The Eastern School District is going to remove an academic program of Holy Spirit High School and obliterate any chance of other high schools of the district who have or want the Opt - Out Policy. The Opt - Out program allows students who have achieved specific academic success to opt out of writing; non-compulsory final exams. The details, and benefits of the program are outlined below: WHEREAS The opt out program provides students with a certain average and attendance the opportunity and privilege to be exempt (with permission from their subject’s teacher and their parent/ guardian) from final exam(s) (excluding public exams and CRT’s). WHEREAS Holy Spirit High School, in correlation with the attendance requirement, for students to be able to opt-out of final exams – has shown outstanding attendance rates in comparison to the rest of the country. WHEREAS Students who are able to opt-out of select final exams experience less stress and are able to focus more directly on their (compulsory) public exams and CRT’s, thus increasing Post – Secondary entrance marks and increasing provincial, district, and school exam averages and success. WHEREAS Each student will normally write formal end-of-year exams; to do so is NOT a punishment. Rather, the PRIVILEGE of ‘opting out’ has to be viewed as a reward for any student who has achieved exceptional attendance, as defined, met work and behavior expectations of the school, and reached a certain level of academic achievement. WHEREAS Holy Spirit High School’s opt-out policy helps to raise achievement levels by all students, particularly those that are currently failing and/or performing below average. WHEREAS The Opt – Out Policy, which links student punctuality, attendance, behavior and academic performance, and offers positive reinforcements throughout the year, helps achieve both school development goals, which relate to improved student achievement and a safe learning environment.