Attendance Policy

Ensuring Success Through Consistent Participation

CIC Ontario Secondary School's Attendance Policy emphasizes the importance of regular attendance as it is directly related to student success. We believe that students must attend class consistently to be well prepared for university and beyond. Our policy aligns with the Ontario Ministry of Education’s requirements to ensure every student meets the necessary standards for academic achievement.

Attendance in online courses is just as crucial as in traditional classroom settings. Active participation is defined by regular engagement in course activities, including tests, assignments, discussion forums, and projects. Students who fail to maintain active participation will be subject to our attendance policy procedures to ensure they meet the 110-hour requirement for credit courses.

Attendance Requirements

Class Attendance: Students are expected to attend all classes. Internet-based courses are no different from traditional classroom courses in this regard.
Active Participation: Attendance in online courses is defined as active participation in the course as described in the individual course syllabus and Ontario Ministry of Education Course Expectations.

Methods of Recording Participation

Internet-based courses will, at a minimum, have weekly assignments to record student participation, which can be documented by any or all of the following methods:

Completion of tests
Completion/submission of ISU Projects or portfolio
Submission/completion of assignments
Participation in Discussion Forums
Completion of writing assignments with set time and date

Handling Absences

Missed Classes: When a student misses a class, they will be expected to make up the time missed.
Teacher Consultation: Teachers and the student will consult about how to make up the time and how to assess the skills and knowledge that would have been missed by the student.

Credit Requirements

The Ministry of Education mandates that an academic credit includes 110 hours of classroom instruction. Students who miss eight or more classes in a course of study may not be able to attain a credit in the course. The Administrative Team will review the circumstances related to the student and the reasons for absence.

Exceeding the Absence Limit:

Importance of Attendance

f a student's absences exceed the limit of eight classes in a course, the following actions will be taken:

Administrative Review: The Administrative Team will review the student's attendance record and the reasons for the excessive absences.
Student and Parent Meeting: A meeting will be scheduled with the student, their parents, and relevant school staff to discuss the situation and potential solutions.
Make-Up Plan: A plan will be developed to help the student make up missed time and assignments, if feasible.
Credit Impact: If it is determined that the student cannot meet the 110-hour requirement, they may not receive credit for the course.

Maintaining regular attendance is crucial for academic success and preparation for future educational endeavors. Consistent participation ensures students stay engaged with the curriculum and develop the necessary skills for their academic and professional journeys. Understanding the impact of absences highlights the importance of commitment and responsibility in achieving educational goals.