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Dear parents,

As we end the 2024–2025 school year, one theme stands out clearly: the well-being of our children must be our collective priority—at home, in our schools, and across our communities. At EPCA, this belief has guided a year of bold advocacy, meaningful action, and deep listening.

Over the past year, we’ve raised our voices on issues that matter deeply to families across Quebec:

• The growing mental health crisis among youth and the urgent need for better access to in-school supports;
• The rights of students with special needs, especially those being denied access to post-secondary education due to French language requirements;
• The consequences of excessive screen time and the digital divide on student well-being and learning; and
• The pressing need for equitable school funding to ensure every child receives the support they deserve.
  
  

But advocacy is only the beginning. EPCA has also taken action. We’ve partnered in campaigns to prevent bullying and violence, promoted mental health literacy, and worked tirelessly to strengthen communication between schools and families. Throughout all of this, we’ve reinforced one central message: parents must have a voice in shaping the learning environments where their children grow.

This year, we’ve expanded our support to parents across the province—through new trainings, better communication tools, and accessible resources designed to empower and inform. Our goal is simple: to meet parents where they are and walk alongside them as partners in their child’s success.

The strength of EPCA comes from you—from every parent who takes the time to get involved, to ask hard questions, to advocate for better, and to build stronger connections between home and school. Your engagement gives weight to our work and helps us advocate with purpose at the provincial level.

I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together—and inspired by what’s still to come. Thank you for your trust, your partnership, and your ongoing support.

With gratitude,

Katherine Korakakis
President, English Parents’ Committee Association

Dear Parents,

I am pleased to present the recommendations of EPCA and its parent committees regarding Bill 94, introduced by Minister of Education Bernard Drainville. This bill seeks to reinforce secularism within Quebec’s education system by amending the Education Act and the Act Respecting Private Education. The proposed legislation introduces new obligations for schools, administration, staff, students, and volunteers to uphold principles of state secularism and democratic values. To learn more about our specific recommendations on Bill 94, see the information we provided here.

Banning Cell Phones in Schools

You may have seen recent news coverage announcing that, starting in the 2025 school year, students will no longer be permitted to use cell phones during school hours—whether inside the school or on the playground, with specific exceptions for pedagogical purposes, health requirements, or special needs accommodations. While the goal is to create a more focused learning environment, it is crucial that Governing Boards play an active role in determining how this policy is applied. Equally important is the involvement of students and parents to identify challenges and develop solutions, ensuring the measures are both realistic and considerate of diverse needs.

Ensuring Access to Education for All Students

We have heard from parents whose children, despite meeting academic requirements, are being refused entry to CEGEP programs solely because they cannot meet heightened French language criteria. This is particularly concerning for students with learning disabilities such as dyslexia, ADHD, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), who may require modified learning environments and additional time to acquire language skills. The absence of reasonable accommodations for these students contradicts the very principles of accessibility and inclusion that our education system is meant to uphold.

Exceptional provisions must be made for students with identified challenges. The education system must recognize their individual learning paths and create pathways that allow them to access CEGEP and graduate with dignity and pride. No student should be left behind because of language barriers that do not account for their unique learning needs.

We are committed to advocating for these provisions and will continue to work with our government partners, and educational partners to ensure that every student, regardless of their learning profile, has the opportunity to succeed.

As we approach the end of the school year, our newsletter is dedicated to helping parents and students prepare for final exams and important transitions. We remain dedicated to representing your voice on these critical issues, advocating for policies that not only support academic success but also prioritize the well-being and inclusion of all students.

In solidarity,

Katherine Korakakis
President, English Parents’ Committee Association

Dear Parents

I am heartened by the Quebec Superior Court’s ruling against Bill 40, which ensures our English school boards remain intact and preserves our voice in education. However, as the school year nears its end, many of you are feeling the fatigue of navigating challenges. Parents contacting EPCA inform us that there is often a lack of resources to meet the needs of our children; whatever the reason for this, those calls are never easy. The recent slowdown in Quebec’s education investments, despite education being a government priority, raises concerns that student services will face further strain.

In addition to Bill 40, there are other Bills that impact education in Quebec. Bill 94, which amends the Education Act to reinforce secularism, proposes extending the ban on religious symbols to all staff working with students and prohibiting face coverings for religious reasons. It also includes measures to improve student services and governance, including a code of ethics for governing board members.

A pressing concern is the impact of Bill 96’s French-language requirements for CEGEP students, mandating three program courses in French or five French second-language courses. For students with special needs—such as autism or language disorders—these rules create insurmountable barriers. My son, and many others, risk being unable to attend CEGEP due to a lack of accommodations. Even though these children may only struggle with language processing, the French requirements become a hurdle that may impact the rest of their lives, including ending early their academic career. Developed without consulting families or educators, Bill 96 threatens to exclude vulnerable students from higher education. EPCA asks for clear exemptions for students with documented needs, inclusive policies that promote French proficiency without sacrificing equity, and adequate resources to bridge the gap between student needs and school capacity.

EPCA is actively engaged in consultations and will present a brief to ensure that our community’s perspectives are heard.

All the best as we transition into the warmer weather and the ending of the school year.

Katherine Korakakis
President, English Parents’ Committee Association

Navigating English schooling options in Québec just got easier! This new guide, created by the Centre for Access to Services in English (CASE), breaks down who’s eligible for English instruction, how to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility, and what documents you’ll need. Whether you’re a permanent resident, temporary visitor, or facing unique circumstances, we’ve got you covered with clear, step-by-step info.

📚 Start your journey today! Visit https://epcaquebec.org/declaration-of-eligibility/ for the full guide and share this post to help others unlock access to English education in Québec.

Montreal, April 3, 2025— The English Parents' Committee Association (EPCA) is thrilled by today’s landmark decision by the Quebec Court of Appeal, which firmly upholds the rights of Quebec’s English-speaking community to manage and control its own educational institutions.

In a resounding affirmation of minority language rights, the Court has struck down key provisions of Bill 40, declaring them unconstitutional for Quebec’s English-speaking community.

This decisive ruling protects the democratic right of parents and the English-speaking minority to manage and control their own schools, as guaranteed under Section 23 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. 

“This is a historic victory,” said EPCA President Katherine Korakakis, “not just for parents, but for every member of our community who believes in shaping our children’s future. The Court’s decision is a powerful reminder that our voices matter, and our right to govern our schools is non-negotiable.”

EPCA applauds the Court’s clarity, courage, and commitment to constitutional principles, and looks forward to working with stakeholders across Quebec to continue building strong, responsive, and inclusive English-language institutions.

The English Parents' Committee Association, the EPCA, is a coalition of parents' committees of Quebec's English school boards; it represents nearly 100,000 students in the young anglophone sector. EPCA is a non-profit association funded by the Ministry of Education (MEQ). The EPCA advocates for public education in English in Quebec and lobbies for questions that concern members of our parent committee. 

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Media Contact:
Katheirne Korakakis
President EPCA
514-668-8672
president@epcaquebec.org
www.epcaquebec.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 26, 2025

EPCA: Budget Fails to Meet the Moment for Education

Montreal, March 26, 2025 — The English Parents’ Committee Association (EPCA) acknowledges the Quebec government’s repeated statements that education remains a priority, but today’s budget does not deliver the support needed to confront the real challenges facing students, schools, and families.

“We’re not questioning the government’s intentions—we’re questioning the follow-through,” said EPCA President Katherine Korakakis. “Parents across Quebec are being told that education matters, but this budget offers little to no reassurance that the system will get the help it desperately needs.”

The budget’s education measures fall short in several key areas:

• Essential services for students with learning difficulties, like tutoring and free summer courses introduced during the academic catch-up plan, are being phased out.

• Infrastructure projects—already delayed or stalled—remain uncertain.

• Mental health and special needs support, repeatedly flagged by parents as urgent, are barely addressed.

EPCA also notes the lack of new investment to support parental involvement and school governance, despite strong evidence that engaged families are critical to student success.

That said, EPCA welcomes funding aimed at improving literacy and teacher recruitment but warns that without flexibility and local decision-making power, even good investments can miss their mark.

“English-speaking communities already face barriers when accessing education services,” said Korakakis. “We expected this budget to close those gaps, not widen them. Our students need real, targeted support—not just good intentions.”

With serious concerns about growing inequity, EPCA urges the government to engage directly with parent leaders, governing boards, and other key partners to ensure that funds are allocated effectively and used where they are needed most.

Media Contact:
Katherine Korakakis
President, English Parents’ Committee Association (EPCA)
President@epcaquebec.org

Dear parents,

The first-ever Violence and Bullying Prevention in Schools Week, is taking place this week, March 17 to 21. The week consists of themed days, including one dedicated to parents. My hope is that this initiative will serve as a unifying moment for the entire school community—students, teachers, administrators, and families—coming together to promote respect, kindness, and civility.

Issues of civility and violence extend beyond school walls; they are societal concerns that require collective action. Every individual, organization, and authority has a role to play in modelling positive behaviour and fostering safe environments. As parents, we are crucial partners and EPCA is committed to being active in this conversation, reinforcing that parents are key allies in promoting respect, cooperation, and constructive dialogue in our schools.

The importance of preventing violence and bullying has been underscored by the National Student Ombudsman (NSO) in its first annual report. This long-awaited document validates the need for an independent resource for parents and students to address concerns about the quality of services in schools. It also highlights ongoing challenges that demand our attention. EPCA will be hosting a workshop on bullying on March 31 to provide parents with the tools they need to navigate these challenges and advocate effectively for their children. I encourage you to register and participate.

Additionally, I am excited to share the results of the second edition of the national survey on the well-being of Quebec families. Thanks to your incredible participation, 11,000 parents contributed to this year’s survey, far surpassing expectations. This would not have been possible without the invaluable collaboration of our partners, including Dr. Mélissa Généreux, the FCPQ, the Association pour la santé publique du Québec, and the Réseau québécois pour la réussite éducative. I invite you to mark your calendars for April 22, 2025, when Dr. Généreux will present the full findings.

Finally, I would like to take a moment to acknowledge that this month represents the five-year anniversary of the start of the pandemic and massive changes in our educational system and our children’s learning. We take time in this newsletter to reflect on this and provide some thoughts on what we have learned and where we go from here.

I hope you are enjoying the start of the warmer weather,

Katherine Korakakis
President, English Parents’ Committee Association

Montreal, March 17, 2025 — The English Parents’ Committee Association of Quebec (EPCA) is proud to support the first-ever School Violence and Bullying Prevention Week, taking place from March 17 to 21, 2025. Ensuring a safe and respectful learning environment has been a longstanding priority for EPCA, and we recognize the importance of collective efforts to combat violence and intimidation in schools.

“As parents, we must take an active role in fostering a culture of respect and inclusion within our schools and communities. This week provides an opportunity for meaningful conversations with our children about kindness, empathy, and standing up against bullying,” said Katherine Korakakis, President of EPCA. “We encourage parents to explore the resources available and to engage in discussions that promote positive behaviours both in and out of school.”

Recent findings from the national student ombudsman’s first annual report highlight the ongoing challenge of school violence, with over 20% of complaints relating to violence or intimidation. While this awareness week alone will not solve the problem, it marks an important step in strengthening existing initiatives and reinforcing the message that violence of any kind has no place in our schools.

EPCA welcomes the implementation of new protective measures, including the obligation for school boards to adopt a code of ethics, enhanced screening for individuals working with students, and the introduction of a standardized anti-bullying and violence prevention plan. It is crucial that parents and all stakeholders in the education system are informed and involved in these measures to ensure their effective implementation.

This inaugural prevention week also serves as a timely moment to assess the effectiveness of the 2023-2028 school violence and bullying prevention plan and determine whether further adjustments or improvements are necessary to protect students adequately.

EPCA is will be hosting a workshop for parents on Bullying on March 31^st 7pm. 

For more information, https://jlive.app/events/10792

Spring Forward Without the Struggle: Helping Kids Adjust to Daylight Saving Time

It's that time of year again-when we set the clocks forward and trade an hour of sleep for a little more evening sunshine. While many of us welcome the brighter evenings, the loss of an hour can throw off sleep schedules, especially for kids. If you're dreading the groggy mornings and bedtime battles, here are some simple strategies to help the whole family ease into the time change.

1. Keep Bedtime Routines Consistent

Kids thrive on routine, so try to keep bedtime as predictable as possible, even with the time change. Their internal clocks may need a few days to adjust, so consider shifting bedtime gradually-by 10 or 15 minutes each night leading up to the time change. This slow adjustment can make the transition smoother.

It's also important to be patient with yourself and your child. A little extra crankiness is normal in the first few days, so give yourselves some grace.

2. Encourage Physical Activity During the Day

Movement is key to better sleep! Encourage outdoor play, after-school activities, or even a family walk. Exposure to natural light during the day helps regulate the body's internal clock and signals when it's time to be awake and when it's time to wind down.

In the evening, incorporate calming activities like stretching, coloring, or reading to help kids transition into sleep mode.

3. Power Down Electronics Before Bedtime

Screens are a major sleep disruptor. The blue light from tablets, TVs, and phones can interfere with melatonin production, making it harder for kids (and adults) to fall asleep. Try creating a "no screens before bed" rule and have everyone unplug at least 30 minutes before lights out.

If your child resists, make it a family habit-show them that you're putting your phone away too. Use this time for quiet bonding activities like reading a bedtime story or talking about the day.

4. Use a Bedtime Checklist

For younger children, a visual bedtime checklist can make getting ready for bed feel more like an adventure and less like a battle. Work together to create a step-by-step routine-brushing teeth, putting on pajamas, reading a book, and so on. This gives kids a sense of control and helps reinforce good sleep habits.

5. Prioritize Your Own Sleep Too

Parents, don't forget that your rest is just as important! If possible, schedule small breaks throughout the day to recharge. Whether it's a short nap, a few minutes of quiet reading, or simply stepping outside for fresh air, taking care of your own energy levels will make it easier to help your kids adjust too.

Embracing the Time Change with Less Stress

Adjusting to the time shift can take a few days, but with a little planning and patience, your family can ease into the new schedule without too much disruption. Stick to routines, get outside, unplug at night, and most importantly-be kind to yourselves. Before you know it, those brighter evenings will feel like a welcome gift, not a groggy struggle.

Dear Parents,

As we step into February, I want to take a moment to update you on some pressing issues affecting our children's education and well-being.

National Survey on Family Well-Being
The well-being of families across Quebec is at the forefront of our advocacy efforts. A recent national survey is providing valuable insights into the challenges families face, including the effects of screen time and social media on young people. EPCA is committed to ensuring that these findings translate into actionable items that support our students and their families.

Addressing Screen Time and Social Media Impacts
EPCA recently presented a brief to the Select Committee on the Impacts of Screens and Social Media on Young People’s Health and Development (CSESJ). Our presentation highlighted the urgent need for digital literacy education, better parental resources, and strategies to mitigate the negative effects of excessive screen use. You can find more information on our involvement and recommendations at the following links:

• CSESJ Committee Information
• EPCA’s Brief
• Presentation Transcript
• Video Recording

$200 Million Budget Cuts in Education
In December 2024, the Quebec government announced $200 million in budget cuts to the education sector, effective until March 2025. These cuts raise serious concerns for students, teachers, and families alike. The potential consequences include:

• School Boards: Reductions in staff, meal programs, and extracurricular activities.
• Infrastructure Delays: Postponed school construction and renovation projects.

EPCA continues to advocate for the protection of essential educational services, and we encourage parents to voice their concerns to their elected representatives.

Changes to Student Evaluation Policies
The Quebec Ministry of Education has announced that, as of August 2025, retroactive credits will no longer be available for secondary students. While this policy is already in place for certain secondary 4 courses, it will soon apply to all remaining courses at that level. Moving forward, students must successfully complete a course before advancing to the next grade level in that subject.

This change will have significant implications for students, particularly those with special learning needs. The removal of retroactive credits could hinder academic progress and increase the risk of students falling behind. EPCA is working to ensure that additional support measures are in place to assist affected students.

As always, we remain committed to advocating for policies that support the success and well-being of all students. Please stay engaged and reach out with your concerns—we value your input and involvement in shaping the future for your children in Quebec.

Best,

Katherine Korakakis
President, English Parents' Committee Association