As we progress to higher grades the harm done will usually be greater. Again it depends a great deal on the strength of the student in the various subject areas. In high school, parents should keep in mind that courses are semestered so they will miss a greater proportion of work.

The bottom line is that taking students out for extended holidays should be avoided altogether. However, the fact is that some parents will take their children out of school in spite of any harm it could cause to the student.

The following policy will help parents make a rational decision on whether or not to take their children out on extended holidays.

1. The onus will be on the student (parent for primary students) to find out from the teacher(s) what work will be missed and to make every effort to catch-up on missed work.

2. The teacher(s) is under no obligation to prepare special assignments or tests for such students but may do so at their discretion.

3. Parents of elementary students should have an interview with the student’s teacher(s) before deciding to take them out of school.

4. A parent who takes a student out of school for an extended holiday will do so with the understanding that they accept all responsibility if the child has to repeat (grade one to nine) or loose his/her credits (high school).

5. Under no circumstances will final exams for grade seven to twelve students who are inexcusably absent be rescheduled. A grade of "0%" will be assigned in these cases.