 PM on the day of any absence, or provide the student with a signed note that must be delivered to the main office attendance secretary prior to classes. The only legitimate reasons for explained absences are illness, medical appointments, and family emergencies.

Process

On or before the third absence, the teacher shall discuss attendance with the student outlining the concern, expectations and further action. In addition, the teacher shall contact the home by email, phone, or in writing to inform parents of students under the age of 18 of students absences, and to discuss the effect of irregular attendance on student achievement. Teachers will speak to independent students directly to discuss their irregular attendance and its’ effect on their achievement.

On or about the fifth absence, the teacher shall discuss attendance with the student outlining the concern, expectations and further action. In addition, the teacher shall contact the home by email, phone, or in writing to inform parents of students under the age of 18 of student absences, and to discuss the effect of irregular attendance on student achievement. Teachers will speak to independent students directly to discuss their irregular attendance and its’ effect on their achievement.

On or about the eighth absence, a referral, specifying the dates absent shall be sent to the appropriate administrator. At this time, a letter will be sent home by administration to the parent/guardian or independent student to request a meeting to discuss the attendance concerns. At the meeting, next steps will be discussed. These could include attendance contracts, attendance improvement plans, or withdrawal from the course or from EM High. Failure for the parent/guardian or independent student to meet with the appropriate administrator within ten days of the attendance letter will result in the student being withdrawn from that particular course or from EM High.