Local school boards are getting ready for the new changes to attendance policies mandated by the province.
This will take effect before the 2026-27 school year begins.
Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB) CEO Gary Girardi mentioned that attendance and participation will now account for 15 percent of the final grade in Grades 9 and 10, and 10 percent in Grades 11 and 12.
“How we look at those items has always been important to us, it’s just that there’s an assessment component that’s going to be involved with it as directed from the ministry and from the minister,” said Girardi. “But, we want to remind parents that a way to help with that process is to make sure that they communicate clearly with us when there are absences.”
Education Minister Paul Calandra stated that absences due to bereavement, official school trips, school-organized sports, bad weather, or approved medical reasons won’t affect a student’s grade.
Individual school principals will ultimately decide if non-school sports tournaments or extended family vacations can be excused.
Students who rack up more than two unexcused absences risk losing all points from the attendance and participation part of their grade.
Girardi noted some parents have shared concerns about rapidly changing technology across all areas.
“That is a significant concern, so we see that actually as an opportunity, a place for us to work with our students and staff so that we can make sure they see this as a tool they can use as they prepare themselves for a future in the world of work or in post-secondary education,” he said.
The LKDSB has seen strong enrollment numbers this summer similar to last year’s figures.
Girardi pointed out they’ve invested time and effort into skilled trades programs, leadership opportunities, and experiential learning.
Around 14,500 elementary students and 7,400 secondary students are expected in public schools across Sarnia-Lambton and Chatham-Kent.
Support for students and families is available in both Sarnia and Chatham.
You can access them online by emailing [email protected] or calling 1-800-754-7125. They’re also available in person at both the Sarnia Education Centre and Chatham Regional Education Centre.
On another note, St. Clair Catholic District School Board CEO Lisa Demers said they’re reaching out to parents regarding the new provincial rules too.
“Communication will be going to parents and secondary students to advise them of those changes,” said Demers. “Attendance has always been important, but it’s especially important now with the new ministry regulations related to losing marks if you aren’t in attendance for certain reasons.”
Demers mentioned their schools have been growing in enrollment although specific numbers won’t be clear until fall semester starts.
“For example, both Ursuline College Chatham and St. Patrick’s High School in Sarnia are higher than previous years, and we are excited that families continue choosing Catholic education,” she said. “We look forward to seeing all our new kindergarten students especially along with our grade 8 students moving up into grade 9. Those are incredible milestones people really get excited about.”
Demers added they’re aiming to bring their strategic plan for 2026-2030 into action.
“It’s grounded in the themes of believe, achieve, and accompany,” said Demers. “These guiding principles reflect our belief that every student deserves an environment where faith, learning, dignity, and compassion are at the heart of their growth. So I would suggest that as we enter into our new strategic plan it’s a very special year.”
Demers also mentioned they’ve teamed up with the Children’s Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent who is acting as program partner for the autism transition classroom at St. Angela Merici Catholic School.
She noted they sold their last surplus building-the former George P. Vanier school in Chatham.
Demers highlighted infrastructure improvements including a new walking track at St. Michael’s in Brights Grove along with accessibility upgrades and better shade structures at various facilities.
Students from both school boards will return on Tuesday September 8th.
Source link
Source link
