Following a school year that saw high absenteeism rates from hundreds of students, New Brunswick’s education minister is calling on parents and guardians to make attendance a priority this fall. “As a parent, I know school is not just a place for academic learning,” said Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Claire Johnson in a news release. “It is also a place where our children form friendships, play outside, develop a sense of responsibility, and gain important life experiences. “Students who attend school regularly are more likely to succeed and secure a brighter future.” According to the province’s dashboard, more than 35 per cent of Grade 9 to 12 students were chronically absent from September 2025 to June 2026. The government defines a student as chronically absent if they miss 10 per cent or more of possible school days during a given period. The province notes missing that much time can equate to four weeks of school in an academic year. The dashboard says 29 per cent of students in Grade 6 to 8 were chronically absent last school year and 22 per cent of kindergarten to Grade 5 students were chronically absent. Overall, the chronically absenteeism rate from kindergarten to Grade 12 was 28.5 per cent. The province’s target is 29 per cent. “This September, every child in New Brunswick starts the school year fed, supported and ready to learn,” Johnson said. “Ensuring children show up to school every day helps them cultivate good habits and maintain a sense of structure and routine, setting them up for success in the classroom and beyond.” The province says keys to improve attendance include: Students return to school on Tuesday in New Brunswick. For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
