Student Attendance

SafeArrival

Ensuring students arrive safely at school each day is our top priority. To enhance our existing absence-check procedure, we are introducing a new, more efficient student absence reporting system from SchoolMessenger called SafeArrival.

Families can report absences in advance using a mobile app, website, or toll-free phone line. These options are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Why are we using SafeArrival?

• Enhances student safety.
• Helps families report student absences easily. 
• Helps schools respond quickly to unexplained student absences. 
• Makes notifications to families faster. 

How to use SafeArrival?

There are three ways you can report student absences: App / Website / Toll-free phone

Important: Use the email address your student’s school has on file when creating your account for the app/ website. 

1. Using the app

1. Tap the blue three-line icon (three stacked lines on the top left) and then tap on Attendance. You will see the student names listed here. 
2. Click on the plus ( + ) icon at the bottom right where it says REPORT AN ABSENCE.
3. Select the student’s name and then select Full Day or Multiple Day.
4. Choose the type of absence and then select the Date of Absence. For Multiple Day option, select first and last date of absence.
5. Tap SEND.
6. You will now see the absence listed and also get a message confirmation.

2. Using the SchoolMessenger web portal

1. Log in to the SchoolMessenger web portal. 
2. Follow the steps listed in the app.
   (Note: REPORT AN ABSENCE BUTTON is at the top right in the web portal)

3. Using a toll-free phone

• Call 1-833-202-1417 toll-free to report an absence using the automated phone system and follow the prompts.

Helpful Information:

• If the student is going to be late, select Full Day and then select Late. All students who are going to be late are marked as absent for the full day until they arrive and sign in through the school office.
• Same-day absences for elementary and intermediate schools can only be reported until 30 minutes after the school start time. After that, please call the school directly.
• Same-day absences for secondary schools can be reported until 4:00 p.m.
• Absences can be reported in advance for any school day in the school calendar.
• If the student is marked absent and the absence hasn't been reported in advance, our SchoolMessenger system will attempt to contact you multiple times until you confirm and explain the absence. If a designated contact can't be reached, school staff will follow up. To avoid these notifications, please report your child's absence in advance.

Resources:

Watch: How To Create a SafeArrival Account

Watch: How to Use SafeArrival to Report Absences (App and Website)

Frequently Asked Questions

For more information, please visit ocdsb.ca/SafeArrival.