Provincial legislation requires school boards to recognize students as adults when they reach the age of 18. As such, students who are 18 years of age or older are deemed responsible for their own education, attendance, and any matters related to discipline.
How will this affect me as a Parent or Guardian?
Once your son or daughter reaches the age of 18, we are legally required to remove you (the parent or guardian) from our contact lists, and you will no longer receive information from the school or board related to their education, attendance, or any matters related to discipline.
NOTE: Students may grant the school and board permission to share this information with their parents or guardians by completing the Adult Student Form (available from the school office).
More Information
Providing Consent for Information Sharing
– Students 18 Years of Age or Older
What gives the School/Board authority to take parents/guardians off the contact list? The Halton Catholic District School Board is adhering to the Government of Ontario legislation (Education Act, Age of Majority Act and Accountability Act, and Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act).
- What if my child wants me to be a contact?
Students interested in having their parent(s)/guardian(s) as a contact for the school are required to complete the Adult Student form and submit it to their school’s office.
- How do I become a contact if my child does not grant me permission?
Under the provincial legislation, students 18 and over must grant this permission. Please speak to your child about having this option provided to you.
- If my child 18 and over misses an exam/OSSLT/assignment, may I speak to school staff on their behalf?
Unless the adult student has provided permission for their parent(s)/guardian(s) to speak with the school, the school must discuss these matters with the adult student.
- I am the adult student and have consented for my parent(s)/guardian(s) to communicate with the school, but now I wish to remove them. How do I do this?
As the adult student, you can include or remove parent(s)/guardian(s) at any time. A new form must be completed, signed, dated and submitted to the school office for any changes to apply. If you wish to remove your parent(s)/guardian(s) as a contact for the school, it is recommended that you inform your parent(s)/guardian(s) before the form is submitted to your school.
- What information may be disclosed in compassionate circumstances?
When there is a need to notify a close relative, friend or spouse about a student who is injured, ill or deceased, school boards may disclose personal information without consent in order to facilitate or enable contact