I believe it’s wrong for children to miss out on school rewards or treats due to illnesses. During my children’s time at school, they have been refused these rewards and even denied participation in school trips just because their attendance didn’t meet a certain percentage. I find myself in a position where I must keep my child home due to illness, yet they miss out on rewards despite their exemplary behaviour. What messages are we sending to our children? That being good gets you nowhere? It’s as if we're saying that it’s more important to be lucky enough to not get ill rather than to be well-behaved, respectful, and kind.

This focus on attendance as a measure for rewards is deeply flawed. Illness and injury are often beyond a child’s control, and punishing them for situations they cannot influence sets a troubling precedent. Instead, schools should prioritize rewarding good behaviour and character, fostering a more inclusive environment where all children have equal opportunities to be recognized for their efforts and values.

Statistics show that children who are positively reinforced for their good behaviour tend to build beneficial habits that extend into adulthood. Encouraging good behaviour over mere attendance is a tangible way for schools to instill valuable life skills in children. According to educational experts from reputable sources, the long-term benefits of reinforcing positive behaviour far outweigh the short-term focus on simply being present in school every day.

By shifting the focus from attendance to rewarding good behaviour, schools can nurture environments where students are motivated to engage actively, exhibit kindness, and participate in their community. This change will ensure that all children feel valued and acknowledged, regardless of the hurdles they might face outside of school, such as health issues.

We request that school boards and educational authorities reconsider current reward systems to focus on and honour good behaviours. The goal should be to create a supportive educational environment where every child can thrive, not marginalized due to circumstances beyond their control.

Please join me in calling for a review and reform of the rewards systems used in our schools. Let us promote a fairer, more equitable environment for all students by signing this petition today.