Dear TLDSB parents/guardians,
A regular attendance routine is important for your child(ren)’s well-being, learning, and long-term success. We know and understand that there are times when it is necessary for your child to miss school, and we hope that they will return as soon as they are able to.
Illness and school attendance
As we approach the winter months and try to prevent the spread of illnesses in school, we encourage you to monitor your child(ren)’s health and keep them home if they have a fever, vomited in the last 24 hours, or have diarrhea. If your child(ren) has a runny nose, small cough, and/or mild stomach ache, they can attend school.
We know that when students miss school, their academic performance is directly impacted. When not at school, students can miss out on the classroom teachings, leading them to fall behind on what is being taught and/or lose credits, which could impact their ability to graduate.
Benefits of good attendance
Regularly attending school is important because it helps students to:
- Improve social connections, which benefits mental health – interacting with peers, working as a team, and navigating diverse social environments allow students to learn essential interpersonal skills. Social interactions are an important part of life.
- Learn how to problem solve at school, which is an essential skill that will be invaluable throughout their life.
- Be exposed to moderately stressful experiences, which helps students to overcome feelings of anxiety and build their resilience to manage difficult situations moving forward.
- Ensure secondary school credits are obtained for graduation.
Welcoming spaces
We also know that students who feel safe and connected to school are more likely to attend every day and this starts with a welcoming environment.
Here are some things that TLDSB schools are doing to create welcoming spaces:
- Providing day-to-day activities for students to engage with one another.
- Offering increased support for students who may be dealing with anxiety and/or behavioural issues.
- Ensuring students have regular breaks for nutrition and exercise.
- Providing access to snacks and drinking water during the day.
- Making connections with other students and caring adults.
Supports in school
In elementary and secondary school, your child’s teacher is monitoring attendance each day and period, and calls home will be made to ensure parents/guardians are aware of any absences. Your child’s teacher is the person you should reach out to should you have any questions or concerns about your child’s attendance and/or academic progress. Together, parents/guardians and teachers can work to create the best possible environment for students to be successful.
If you need help with supporting your child(ren)’s attendance, please contact your child’s teacher or the school principal.
Survey reminder
Parents/guardians, please give us your feedback on how the beginning of school has been by filling out this short, anonymous survey, which closes tomorrow (Friday, October 25).
Sincerely,
Wes Hahn
Director of Education
Trillium Lakelands District School Board
