The Basic Education Act requires schools, starting from August 1, 2023, to systematically prevent and monitor absences as well as address them. The curriculum obliges teachers to contact families when absences reach 5-10%, regardless of the reasons for the absences.
The Operational Model for Basic Education in Mikkeli: Every School Day Matters – Operational Model for Supporting Attendance. It is designed to support students’ connection to school and attendance, prevent absences, ensure systematic monitoring, and address absences.
Guardian’s responsibilities in cases of absence
Guardians must immediately notify the school if the student will not be attending. Notifications can be made via the Wilma system, by phone, or by email.
A sick child should be cared for at home.
Unexplained absences are considered unauthorized absences by the school.
For known absences, permission must always be requested well in advance. The leave application form must be properly completed and returned to the class teacher or advisor. The guardian, not a sports club or similar organization, must always be the one requesting the permission.
Permission for absence will not be granted if the student has repeatedly neglected their responsibilities regarding schoolwork and behavior. Additional absences are not recommended, especially for 9th-grade students in a block schedule system.
The class teacher may grant absences from school for up to three school days. Longer absences must be approved by the principal.
An absence does not exempt the student from completing school assignments. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all tasks assigned during the absence are completed. Teachers are not obligated to arrange extra tests or remedial teaching for a student who has been absent, except in cases of illness or similar situations.
Responsibilities and roles in supporting school integration
Student
- Right and responsibility to attend school.
- Responsibility for school tasks during or immediately after absences.
Parent/guardian
- Interest in and concern for the child’s well-being and daily life.
- Supporting the child/youth in attending and engaging in school (compulsory education).
- Responsibility for supporting school attendance during absences and cooperation with the school.
- Responsibility for considering non-compulsory absences.
Each teacher
- Meeting the student and carers.
- Grouping and creating a safe atmosphere.
- Emotional and interactional education.
- Organising and ensuring general support.
- Learning support measures to support adherence to learning.
- Low-threshold consultation with student support services staff where necessary.