Section B: Attendance and Punctuality

1.0 Attendance

1.1 Compulsory Attendance

• Students must attend all scheduled classes, school assemblies, and extracurricular activities unless excused for valid reasons.
• Attendance will be recorded daily by teachers during each session or class period.

1.2 Minimum Attendance Requirements

• Students are required to maintain a minimum attendance of 90% each term to be eligible for participation in exams and school activities.
• Students falling below this threshold without valid reasons may face consequences such as counselling sessions or disqualification from certain privileges.

1.3 Excused Absences

• Valid reasons for absence include:
• Illness (with a medical certificate).
• Family emergencies (e.g., bereavement, with a parental note).
• Pre-approved school-related activities or events.
• Absences must be reported to the school administration by parents or guardians within 24 hours of the absence.

1.4 Unexcused absences

• Absences without a valid reason or prior notification will be considered unexcused.
• Three unexcused absences in a term will result in a formal warning to parents and a meeting with the school counsellor.

1.5 Truancy

• Truancy (skipping school or classes without permission) is a serious offense and may result in disciplinary action, including detention or temporary suspension.

2.0 Punctuality

2.1 Reporting Time:

• Students must arrive at school by 8.15 AM and be seated in their classrooms or at assembly by 8.25.
• Latecomers must report to the designated office to obtain a late slip before entering class.

2.2 Consequences for Lateness:

• First Lateness: Verbal warning from the duty teacher or attendance officer.
• Second Lateness in a Week: Parental notification through a note or phone call.
• Three or More Lateness in a Term: Required meeting with parents and counsellor, and a written improvement plan.
• Chronic Lateness: May lead to detention, loss of privileges, or being barred from extracurricular participation.

2.3 Punctuality for Classes:

• Students must transition promptly between classes and arrive within the designated time for each period.
• Late arrivals disrupt lessons and may result in being marked tardy.

3.0 Leave of Absence

3.1 Short-Term Leave:

• For planned absences of 1–3 days, students must submit a written request from parents or guardians at least two days in advance.
• Approval must be granted by the class teacher or school administration.

3.2 Long-Term Leave:

• For absences exceeding 3 days, a formal application must be submitted to the principal or vice principal along with supporting documentation (e.g., medical certificates or other evidence).

3.3 Early Departures:

• Students who need to leave school early must present a signed note from parents or guardians to the class teacher or attendance office by 8:30 AM.
• Early departures are permitted only with administrative approval, and students must sign out at the designated office.

4.0 Attendance Documentation:

4.1 Daily Records

• Attendance will be recorded digitally or in attendance registers by class teacher for each session.
• Attendance data will be updated in the school management system and accessible to parents.

4.2 Addressing Attendance Issues

• Any discrepancies in attendance records must be reported within five working days to the school administration for rectification.
• Chronic absenteeism will trigger intervention measures such as parental meetings, counselling, or academic support plans.

5.0 Absentee and Late Excuse Procedure

5.1 Notification of Absence:

• Parents must inform the school via a phone call, email, or written note by 7.30 AM on the day or before of the absence.
• For absences exceeding two days, a follow-up notes, and any required documentation must be submitted.

5.2 Return to School After Absence:

• Students returning to school after an absence must report to the attendance office with a note signed by their parent or guardian.
• In the case of illness, a medical certificate must be provided for absences exceeding three days.

5.3 Repeated Violations:

• Repeated unexcused absences or late arrivals will lead to a review of the student’s overall behaviour and may result in escalation to the disciplinary committee.

6.0 Encouraging Regular Attendance

6.1 Recognition for Perfect Attendance:

• Students with 100% attendance in a term will receive certificates or other recognitions during school assemblies or award ceremonies.

6.2 Support for Attendance Challenges:

• Counselling support will be available for students facing challenges that affect regular attendance.
• Special consideration will be given to students with documented medical or family issues.

7.0 Consequences of Violation

7.1 Unexcused Absences

• First Instance: Verbal Warning and recorded absence
• Second Instance: Written warning, parental notification and counselling
• Third Instance: Detention and write attendance improvement plan

7.2 Chronic Absenteeism (3+ days):

• Parental meeting and possible disqualification from school privileges or activities.

7.3 Lateness:

• First Instance: verbal warning and record of lateness.
• Second Instance: Parental Notification
• Third Instance: Detention and Improvement Plan
• Chronic Lateness: Loss of privileges or suspension from activities.