Attendance & Sickness Policy

Updated March 2026


Importance of Attendance

Consistent attendance is essential for success as a student and for building a strong learning community.
 We value arriving on time, prepared, and ready to participate—whether learning in person or online.
 These habits reflect our school’s values of mutual respect and ensure that learning time is maximized.

Absences and lateness affect not only a student’s own progress but also the classroom dynamic.
 When absent, students miss classroom discussions, activities, group work, and opportunities to ask questions.
 For this reason, we encourage all students to be present and punctual whenever possible.

Absences

We understand that some absences—such as sickness, medical appointments, or other unavoidable commitments—are necessary.

  • Notification: Parents must contact the school office before 8:30 AM through Class Dojo or email to notify us of an absence.

  • If no contact is made: The school will reach out to confirm the child’s safety.

  • Planned absences: Please notify the school as early as possible.

  • Missed work: Students are responsible for catching up on all assignments and lessons missed.

  • Early dismissal: Parents must notify the school if their child needs to leave early.

  • Illness during the school day: Parents will be contacted to pick up their child. If someone other than the designated guardian will collect them, please notify the school in advance.

Types of Absences

  1. Excused Absence – With valid reason and guardian notification
     (e.g., sickness, appointments, sports, arts, study commitments)

  2. Unexcused Absence – With guardian notification but invalid reason
     (e.g., holidays, birthdays, family convenience)

  3. Truancy – No notification from guardian

Lateness & Early Departures

Punctuality is a sign of respect for others’ time.

  • Students must be ready to learn by 8:30 AM and on time for each class.

  • Students must be present for all school classes until 3:15 PM

  • Train or bus delays are understandable, but lateness without excuse will be recorded.

  • Three unexcused late arrivals or early departures equal one day of absence and will be reflected in student reports.

  • Consistent lateness without valid reason may result in disciplinary action.

Attendance Rate

  • A minimum of 80% attendance is required to receive a passing grade at Zoe International School.

  • Falling below this threshold due to unexcused absences or truancy may result in the student not progressing to the next grade.

  • Exceptions may be granted by the principal or school board with sufficient documentation.

  • Truancy will result in disciplinary measures.

  • For online students, attendance is measured by active participation on Zoom:

    • Students must join sessions on time with cameras on.

    • Failure to respond when called upon, or leaving cameras off without explanation, will be recorded as absent.

Sickness

Parents play a vital role in preventing the spread of illness by keeping sick children at home.

Keep your child home if they have any of the following:

  • Fever of 37.5°C (99.5°F) or above
     (must be fever-free for 24 hours without medication before returning)

  • Lethargy or extreme tiredness

  • Irritability or persistent crying

  • Breathing difficulties

  • Rash with fever

  • Diarrhea and/or vomiting

  • Eye infections (conjunctivitis) – follow doctor’s advice

  • Influenza – follow doctor’s advice

  • Strep throat – after 24 hours of antibiotic treatment

  • Covid-19 – must be symptom-free for 24 hours

  • Chickenpox – follow doctor’s advice

Return to school after treatment is safe when:

  • 24 hours of antibiotics (strep throat, impetigo)

  • Single treatment for scabies or head lice

  • 5 days of antibiotics for pertussis (whooping cough)

Important Notes:

  • Viral infections (e.g., chickenpox) remain contagious—follow your doctor’s advice.

  • Students with high fever or contagious illness will be sent home at the school’s discretion.

  • Parents should have emergency pickup plans in place.

  • If a student is absent more than 3 days, a doctor’s note may be required for the absence to be excused.

  • In the case of a serious accident or illness, the student will be taken to a clinic or hospital and parents will be contacted immediately.

School Office Contact

If you have any attendance or health-related concerns:

  • Reception: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM

  • Phone: 090-9546-1074

  • Email: hello@zoeinternationalschool.com

  • Class Dojo: Zoe International School