Dear PMSS Parents and Guardians:
As we enter the home stretch of this school year, we thought it important to reach out and share some thoughts on student attendance. In comparing PMSS year-over-year attendance data, our number of ‘unexcused’ absences has increased significantly this year. Research shows that regular school attendance is directly linked to academic achievement, social development, and future success.
Why Attendance Matters:
According to studies by the Canadian Council on Learning and Attendance Works, students who attend school consistently are more likely to:
Achieve higher grades and develop stronger literacy and numeracy skills.
Build positive relationships with peers and teachers, leading to better social and emotional well-being.
Develop strong work habits and time-management skills that are essential for future success in post-secondary education and the workforce.
Graduate on time – students with frequent absences are at a much higher risk of falling behind and dropping out.
The Impact of Absenteeism:
Even missing just two days a month, including excused absences, can add up to more than a year of lost learning by graduation. Research indicates that students who are absent 10% or more of the school year (roughly 18 days) are significantly less likely to meet grade-level expectations and graduate on time.
How Families Can Support Attendance:
We recognize that illnesses and family emergencies may sometimes make absences unavoidable, but there are ways you can help ensure your child attends school regularly:
Set a consistent morning and bedtime routine to help your child be well-rested and ready for the school day.
Schedule medical and personal appointments outside of school hours whenever possible.
Communicate with the school if your child is facing challenges that affect their attendance – we are here to help.
Encourage a positive attitude toward school by staying engaged with their learning and school activities.
As communicated throughout the year, a reminder that our ‘Autodialer’ program is no longer in service. Our IT Department will have a replacement product in place for September 2025. In the meantime, we highly encourage families to review attendance at least weekly in MyClass. Click HERE for instructions on how to view attendance for your student.
Extended Absences:
We are sometimes asked about students missing extended periods of time for family vacations etc. We want to emphasize the importance of classroom attendance and engagement and the role it plays in your child’s learning journey. Classroom instruction offers more than just content delivery; it provides opportunities for interactive learning, peer collaboration, and teacher guidance tailored to your child’s individual needs. These interactions foster critical thinking skills, creativity, and social development, which are integral components of a well-rounded education. When students miss classroom instruction, they may miss out on valuable discussions, hands-on activities, and real-time feedback that enrich their learning experience.
Additionally, trying to cover missed material independently may not always align perfectly with the pace and focus of classroom instruction, potentially leading to confusion or gaps in understanding which may negatively impact student achievement. Teachers are likely not able to provide work in advance of an extended absence. Students will need to connect with teachers via email or Teams while away and/or make up the work missed upon their return.
Reporting Absences:
If your student is going to be absent for all or part of a day, please log the absence via the Parent Portal, email pmss_reception@sd42.ca, or contact the school directly by telephone (604-465-7141). A reminder to families that if students need to leave school during the school day, we must confirm with a parent or guardian. If you have not advised us either by phone or the Parent Portal, we will contact you by telephone to confirm.
Additional Supports:
If your child is experiencing difficulties that impact their ability to attend school regularly, please reach out to our administration, counselors, or support staff. We are here to provide resources and assistance to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed.
Some local resources that you may find helpful include:
Ridge Meadows Foundry:
https://foundrybc.ca/ridgemeadows/
Ridge Meadows Community Services:
https://www.comservice.bc.ca/program_categories/children-youth/
Family Education and Support Centre:
https://www.familyed.bc.ca/
Child Youth Mental Health Clinic:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/mental-health-substance-use/child-teen-mental-health/mental-health-intake-clinics#fraser
Thank you for your partnership in supporting your child’s education. We appreciate your commitment to their success and look forward to a productive end to the school year. We will continue to monitor individual unexcused absences for the remainder of the year. Where we continue to see large numbers of absences, staff will reach out to set up meetings with families to discuss ways we can help support increased attendance.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to your grade level administrator with any questions you might have.
Thank you.
Colin Sharpe
Principal
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