Family Handbook 2025-26

ACADEMIC LIFE

Senior School 1. ​ The student emails the Head of Senior School and copies her parents. In this email, please provide all relevant details, including the reason for the absence and date. 2. ​ The request is considered and parents may be required to meet with the Head of the Senior School if the school has concerns about the timing and length of the planned absence. 3. ​ The Head of Senior School will provide a copy of the Extended Absence Form to the student and copy their Guidance Counsellor and the Day School Office, who will update their attendance file. The purpose of this form is to record the essential material for which students are responsible and record any adjusted due dates for assessments that they need to complete upon their return to school. It ensures clear and consistent communication between the teachers and the student. Please follow the instructions on that form. 4. ​ Students are required to communicate or meet with each teacher prior to leaving to discuss essential work they must complete and record any new deadlines for assessments. It is important that this is recorded in the Extended Absence Form to ensure clear communication and to look for any conflicts upon return. Students will be able to follow along with the daily work on Canvas, but communicating directly with the teacher will be essential in order to ensure all work is completed in a timely manner as specified by the teacher. There will be no remote access (via Zoom) for extended absences. Unplanned Extended Absences Sometimes it is necessary for students to miss school for an extended period of time when they are sick, injured or otherwise unwell. In these instances, Havergal will reasonably accommodate and support the student. In general, however, when students are unexpectedly absent from school due to illness, they should check their Canvas class website to see what was missed during their absences, talk to their teachers about missed assessments and take responsibility for catching up on what they missed. In more serious cases, the school will act to reasonably support the learning needs of unwell students with compassion. These are uniquely considered on a case-by-case basis by the academic team with input from the Deputy Principal, if required. As the duration of an absence increases and opportunities to demonstrate the learning required in credit courses decreases, the academic success becomes uncertain. There are specific requirements and documentation for parents to provide in these cases, depending on the length of the absence. Please refer to page 28 of the Course Calendar for more detailed information about Havergal’s Extended Absence procedures for unexpected absences.

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