Family Handbook 2024-25

ACADEMIC LIFE

Extended Student Absences and Exchange Policies

Extended Student Absences An extended absence is defined as missing three or more consecutive days of school. Absenteeism from planned or unplanned extended absences can seriously jeopardize a student’s overall achievement in any subject and in every grade if too many classes are missed during the school year. It is important that families think carefully before asking the school to approve a planned extended absence. At Havergal, students are expected to participate in class activities and discussions and work collaboratively with their peers in small groups. Students on extended absences miss the rich learning and rigour that occurs in class. Havergal makes reasonable accommodations for elite athletes and exceptional family requests that may warrant students missing an extended period of time from school. The school may ask for supporting documentation before it sanctions an extended absence request. Our faculty are not expected to re-teach the missed content of entire units and lessons when students are absent. However, they are expected to support students upon their return by providing extra help, explanations and clarification after students have reviewed the missed material. Our online learning platform, Canvas, will be a great resource for your daughter. Students who miss school due to a school sanctioned absence should prepare for that absence by speaking to their teachers in advance to rearrange assignment deadlines as necessary. Teachers will be responsive to such requests and provide reasonable changes to the deadlines. In this way, students will be supported during a school sanctioned absence. The student’s guidance counsellor is there as a support, should your daughter need assistance. Procedure to Follow for a Extended Absence Parents must reach out to the Head of Junior, Middle, Senior and Boarding Schools at least one week in advance of a planned extended absence. If the Head of School is not notified with at least one week's notice, they are not able to support appropriately and ensure the teachers are also supported. Junior School The Head of Junior School will work directly with the homeroom teacher to support the child and family.

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