A greater share of students at the Catholic board’s highest-needs schools are attending at least 90 per cent of school days.

Eleven per cent more kindergarteners at Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board (HWCDSB) “equal opportunities” schools, those designated as socio-economically disadvantaged, were in class at least 90 per cent of the time in 2024 when compared with two years earlier, a Dec. 2 report shows.

Seven per cent more primary (Grades 1 to 3), five per cent more junior (Grades 4 to 6) and three per cent more intermediate (Grades 7 to 8) also met a minimum 90 per cent attendance rate — the provincial benchmark — last year than in 2022-23.

Improving attendance is an “ongoing area of focus” for the board, spokesperson Debbie McGreal-Dinning said in an email.

“While

See Full Page