Regular school attendance is one of the biggest determinants of success. Saskatoon Public Schools (SPS) elementary counsellors, Shauna Kennon and Marnie Carlson, were recently interviewed by Global Saskatoon on the importance of regular school attendance. 

Shauna says: "It's as simple as this: the kids who get to school on a consistent basis succeed! They do better academically and socially."

On average, a student shouldn't be missing more than 4 or 5 days per term, or one day per month, if at all possible. Missing more than this can compromise the numerous benefits associated with consistent attendance, including:

• Academic benefits: Learning builds day-to-day so even a day or two of missed classes can be the start of falling behind or losing confidence.
• Social-emotional development: Regular attendance helps children build peer connections, social skills, and a sense of belonging.
• Personal responsibility: Daily attendance reinforces responsibility and helps children feel capable. 
• Improved longer term outcomes: Students who attend regularly are more likely to graduate on time and have developed a good sense of reliability.

Consistent student attendance also results in benefits to others:

• Teachers and classmates don't need to spend as much time reteaching or reviewing when the class has good attendance. And more time is freed up to pursue deeper learning or exploration of topics.
• The family unit experiences less stress as a result of fewer frantic catch-up sessions and tension arising from the child's learning frustrations. Being part of the daily school community fosters stability and reduces anxiety as well; so you get a more relaxed and regulated child at the end of each day.

Shauna and Marnie were quick to acknowledge that families can be dealing with things that make it harder to keep attendance consistent. They said this is where school counsellors are there to help.

Shauna says: "If consistent attendance is an issue for your family, please do contact your school and ask for a meeting with the counsellor. We can help your family navigate this—and we're really a very friendly and supportive crew."

Watch the Global segment by clicking here.