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Attendance Information

Attendance and Safe Arrival – Frequently Asked Questions

What is my responsibility as a parent regarding my child's attendance?

Please see the excerpt below from the TVDSB Attendance/Safe Arrival of Elementary Students Procedure:

Responsibility of Parents/Guardians

  • Parents/guardians have the primary responsibility for ensuring their children’s regular school attendance. The Education Act stipulates that students should only be absent for reasons such as illness, music lessons, suspension, expulsion, and quarantines.
  • Parents/guardians shall:
  • Utilize the Attendance Reporting System to report any student absence prior to the start of the school day.
  • Sign in and/or sign out their child in the main office when arriving late or leaving early.
  • Ensure the school has accurate contact and emergency information on file.

How do I report an absence, late arrival, or early departure?

You can report your child’s absence using the SchoolMessenger system:

If an absence will be longer than 10 days, please notify the school office directly.

I told my child’s teacher they would be away—why am I still receiving attendance calls?

Attendance calls are sent to families who have not reported an absence to the office or through SchoolMessenger. While informing the teacher is helpful, this information may not always reach the office. It is best to report absences directly using SchoolMessenger or by contacting the office.

If I report a late arrival using the app, does my child still need to sign in at the office?

Yes. Reporting a late arrival does not sign your child in. Students must always check in at the office when arriving late.

What is the purpose of a late slip?

A late slip is not a punishment. It ensures the office knows your child is at school (by signing them in) and helps the teacher confirm the student has checked in.

I dropped my child off late, but the system says they are absent—why?

This may happen for one of the following reasons:

  1. The office was not informed that your child would be arriving late.
  2. The student arrived after attendance was taken and did not check in at the office.

What if I am unsure of my child’s arrival time or reported it incorrectly?

You can call the school office directly and staff will assist you.

If I report an early departure in the app, do I still need to sign them out?

Yes. Reporting an early departure does not sign your child out. You must notify the office when you arrive to pick them up or if your child will be leaving on their own with permission.

How can I ensure my child is ready if I am picking them up early?

Reporting the early departure in advance gives the office time to notify the teacher. If it is close to dismissal time and you have not reported it, please call the office directly.

Who should I contact if I have questions about attendance reporting?

Please contact the school office for assistance with SchoolMessenger or attendance procedures.