Student Attendance

Build the Habit of Good Attendance

Regular attendance is one of the most important factors in student success. When students attend school consistently, they are more likely to develop strong academic skills, build positive relationships, experience a sense of belonging, and stay engaged in their learning. Research shows that even missing two days of school per month can have a significant impact on learning and achievement.

In SD83, our approach to attendance is guided by our values of Belonging, Respect, Reconciliation, Empathy, Equity, and Perseverance. We recognize that families, schools, and communities all play an important role in supporting positive attendance habits and student well-being.

Why Attendance Matters

Regular school attendance helps students:

• Develop strong literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving skills.
• Build confidence, routines, and positive learning habits.
• Create meaningful relationships with peers and adults.
• Strengthen their sense of belonging and connection to school.
• Access opportunities that support future educational and career pathways.
• Stay on track toward graduation and future success.

How Families Can Help

Families can support regular attendance by:

• Establishing consistent bedtime and morning routines.
• Planning appointments outside school hours whenever possible.
• Monitoring attendance and following up on absences.
• Communicating with the school when concerns arise.
• Encouraging students to participate in school activities and maintain positive connections at school.
• Seeking support from school staff when attendance challenges occur.

Supporting Student Engagement

Attendance challenges can sometimes be linked to academic, social, health, or emotional concerns. Our schools work collaboratively with students and families to understand barriers to attendance and provide support. Through a balanced, fair, and restorative approach, we focus on building relationships, promoting accountability, repairing harm when needed, and ensuring safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environments for all students.