Attendance and punctuality are two values often underestimated in education, yet they play a pivotal role in shaping not just academic success, but the discipline and resilience children carry into adulthood. At Crosshill International School, we recognize the far-reaching implications of consistent school attendance and punctual arrival, which is why our policies are structured to emphasize these values.
Why Attendance Matters
Every school day is carefully designed to build upon previous lessons. When a child is absent, even for a single day, they may miss critical instruction that forms the foundation of future topics. Over time, frequent absences create learning gaps that become harder to bridge. Research worldwide consistently shows that students with high attendance rates perform significantly better in exams and assessments than their peers with inconsistent attendance.
At Crosshill, students who miss more than 18 school days in an academic year risk retention, unless there are valid, documented reasons. This is not a punishment, but a safeguard to ensure no child advances without the foundational knowledge necessary to succeed at higher stages.
Excused vs. Unexcused Absences
We understand that absences are sometimes unavoidable. Our attendance policy distinguishes between excused absences — such as illness (with medical proof), medical appointments, religious holidays, or bereavement — and unexcused absences, such as family vacations during school days, oversleeping, or traffic delays.
This distinction teaches students and families that accountability matters. Life often throws challenges, but documenting and responsibly communicating them teaches children resilience and integrity.
The Role of Punctuality
The school day officially begins at 8:00 a.m., but we expect students to be seated by 7:55 a.m. This five-minute window not only prepares students mentally for learning, but it also cultivates a habit of punctuality. A child who learns the importance of timeliness in school will likely carry that discipline into professional and personal life.
Repeated tardiness is not taken lightly at Crosshill. Three tardies result in a parent warning, four in detention and a parent meeting, and continued tardiness may even lead to suspension. These measures are not punitive, but restorative — emphasizing that lateness affects more than the child alone; it disrupts peers and educators as well.
Parents as Partners
We view attendance as a partnership between parents, students, and teachers. Parents are expected to report absences by 8:00 a.m., providing necessary details such as the child’s full name, class, and reason. This communication ensures accountability and helps us provide targeted support.
Together, we can instill in our students the lifelong values of responsibility, time management, and perseverance — values that often matter as much as academic excellence.
