Attendance Reporting
Durham District School Board uses the online SchoolMessenger service for reporting absences.
To create your account:
- Go to the SchoolMessenger website;
- Use the same email address we have on record for you (use the Parent Portal if you're not sure what contact information we have or to update it);
- Create a password; and
- Check your email and verify your account.
If you have more than one child enrolled through the app, use the options menu to select which child. This menu is at the top of the screen (top left for the mobile app).
Do not share your login information with your children and keep your information protected.
If you don't want to create an online account, you can continue to call 1-844-350-2646.
You can report an absence by:
- Calling 1-844-350-2646.
- Using your smartphone through the SchoolMessenger app.
- Logging in to the SchoolMessenger website.
If you call in via the 1-844-350-2646 phone number to report your child’s absence, you will hear 7 absence code options. To ensure the absence is recorded correctly, please refer the list below for the correct code.
1 - Illness: Health and Well-Being
Please use this code to inform us if your child is not attending school due to a health and/or well-being related illness.
2 - Appointment
If your child is not attending school due to an appointment, please use this absence code.
3 - Bus Cancellation
If your child’s bus was cancelled for any reason or by weather and schools are still open, please use this absence code.
4 - Vacation
If your child is away on a vacation, please use this absence code.
5 - Parent or Guardian Approved Absence
If you have approved your child’s absence for any reason and the other codes do not apply, please use this absence code.
6 - Religious Holiday
If your child is not attending due to a religious holiday, please use this absence code.