Attendance and Participation Policy

1.1 Principles of Attendance & Participation

Regular attendance and active participation are essential components of student success at Ontario International High School (OIHS). They support meaningful learning, academic engagement, and the overall integrity of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma.

Students are expected to:

Attend all scheduled classes on time unless an official excused absence applies.
Participate actively in classroom discussions, group activities, and learning tasks.
Contribute positively to the learning environment and respect the contributions of classmates and staff.
Complete assigned learning activities and submit required assessments in a timely manner.
Communicate proactively with teachers and staff regarding any potential absences or scheduling conflicts.

In accordance with the Ontario Ministry of Education's Growing Success policy, attendance and participation are considered as part of the student's overall achievement and are reflected in the final grade.

1.2 Synchronous & Asynchronous Course Attendance

Attendance requirements vary based on the delivery format of the course:

Synchronous Courses: Attendance records are maintained for all scheduled live classes. Absences are classified as either excused (permitted under policy for illness, medical appointments, or approved observances without penalty) or unexcused.

Asynchronous Courses: Logging into the LMS, opening lessons, or watching videos alone does not constitute attendance. Attendance is established through Attendance Evidence Records (AERs), which include assessments for/as learning, discussion forums, progress check-ins, teacher conferences, quizzes, learning logs, and reflections. Each course has a set number of AERs, and each carries equal weight for attendance purposes.

1.3 Attendance and Participation Assessment

Attendance and participation are evaluated together with other evidence of student learning based on the following performance levels:

Level 4 (80%–100%): 0–2.5% unexcused absences (approx. 2 or fewer classes per semester). Consistently participates, contributes ideas, asks relevant questions, respects others, and fosters a positive classroom environment.

Level 3 (70%–79%): 2.5–5% unexcused absences (approx. 3 to 5 classes per semester). Generally participates and contributes positively.

Level 2 (60%–69%): 5–7.5% unexcused absences (approx. 5 to 7 classes per semester). Occasionally participates and demonstrates inconsistent engagement.

Level 1 (50%–59%): 7.5–10% unexcused absences (approx. 8 to 9 classes per semester). Participates infrequently and demonstrates limited engagement. Below Level 1 (Below 50%): More than 10% unexcused absences (more than 9 classes per semester). Demonstrates little or no participation or engagement.

1.4 Attendance Monitoring and Student Support

Attendance is monitored continuously throughout each academic term. Where patterns of repeated unexcused absences or disengagement are identified, OIHS may:

Notify the student and parent(s)/guardian(s), where applicable.
Initiate an academic review through the Education Team.
Recommend academic or student success supports.
Develop an intervention plan to improve attendance and engagement.
Review the student's enrolment status where appropriate.

1.5 Voluntary Course Withdrawal

Students requesting to withdraw from a course must adhere to the following procedures:

Withdrawal requests must be submitted using the official Student Support Form (verbal or informal requests are not recognized).
Grade 11 and 12 Courses: Withdrawals made within five business days of receiving the midterm report card are not recorded on the Ontario Student Transcript (OST). Withdrawals after this period are recorded on the OST with a "W" and the percentage grade at the time of withdrawal.
Grade 9 and 10 Courses: Withdrawals are not recorded on the OST regardless of timing.

1.6 Final Authority

OIHS reserves the right to make final decisions regarding attendance records, classification of absences, participation evaluations, enrolment status, course withdrawal, and transcript reporting in accordance with Ontario Ministry of Education requirements.