Following an announcement made by the Minister of Education in spring 2026, we are sharing information about upcoming changes to how attendance and participation will be included as part of secondary students’ final marks beginning in the 2026-2027 school year.
List of Frequently Asked Questions: This information is intended to help families understand how attendance, participation, classroom learning, final evaluations, and exams contribute to a student’s final mark.
How are final marks determined?
Final marks are based on classroom work, final evaluations, attendance, and participation. Please refer to the course syllabus for specific weightings.
Do excused absences affect a student’s mark?
No. Excused absences do not negatively affect a student’s mark. Examples of reasons parents/guardians may request the school administration to excuse an absence may include School Messenger Notification, email, letter, Temporary Excusal 4+ Days form, or other documentation for reasons such as illness, approved holy or cultural days, bereavement, and mental health.
How are attendance and participation assessed?
Teachers consider evidence collected throughout the course. This may include attendance and punctuality, engagement in learning activities, respectful contributions to discussions, completion of classroom tasks, collaboration with others, and participation in online or in-person learning opportunities.
What are final evaluations?
Final evaluations may include written exams, culminating tasks, or a combination of both, depending on the course and grade level. Course-specific details will be shared by the school or classroom teacher.
Are written exams required in all courses?
No. Some courses are exempt from mandatory written exams, including locally developed, workplace preparation, and Grade 11 & 12 open courses, as well as some subject areas such as Co-operative Education, Interdisciplinary Studies, and American Sign Language as a Second Language.
How are eLearning exams completed?
eLearning exams will be written in-person at the student’s home school. The teacher and school will provide information regarding the dates and times closer to the end of the Semester.
Who should families contact with questions?
Families are encouraged to refer to the student’s course syllabus (sent home at the beginning of the semester) and other course resources provided by the teacher regarding participation, final evaluations, exam schedules, or course-specific expectations. Questions regarding excused absences can be directed to the school’s main office.
Please see letter home to families of students in Grades 9-12 linked below.