JEA-P1 - Student Attendance and Absences

Under the provisions of the Public Schools Act, every pupil must attend school regularly.  The Principal has the authority to excuse children in the case of medical or dental appointments or sickness, or for any other acceptable reason, according to the policies established in each school.  (See also JCA-P1, JM-P1)

The school will make every effort to follow up on, and determine reasons for, any student absenteeism.

A student who is excused must fulfill the school’s requirements in order to be promoted.

[PSA 260 (1)(2)] [PSA 58.7(b)]

As per The Public Schools Act, where a child is absent from school, the teacher or the employee recording school attendance shall, in writing report the matter, including the name . of the child, to the principal of the school. A principal who receives a report of an absence must, if satisfied that the child is in fact absent, (a) report the absence to the child’s parent; and (b) inform them of their obligation to ensure that the child attends school

A Principal must report a child’s absence to the local school attendance officer if the principal is satisfied that (a) the child continues to be absent from school after the child’s parent has been informed of the absence; and (b) the parent has had a reasonable opportunity to comply with their obligations under this act.

More information on Student Presence and Engagement, a Safe and Caring Schools Manitoba Education Policy Directive, can be found here.

School Principals shall be responsible for keeping regular records of student attendance within their respective schools.

The Superintendent of Schools (as Attendance Officer), is responsible for the attendance accounting for the Division.  [PSA 264(1)] [M.R. 468/88, 40.1(1)]

K - 12

It is the Principal’s responsibility to ensure that attendance id kept up-to-date and entered in the current student information systems.   Attendance should be printed annually and filed at the school as per EJB-P1.

Principal’s Monthly Report 

Principals will submit the report to Division Office at the end of each month, with the following information:

• enrolment by grades;

• pupil transfers in;

• pupils leaving; and,

• pupil absenteeism (truancy).

All attendance is recorded and controlled through the Division Office.  Division procedure is as follows:

1. The Principal must report students with less than 80% monthly attendance, unless the absence is deemed unavoidable by the Principal;

2. The Principal may report students who have attended more than 80% but whose attendance they deem unsatisfactory;

3. When the Principal reports a student to the Attendance Officer (Superintendent) for action, this should be indicated;

4. The parents/guardians of said students will be notified: and, 

5. If the student does not return to the school or attendance is not satisfactory following contact with the parents/guardians, other action will be considered by the Attendance Officer in consultation with the Board. 

[PSA 96(1)(b), 264(3), 268(1)]

[M.R. 268/88 (40.1(1)]