Our school uses SafeArrival to report student absences. SafeArrival is designed to make it easier, faster, and more convenient for families to report absences and late arrivals.

With SafeArrival, there’s no need to call the school and leave a message. Instead, you can quickly and securely report your child’s absence in one of three ways:

• Using the SM Home App: Download and install the SM Home app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.

• Online: Visit home.schoolmessenger.ca.

• Phone: Call the toll-free number 1-844-478-2598 and follow the prompts.

Further detailed instructions are available on the OCSB website.

Dear Parents and Guardians,

The Ministry of Education has introduced new requirements for attendance and participation in Ontario secondary schools. Beginning this semester, attendance and participation will count toward a student's grade in every secondary course.

Here is what OCSB families need to know.

How much will attendance and participation count?

• Grades 9 and 10: 15% of the overall course grade

• Grades 11 and 12: 10% of the overall course grade

Attendance and participation will be assessed at both the midterm and final reporting periods.  The criteria below is a clear reflection of ministry expectations.

What will be assessed?

Teachers will use consistent criteria across OCSB secondary schools to assess attendance and participation.

Attendance includes:

• Attending class regularly

• The number of unexcused absences

• Arriving promptly to class

Participation includes:

• Taking part in classroom learning and activities

• Using class time productively

• Working respectfully and productively with others

• Completing assigned work and asking for help when needed

What if my child needs to miss school?

We know there are times when students need to be away from school because of illness, appointments or other circumstances. Families should continue to report absences as they normally would and contact the school about extended absences or circumstances that may affect their child's attendance.

Individualized attendance plans already developed for students with specific health needs will continue to be honoured.

How can families help?

Regular attendance and active participation help students stay connected to their learning, their teachers and their classmates.

Families can help by encouraging regular attendance and punctuality, reporting absences promptly and encouraging their child to speak with their teacher when they need additional support.

We know that every student and every family's circumstances are different, and families know their children best. Our goal is to work together with families to help every student stay connected, engaged and successful at school. Our schools will continue to support students and families and will reach out when attendance or participation becomes a concern.

If you have questions or circumstances you would like us to be aware of, please contact your school. We are here to work with you and support your child's success.

Attendance and Participation Rubric - Grades 9 & 10 Final

Attendance and Participation Rubric - Grades 11 & 12 Final

To support an optimal learning environment and minimize daily classroom disruptions, St. Mark High School asks parents and guardians to review and follow our updated school policies regarding early sign-outs and dropped-off items.

Updated Student Sign-Out Procedures by planning ahead, you help us protect valuable instructional time for all students.

• Advance Written Notes: If your student needs to leave school early, please send them with a signed note indicating the date, time, and reason for the early departure. Your student should present this note directly to their classroom teacher at the scheduled sign-out time before proceeding to the main office.

• Pre-Arranged Pickup Plans: Please coordinate departure times and pickup locations directly with your student prior to the start of the school day.

• Locating Students During PE or Lunch: We strongly encourage parents to become familiar with their student’s daily class schedule. Office staff are often unable to locate or call students out during physical education classes or lunch periods.

Student Item Drop-Off Policy

• Labeling & Drop-Off Location: Parents/guardians dropping off items during the day must clearly label the item with the student's full name and leave it in the main office.

• Student Notification: It is the responsibility of the family to ensure their student knows an item is being dropped off for them.

• Classroom Protection: To minimize distractions during instructional time, the main office will not interrupt classes to announce or deliver forgotten items.

Thank you for your ongoing partnership and support in keeping our school day running smoothly!

Please update your School Messenger Settings to allow General Messages