The province has released the draft policy for student attendance and engagement. That was one recommendation of the Council to Improve Classroom Conditions, who finished three days of meetings today. The policy clearly defines what is and is not an excused absence, how they need to be explained and how a school will go about addressing them and chronic lateness. You can read it and provide feedback by May 9th below.
https://www.ednet.ns.ca/student-attendance-and-engagement-policy