Updated: March 2024
The school year lasts 179 days in the Upper School and 177 days in the Elementary School. Students are required to attend all classes and activities on all days school is in session.
Students who are absent from school will be excused by the Head of School or his/her designee only in the following circumstances:
- Personal illness
- Illness of a member of the immediate family which requires that the student be away
- Participation in authorized school trips
- Family emergencies or occasional medical appointments which cannot be made outside school hours
- A unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience, where the student is required to plan ahead for homework, and agrees on a method to reflect on and share the experience with others
- In the case of exceptional circumstances, as approved by the Head of School or divisional principal, up to two additional excused absences per year.
In Grade 1-Grade 5 absences are differentiated as follows:
In cases of repeated unexcused absences, the school administration is required to ensure compulsory school attendance is taking place and will arrange meetings with parents to address the matter, if needed.
If a student has missed more than 15% of an academic semester, the school reserves the right not to provide an academic report card.
The Upper School differentiates absences as follows:
Medical absence
School-related absence (such as MUN, sports, music events)
Non-school related absence (such as a wedding, funeral, special events and/or special holidays)
See Absences Rubric in Student Handbook for parent, teacher and student responsibilities in the event of an absence.
In the Upper School, a doctor's certificate is required after three consecutive days of absence. Students should make arrangements with teachers to make up any work missed. Each division will follow procedures that allow students a reasonable time to complete work / assessments either before or after a medical absence.
Any absence that extends a school or public holiday (or during exam weeks) will need discussion and agreement with the principal or designee.
Upper School students must be present 85% or more of a semester (excluding school-related absences) in order to receive academic credit. In the event of an extended absence, the student support team (counselor, year head, and assistant principal) will meet and discuss strategies to ensure academic achievement is met. Students who are sick may make up work with tutorial assistance and may receive credit if they complete the work successfully.
Absence from class without permission
Students are required to attend all scheduled classes and activities. If a student is absent from a class without permission, the student will be reported to the principal or year head who will take appropriate disciplinary action.
Lateness to school
School attendance is taken during morning homeroom. If students arrive at school after the school day has started (08:32) they must report to their school office. Students frequently late may receive additional consequences.
Early departure
If it is necessary for a student to leave school early on a particular day, communication from the parent explaining the circumstances must be shared with the school office (email is preferred). Before leaving, students must sign out from the office.
Upper School Physical Education Absence Excuses
A medical excuse or a note from parents must be given to the physical education teacher to excuse the student from physical education. Any student who is unable to partake in physical education will be given suitable or relevant work to do and may not participate in after-school physical activities - REAL or sports.