Family Handbook 2026-27

ACADEMIC LIFE

2. ​ The request is considered and parents may be required to meet with the Assistant Head if the school has concerns about the timing and length of the planned absence. 3. ​ The Assistant Head will provide a copy of the Extended Absence Form to the student and copy their Guidance Counsellor, TA 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 teachers and students. Please follow the instructions on that form. 4. ​ Students are required to communicate with or meet with each teacher before leaving to discuss essential work they must complete and to 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 students need to miss school for an extended period 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 Head of the Upper School, if required. As the duration of an absence increases and opportunities to demonstrate the learning required in credit courses decreases, 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. Returning From an Extended Absence After Illness Upon returning to school after an extended absence due to illness, parents are asked to send an email of explanation and/or a doctor’s note or hospital discharge summary that will be shared with the School Nurse. The Nurse keeps this note on file. To prevent the spread of infection, students should not come back to school until they have completely recovered. In the case of communicable diseases such as measles, chickenpox, etc., the school must be provided with a medical certificate indicating that all danger of infection is over and that the student is fit to return to school.

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