There is a positive relationship between regular attendance and success in school. It is the shared responsibility of the students, parents and staff of Huron Heights Secondary School to promote individual excellence in academic achievement. Teachers and administrators monitor student attendance, maintain accurate attendance records, counsel students with attendance problems, and inform parents/guardians of attendance concerns.
If students have an unauthorized absence, the automated attendant will call your home. Unexcused lateness or absences from class may result in school consequences, including possible detentions, parent meetings or suspensions.
Research supports that regular attendance is necessary in any learning situation. The classroom experience is irreplaceable; however, where necessary, parental authorized absences occur. Teachers may provide an alternative learning experience as outlined in departmental policies.
If you are going to be absent or late:
Have your parent or yourself (if over 18) call the school at (905) 895-2384 before 9:00 a.m. on the day of your absence. Messages may be left by your parents or you (over 18) on our automated telephone system, or with a secretary after 8:30 a.m.
Upon returning to school:
- If your parent or you (over 18) have called the school, attend your classes as normal.
- If your parent or you (over 18) have not called the school, you must report to the Attendance Secretary with a note from your parent or yourself (over 18) stating the reason(s) for your absence.
If you must leave early:
Before the school day begins or between classes - sign out at the Attendance window. Either bring a note from your parent or have your parent call the Attendance Secretary in advance. Upon signing out, you must leave the school property immediately.
If you are 18 years or older, the same attendance policies and procedures apply to you. Abuse of attendance procedures will result in a review.
Students without Period 1 Homeroom Classes must go to the Attendance window for report cards and other important information.
Vacations
Teachers are focused on supporting student academics. For all our students we recommend that they are conscious of minimizing absences as this may impact their academic results and ultimately their future pathways. Vacations are not supported outside of the designated school breaks. Teachers are not required to provide work, additional assignments/projects, or create alternative assessments for while the student is absent. Parents may not request that summative assessments be moved to accommodate their child’s withdrawal from school. When students are withdrawn from school during instructional days, gaps are created in learning and achievement can be negatively impacted.
When the student becomes aware of a vacation, it is their responsibility to get a Temporary Absence Form from the Main Office. Prior to leaving on the vacation, students are expected to speak with each of their teachers to find out what course content they will be missing, including tests and assignments. Teachers will outline on the Temporary Absence Form a course of study for the student to follow. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that they learn the missed course content and complete assignments that are due for each course while they are away.
Upon the student's return, the teacher is not required to spend time re-teaching the missed course content. Upon the student’s return to school, if assignments were not required to be submitted while they were away, it is the student’s responsibility to seek out the teacher for determination of how missed content will be assessed. The teacher will determine how the student will demonstrate the achievement of the Overall Expectations that were covered during the student’s absence. If a teacher chooses to provide an alternative submission / completion date for an assessment, that is their individual choice and cannot be the expectation for all teachers.
Examinations
- Vacations must not be planned during examination periods. Such absences will result in a grade of zero on the examination.
- Student Summer Employment: Please ensure that your employer is aware that you will be writing examinations and completing final evaluations during the June Examination Week at the end of Semester Two. Training sessions, etc., for work should be scheduled after the conclusion of Examination Week.
- Extended absences must not be planned during exam/summative periods as they cannot be re-scheduled. Such absences will result in a grade of zero on the exam/summative.
- When an exam is missed because of serious illness, the school must be informed immediately, and a valid medical certificate must be provided.