School Culture & Environment

Attendance

Regular attendance at school fosters students' confidence in themselves as learners and enhances their role as active participants and valuable contributors in their school community. Even in early grades, regular attendance lays the foundation for students' academic success, positioning them for high school completion and future career opportunities.​

Alberta Education defines chronic absenteeism as missing 10% or more of instructional time. Whether excused or unexcused absences, missed instructional time can create gaps in students' learning. 

CBE responds to student absenteeism concerns in accordance with the Alberta Education Act and takes into consideration each student's unique context (AR 6020).

Chronic absenteeism may indicate that your child is experiencing challenges in other aspects of their life. Parents play a pivotal role in ensuring their child attends school regularly to fully benefit from the educational opportunities provided by their school. Engage your child in a conversation to understand the underlying concerns affecting their attendance. Your child's school can assist with identifying barriers and exploring strategies for attendance improvement.  

Attend School Today for more Choices Tomorrow!

Did you know? 

• By Grade 3, students with regular attendance are more likely to read at grade level.
  
• By Grade 6, regular attendance is a predictor of high school completion.
  
• ​By Grade 9, regular attendance is a better predictor of graduation rates than test scores.
• Students who attend daily are less likely to fall behind in school.
  
• Concerns with school attendance may indicate other challenges in a student’s life.
  
• Regular school attendance is an important life skill on the path to graduation and future employment.​​

Tips for improving your child's school attendance

• Listen and show an interest in your child’s day.
  
• Encourage your child to do well in school and praise their success.
  
• ​Help your child maintain daily routines such as, eating breakfast, turning off electronics two hours before bedtime and going to bed early.
  
• If possible try to schedule dental and medical appointments after school hours or on days off from school.
  
• Send your child to school unless sick.
  
• It may be a concern if your child is often sick, complains about going to school and/or struggles with school work.
  
• Ask for help from the school before the problem gets too big. No problem is too small​.
  

Work with your school to find solutions to improve your child’s attendance.

Suspensions/Expulsions

Parents accompany students suspended from their community school for longer than five days (unless an independent student) and meet with school administration. A determination is then made to reinstate the student in the community school or expel according to Section 37 of the Education Act – Chapter E-0.3 and Administrative Regulation 6007 - Suspension and Expulsion.

Following the Board Delegate's decision, students must then be reinstated to the suspending school or directed to an appropriate available educational program. Various family and school actions result from the expulsion hearing to ensure success for the student.

• Grades 1 - 7
  Contact your Area Office​
• Grades 8 - 12
  Contact School Improvement 403-817-7664​
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