Policy:
In order for learning to occur, a student must be present within the learning environment. In order to assist students in having the best possible learning experience Nimbus Christian Education has the following expectations regarding attendance:
- All courses will have software that automatically tracks when and for how long a student logs in.
- In some courses the teacher will have additional methods of tracking attendance. For example:
- Checklists to track when completed assignments are handed in.
- Recordings of video and/or audio conferences.
- Until a student has completed a course they are expected to login a minimum of once a week.
- The Ontario Ministry of Education requires that Attendance & Participation be assessed and assigned a mark that contributes to a student’s final grade. For details see the section below entitled “NCE’s Attendance & Participation Grading Practices” and “Allowable Excused Absences”.
- To report anticipated or emergency absences please use the link to the form provided below in the section entitled "Temporary Interruption of Student Attendance Protocol”.
- As our school does not have a set yearly calendar each student has 12 months from the time they register to complete their entire course. In the event that they do not complete the course within that time frame they will be unenrolled from the course. If the student is in Gr. 11 or 12 and withdraws from a course after the “full disclosure date” (5 days after the receipt of the midcourse report card) that withdrawal, including the percentage grade at the time of withdrawal, will be registered on the transcript.
- Students who wish to leave a course before completing it must communicate this desire in writing to the school principal or office personnel. Please contact our office regarding refunds and payment of course fees in this case. Email the office at office@nimbuseducation.ca
Temporary Interruption of Student Attendance Protocol
One of the great advantages of online education is the flexibility that such options provide. With that in mind, we recognize that there are times when a student may need or wish to take a longer absence from the course than one week. In order to submit an excused absence the parents/guardians or the student, if over 18, need to complete our
Temporary Interruption of Student Attendance Protocol Form. It is strongly preferred that this form be completed before the interruption. However, it is understood that in some emergency situations it may need to be completed after.
NOTE: The student still only has the original 12 months from their initial registration to complete the course. This interruption does not extend that deadline.
NCE’s Attendance & Participation Grading Practices
NCE students are expected to log into their courses OR communicate with their NCE teacher via email or Google Classroom at least once per week, for the duration of their course. They may fall short of this expectation twice without experiencing any negative impact to their Attendance & Participation final mark.
For each unexcused absence (not logging in or communicating with the NCE teacher) of more than a week, beyond the first two ‘grace period’ absences, students will lose 1-2% of their final Attendance & Participation mark. NCE teachers, under the guidance and supervision of the principal will discern whether it is 1-2%. That determination is based on a student’s level of course engagement (participation), as demonstrated by:
- prompt, complete, and respectful responses to teacher communication.
- taking initiative and bringing clarification questions to their teacher.
- completing practice questions, quizzes, assignments, projects, tests and exams with care
- by reading instructions carefully,
- by reviewing the assignment requirements and completion of them prior to submission.
Allowable Excused Absences
Effective Date: 2026–2027 Academic Year
Authority: Ontario Ministry of Education / Education Act (Section 21) & Regulation 298
1. Overview
Under updated Ontario Ministry of Education directives, student attendance and active participation are directly linked to academic evaluation. To ensure fair assessment, student absences are categorized as either Excused or Unexcused.
An Excused Absence will not negatively impact a student’s attendance grade, participation score, or eligibility to submit missed coursework.
2. Categories of Excused Absences
A student is officially excused from school attendance under the following recognized conditions:
A. Medical and Mental Health
- Physical Illness or Injury: Absences due to personal sickness, medical treatment, or healthcare appointments.
- Mental Health Days: Absences required for mental health wellness or care.
- Note: Supporting documentation from a registered healthcare professional or social worker may be requested for extended absences.
B. Religious and Cultural Observances
- Observance of days recognized as holy, sacred, or culturally significant by the student’s faith or background.
C. School-Sanctioned Activities
- Athletics & Competitions: School-approved athletic tournaments, league games, or sanctioned sporting events.
- Academic & Arts Events: Field trips, arts performances, leadership summits, and school-sponsored workshops.
D. Unavoidable Causes and Emergencies
- Family Emergencies & Bereavement: Serious family crises, compassionate leave, or mourning.
- Legal Obligations: Mandatory court appearances or legal appointments.
E. Principal-Approved Absences
- Short-Term Leave or Travel: Planned family travel or exceptional personal commitments.
- Requirement: Must be requested in writing by a parent/guardian and pre-approved by the school principal prior to the departure date (under Regulation 298).
3. Parent/Guardian Reporting Requirements
For an absence to be classified as Excused:
- A parent, legal guardian, or adult student (18+) must notify the NCE office prior to the absence or on the morning of the absence using the Temporary Interruption of Student Attendance Protocol Form.
- The reason for the absence must fall within the approved criteria outlined in Section 2.
- Reasonable supporting documentation (e.g., medical notes, appointment confirmations) must be provided upon request by school administration.
