Local school boards are preparing to deal with provincially-mandated changes to the attendance policies.
This comes ahead of the start of the 2026-27 school year.
Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB) CEO Gary Girardi said attendance and participation will now make up 15 per cent of the final mark in Grades 9 and 10, and 10 per cent of the final mark in Grades 11 and 12.
"How we look at those items has always been important to us, it's just that there's an assessment component that's going to be involved with it as directed from the ministry and from the minister," said Girardi. "But, we want to remind parents that a way to help with that process is to make sure that they communicate clearly with us when there are absences."
According to Education Minister Paul Calandra, absences for bereavement, official school field trips, school-organized sports, inclement weather, or approved medical reasons do not lower a student's grade.
Individual school principals will have the final say on whether non-school sports tournaments or extended family vacations count as excused.
Students who accumulate more than two unexcused absences risk losing the full attendance and participation portion of their grade.
Girardi said some parents have also expressed some concerns surrounding the rapidly changing technology in all areas.
"That is a significant concern, so we see that actually as an opportunity, a place for us to work with our students and staff so that we can make sure they see this as a tool they can use as they prepare themselves for a future in the world of work or in post-secondary education," he said.
Overall, the LKDSB experienced strong enrollment numbers over the summer which were similar to last year.
Girardi notes they've spend time and effort investing in skilled trades programs, leadership opportunities and experiential learning.
There will be about 14,500 elementary students and 7,400 secondary students attending public schools in both Sarnia-Lambton and Chatham-Kent.
Student and family supports are being offered in both Sarnia and Chatham.
You can access them online by emailing [email protected] or calling 1-800-754-7125. They can also be reached in person at both the Sarnia Education Centre and Chatham Regional Education Centre.
Meanwhile, St. Clair Catholic District School Board CEO Lisa Demers said they're also reaching out to parents about the new provincial directive.
"Communication will be going to parents and secondary students to advise them of those changes," said Demers. "Attendance has always been important, but it's especially important now with the new ministry regulations related to losing marks if you aren't in attendance for certain reasons."
Demers said their schools have been growing in terms of enrollment, although specific numbers won't be known until the fall semester starts.
"For example, both Ursuline College Chatham and St. Patrick's High School in Sarnia are higher than the prior years, and we are excited that families are continuing to choose Catholic education," she said. "We look forward to seeing all of our new kindergarten students especially, and seeing all of our grade 8 students who are transitioning into grade 9. Those are incredible milestones that people really get excited about."
Demers notes they're looking to bring alive their strategic plan for 2026 to 2030.
It's grounded in the themes of believe, achieve, and accompany," said Demers. "These guiding principles reflect our belief that every student deserves an environment where faith, learning, dignity, and compassion are at the heart of their growth. So I would suggest that as we enter into our new strategic plan, it's a very special year."
Demers said they've partnered with the Children's Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent who is serving as the program partner for the autism transition classroom at St. Angela Merici Catholic School.
She said they also sold their last surplus building, the former George P. Vanier school in Chatham.
Demers also highlighted some infrastructure improvements, including a new walking track at St. Michael's in Brights Grove, as well as some accessibility upgrades and enhanced shade structures at various facilities.
Students across both school boards return to the classroom on Tuesday, September 8.
