Ontario education minister urges parents to keep kids in school over sports tournaments

Ontario's Education Minister Paul Calandra is urging parents to prioritize their children's education by keeping them in school, even when sports tournaments conflict with class time. New attendance rules set to take effect next school year will incorporate attendance and participation into final grades, making it a significant factor in student assessment.

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My advice to parents is, keep them in school

Starting in the upcoming academic year, attendance and participation will constitute 15% of a final mark for Grades 9 and 10, and 10% for Grades 11 and 12. Students with more than two unexcused absences may not receive the full percentage for attendance and participation.

Calandra expressed concern over Ontario high schools' attendance rates, which he described as among the lowest in Canada. "My advice to parents is, keep them in school," he stated, emphasizing that "Education should be their priority." The ministry will monitor the situation and consider further modifications if necessary.

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Education should be their priority

While acknowledging that accommodations may be made for "high-level" athletes in training, Calandra reiterated that education remains paramount. He also directed a message to sports organizations, stressing the importance of prioritizing academic pursuits.

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High-level athletes in training, obviously, we’ll make some accommodation for that, but I say this again to the sports organizations as well: Education is a priority