Student Absenteeism Surges in Southwestern Ontario Schools

UPDATE: Student absenteeism is surging across southwestern Ontario, with alarming data revealing an upward trend in school absences post-pandemic. Reports confirm that absenteeism rates are climbing in every district, including Waterloo, London, and Windsor. The implications of this trend are significant, raising concerns among parents, educators, and researchers alike.

Data compiled by CBC News shows that a staggering number of students in Ontario are missing school more frequently. For instance, the Waterloo Catholic District School Board (WCDSB) reported an increase in total student absences from 2,631 in the 2020-2021 school year to 5,512 in 2024-2025 for elementary students. Secondary students experienced a similar rise, with absences tripling in the same period.

Angie Hallman, a mother of three and active member of multiple parent committees, emphasizes the compassionate approach being adopted by parents and schools toward student wellness. “Different from my childhood experience, social media is a really big piece in our children’s lives,” Hallman stated. She noted that behavior issues in the classroom contribute to students’ reluctance to attend school, with incidents leading to evacuations causing anxiety among students.

The London District Catholic School Board (LDCSB) reported that unexcused absences for elementary students rose by 19%, with numbers skyrocketing to 13,475 in 2024-2025. Secondary students saw an even more shocking increase in unexcused absences, from 24,571 in 2022-2023 to an astonishing 109,866 in 2024-2025, nearly quadrupling in just two years.

Officials from the Greater Essex County District School Board (GECDSB) noted the challenges families face, including pressures related to wellbeing and employment. As absenteeism rises, the board remains committed to assisting students facing difficulties, with re-engagement programs in place to encourage attendance.

The long-term impacts of this increase in absenteeism remain unclear. Education expert Kelly Gallagher-Mackay emphasizes the need for further research to understand the root causes and consequences of these trends. “Before the pandemic, high absenteeism was a signal that a student was at risk of not graduating,” Gallagher-Mackay explained. Although graduation rates have not dropped dramatically, the changing landscape of absenteeism indicates a shift in what it means for students today.

The WCDSB data indicates that chronic absenteeism dropped for elementary students from 5% to 4%, while secondary students saw a decrease from 6% to 3% during the same timeframe. However, the overall absenteeism rates are still concerning, with many students opting to stay home longer when feeling unwell, leveraging online resources to keep up with their studies.

The urgency surrounding this issue cannot be overstated. As the academic landscape changes, the emotional and educational wellbeing of students in southwestern Ontario is at stake. Parents and schools must continue to collaborate to address these concerns, ensuring that every child has the support they need to succeed.

In light of these developments, schools will need to closely monitor attendance patterns and provide additional resources to support both students and families. The ongoing situation underscores the critical need for a compassionate response to the rising tide of absenteeism in the region.

As this story develops, parents, educators, and policymakers will need to act swiftly to ensure that students receive the necessary support to return to classrooms and thrive in their educational journeys. Stay tuned for further updates as more information becomes available.