January 3, 2025

Dear Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers,

We hope this letter finds you well. We are writing to inform you about our school’s updated lateness and absentee policy, which is designed to ensure that all students are given the best opportunity to succeed in their education. We kindly ask for your support in promoting punctuality and regular attendance, as both are key factors in student achievement.

Lateness Policy

Be on time. Although arriving late to class can occasionally happen to all students, being late without a legitimate excuse on a regular basis is a concern. First, a student who is late often misses a significant amount of instruction. Second, by coming late to class, a student may interfere with the learning of others. Finally, we believe that the school should expect punctuality, as it is a personal attribute valued by society at large.

• School Start Time: Warning bell at 8:25am. Class begins at 8:30am.

• Late Arrival: Students arriving after 8:30am on Monday/Wednesday/Friday; and 9:30am on

Tuesday/Thursday (PLT days) will be marked as late.

• Consequences for Repeated Lateness: Accumulated lateness will be monitored, and if required we will request a meeting with the parents to discuss any underlying issues and ways to address the pattern of lateness. Additionally, students who are frequently late may lose the privilege of participating in extracurricular activities, including sports teams, clubs, and other after-school events. Repeated lateness may also impact eligibility for school scholarships and reference letters.

Absentee Policy

The semester is fast, and we expect students to be in attendance as much as possible. Parents/Guardians, please phone the school’s Absentee Line (604-718- 4004) if your child is going to be away ill or will be late. The school Early Warning System will call home to confirm an absence unless a prior telephone call is made to the school by

the parent/guardian in the morning.

Regular attendance is vital for learning success. When a student is absent, it disrupts not only their own learning but also the classroom environment. We ask that you notify the school as soon as possible if your child will be absent, providing the reason for the absence.

• Excused Absences: Absences will be considered excused for reasons such as illness, family emergencies, or religious observances. A doctor’s note may be required for extended illnesses.

• Unexcused Absences: Any absence not covered by a valid excuse will be marked as unexcused.

Accumulated unexcused absences may lead to further action, including meetings with parents, learning support services, and/or referral to the school’s administration or counsellors.

• Consequences for Unexcused Absences: Students who have a pattern of unexcused absences may lose the privilege of participating in extracurricular activities, including sports teams, clubs, and other afterschool events. Additionally, unexcused absences may impact eligibility for school scholarships and reference letters.

• Make-up Work: For excused absences, students are expected to make up any missed work promptly. Please contact your child’s teacher if you need assistance with this.

We understand that life can sometimes present challenges, and we are here to support you and your child. If there are any concerns or difficulties related to attendance, please do not hesitate to reach out to the school administration. Together, we can work to create a positive and productive environment for all students.

Thank you for your cooperation and continued support in fostering a culture of punctuality and attendance. We look forward to working together to ensure your child's success and to a successful end of semester and the remaining school year.

With appreciation,

McMath Administration Team