Welcome back to school everyone. It's hard to believe that we are already at midterm! By now your schedule is set and you are halfway through term one.
I have been visiting classes this week to talk about attendance. Here is a reminder....
Unexcused absences may result in school failure, lost marks, and disciplinary action.
Examples of Excused Absences:
- I am sick. I have a note from my parents/guardians that explains why I was away.
- There is a personal family matter or other such emergency and I have a note from my parents/guardians.
- I was on a field trip that my parents have consented to and my teachers approved.
- I slept in.
- I missed the bus.
- I don't like my class
- I had to go to Metrotown
- I went home
- I wasn't feeling well, so I just left without signing out or notifying my parents, etc, etc...
This leads us to another subject, vacations during the school year.....
From time to time your parents may decide to excuse you from school for: vacation, out of town visits, and other such events. Here is Tupper's policy on these absences:
"The decision to take students out of school for vacations and/or family visits is a family decision-- not the school's. Parents occasionally request that the teaching staff prepare homework in advance or give extra tutorial time and testing after students return from these absences. Although, the teaching staff will assist students as time and circumstances permit, it is not reasonable to expect that the achievement level and progress of students will be unaffected. The consequences of missing an exam will be a "zero" mark which may jeopardize the student's final mark"
If you miss more than a month of school due to an extended vacation, you may lose your place at Tupper and have to re-register upon your return.
So, I have an excused absence from school, what do I do?
1. Bring a note from home on your first day back. The note must include your name, the dates you were away and your parent/guardian's signature.
2. When you get to school, pick up an absence slip from the office. Attach it to your note and get your teachers to sign it.
3. Once it's been signed, return it to the office. THIS IS THE CRITICAL STEP. IT MUST GO TO THE OFFICE TO GET EXCUSED.
So, I have no excuse for missing classes what do I do?
1. It can be overwhelming when you've missed class-- you realize you've missed too much work and it's much easier to live in denial and continue to skip out. But the problem just gets bigger the longer you ignore it. Take responsibility for yourself. It's never too late to make positive changes in your life. There are lots of people here who can support you in this.
2. Talk to your parents and your teachers---they care about you and want to support you making positive changes. Take ownership for your absences, don't blame other people.
3. If there's a problem talk to someone--talk to me, a teacher, coach or family member---we're here to help!
