Attendance Line: 403-777-7440 ext. 1

Students are required by law to attend school daily. In order to get the maximum benefit of work from their education and prepare students for the world of work, regular attendance and punctuality are expected. 

Parents are asked to phone the school at the number above by 9:00 AM, or as soon as possible, each day that a student is absent. In an emergency, a note signed by the parent or guardian should be brought to the office the next day.

The school takes attendance in morning and afternoon homeroom. Each teacher also takes attendance during every class period. If a student is late to school, they must check into the office, before going to class, to get a late slip. If a student checks out early for any reason, they must sign out at the office, and must bring a note or be accompanied by a parent or guardian. 

A teacher may assign students a detention after two inexcusable lates. Students who continue to be late to school will be referred to the administration. Students will be expected to provide their own transportation home from after school detentions. When it is necessary to pick your child up from school early, please send them with a note and pre-­arrange to meet them. This minimizes class disruption.

Appointments

When your child has a prearranged doctor appointment, etc., in order to facilitate your child being dismissed with minimal interruption to their classroom, we ask the following:

• A note that comes to school with your child the day of the appointment. The student will have this note to show the teacher of the class they have to leave from, then bring the note to show the office and sign out in the signout book. This minimizes learning interruption and potential delays for you. We do realize emergencies happen and, in that case, are happy to help.
• If your child is absent please call the attendance line at 403 777 7440 ext 5000. This line is checked very first thing in the morning and is the best chance of accuracy. You can email your teacher if you like, but please be aware the office needs to be aware so that attendance can be accurate. Please do not email the general mailbox for Branton School  If your child is going to be away or late as this mailbox is not checked until later in the day. A call to the Attendance line is always checked first.

Thank you so much for your co-operation.

Homework & Absences

If a student is absent from school, it is their responsibility to obtain homework, notes, and assignments that were given during their absence. For short-­term absence, the student should call a friend in their class where possible or contact teachers via e­mail. Students and their parents should also access D2L and Edline.net during an absence. Monthly calendars of exams and major projects will be prepared and posted through D2L.

Student Leave/Extended Vacations

Extended vacations that conflict with school are not encouraged, as we have found that students’ performance is negatively impacted by these breaks. Where significant travel opportunities exist for students’ families, close cooperation between the home and school can help minimize the interruption of academic progress. Parents must submit a letter confirming the dates of the extended vacation to the main office well in advance of departure. Students are also expected to notify all subject teachers and determine work expectations well in advance of their departure. Although teachers may attempt to provide study materials for students who are on holidays, as well as updating work on D2L, it is often impossible for students to catch up on all assignments, especially: Science labs, oral presentations, films and guest speakers, hands-­on work in option classes, and group work.