Category Archives for Uncategorized

Dear Parents,

As the school year begins and our children settle into their routines, things are starting to smooth out. We recognize that not every child adjusts easily to new beginnings, but rest assured, we are committed to supporting you. Our goal is to equip parents with the tools and resources you need to advocate for and support your child during this period of transition. If you know of any parents who are new to the education system and need help, feel free to refer them to us.

The EPCA team has been busy over the past few weeks, developing new tools, videos, workshops, and resources to better serve parents. We’ve also launched the latest edition of the “Ask a President” series, where parents ask questions, and we respond! If you have pressing concerns or topics that keep you up at night, we encourage you to reach out and ask.

Throughout September, schools are holding their Annual General Assemblies (AGAs). If you haven’t yet seen it, EPCA offers valuable information in EPCA’s Guides for Parent Governance & Involvement. These assemblies are a great way for you to get involved and support your child’s education. Don’t hesitate to participate!

School board commissioner elections are also approaching on November 3. If you’ve considered running, there’s still time to submit your nomination before the September 29 deadline. It’s crucial that parents mobilize and make their voices heard. Encourage your friends and family to get on the voters' list and ensure they vote—your voice matters! 

Looking ahead, keep an eye out for two key events: the C.A.R.E. Conference and the Roots & Branches Pearl Lebowitz workshop. Also, in mid-October, there will be a hybrid focus group session with ABEE (Advisory Board on English Education). Be sure to check the details later in this newsletter.

Finally, don’t forget to like, follow, and share EPCA’s content to stay updated on everything we’re working on.

Katherine Korakakis
President, English Parents' Committee Association

Ask our President

Question: Why does my child hate school, especially during back-to-school time when other kids seem excited?

Presidents Answer 

Kids say they hate school for many different reasons. Children with learning and thinking differences often experience negative messaging from teachers and peers and that can be hurtful and can certainly be a contributing factor for a child’s dislike of school. Kids who struggle academically and socially often suffer from anxiety as well, and that makes facing school more challenging. Tests, homework, “boring” lessons, mean kids etc. can all make a child’s school experience difficult. When kids say they hate school it is important to listen to them, validate their feelings, and try to zero in on what is causing this big feeling. 

For little kids, it might be just the idea of separating from home that causes feelings of uneasiness and fear. A bus ride or having a locker for the first time can trigger anxiety. Older kids might have concerns about their ability to keep up academically or to fit in socially
 that causes them to say they hate school.

Conclusion

Once you determine what is causing your child’s negative feelings about school, you can work with your child, the school and appropriate professionals to address their concerns in a proactive and positive way. Going back to school and getting back on a good schedule takes work and often heightens anxiety. Listening to your kids and working with them to develop some strategies to deal with their concerns will make the adjustment easier.

As the new school year begins, expect to receive an invoice outlining the items needed for the year, along with a letter from the school. It’s important to understand the responsibilities that fall on both you as a parent and the school.

As per the Education Act, EPCA offers a clear explanation of the sections below.

"Materials that are used for personal use and personal organization," such as pens, pencils, paper, pencil cases, backpacks, binders, school uniforms (if applicable, specific conditions apply), and physical education clothing, can be broadly classified as items for which parents are responsible. In essence, parents are responsible for non-reusable items that cannot be returned to the school. See below for more information on the grey areas of parental responsibility.

Items that can be used by multiple students and must be returned to the school at the end of the school year cannot be charged to parents. For instance, if a textbook is required for a class, the school must provide it, either in full or through printed pages, along with technology supplies, safety goggles, sports equipment, and other materials.

Be aware there are some exceptions!

While schools may request that parents provide personal supplies and suggest specific colors for duo-tangs, pencil styles, or binders with pockets, they cannot require parents to purchase a specific brand or buy from a particular supplier.

This rule also applies to school uniforms.

When a single company supplies or manufactures the uniforms, alternative options must be offered. For instance, the school can set standards for the uniform's style and color (e.g., long-sleeved shirts, shorts, blue skirts, pants, etc.) and offer a crest with the school logo that parents can affix to the garment at a reasonable cost.

In all cases, if parents are required to pay a fee, it must only reflect the actual cost of the item—schools are not allowed to profit from the sale of crests.

Are you familiar with the Regulation regarding free instructional materials and who it applies to?

According to Article 10 of the Education Act: Regulations governing free use of teaching materials and certain financial contributions that may be required, items specified in the Minister's budget, such as tissue paper and health and hygiene products, must be supplied by the school.

ALSO!!! 

Any educational materials, such as teaching aids, required for activity programs or curriculum instruction must be provided free of charge. This includes:

- Protective gear like helmets, safety glasses, and hairnets.
- Art supplies such as paint, pastels, clay, and modeling materials.
- Technological devices, including headphones, laptops, and graphing calculators.

"Any financial contribution required for a service, activity, material not covered by the right of free use, or student supervision during lunchtime must be clearly itemized on a detailed invoice." This means the school must provide a clear invoice specifying the purpose of each item and its exact cost. Additionally, "If a voluntary contribution or donation is requested, no amount related to it may appear on the total invoice." The school's governing board is responsible for reviewing and approving the school supply list and informing the school of the approved items.

What about padlocks? It varies. If the school does not provide combination locks, you will likely need to purchase your own. However, if the school supplies the lock (already installed on the locker), there will be no charge to the parent. In many cases, high schools sell the lock, which is convenient as they will have a key to access it if your child forgets the combination. A security deposit may be required if the lock isn’t returned by the end of the year.

If you choose to purchase your own combination lock, request that the associated fee be removed from your bill when you return the school's borrowed padlock.

Printing and Photocopying: Important Considerations

It’s essential to double-check the invoice to ensure you are being charged the correct amount, as schools are only permitted to bill for the actual cost of goods or services. Pay particular attention to charges related to printing and photocopying, especially in high school. Fees may apply for photocopies of materials such as student assignments, drawings, or cutouts, but these costs should be clearly outlined and subject-specific.

Example: Secondary 4 - Printing Fees
- $8 for French
- $5 for Math
- $3 for English
- $4 for History

Parents can only be charged for documents that replace an activity or exercise book.

Important Reminder!

Invoices must not mention any possibility of, or suggest an amount for, personal donations. Asking for donations is never allowed! Any contributions must be entirely voluntary, and parents should never feel pressured to donate.

To clarify what is and isn’t applicable, the Ministry of Education has provided the following guide:

When in doubt you can always consult the ministry's checklist or the visit parents.quebec  to learn more about the Parent’s Financial Contributions under FAQ’s. 

You can also contact the EPCA's by e-mail (president@epcaquebec.org). We'll be happy to answer your questions or direct you to the right resources.

Dear parents,

As we begin the new school year, I'd like to extend a warm welcome back to all our students, parents, and school communities. The start of the school year is always a time of renewed energy, new possibilities, and, of course, new challenges. But I am confident that we will rise to meet them, as we have in the past.

This year, the English Parents’ Committee Association (EPCA) is more dedicated than ever to supporting you, the parents. We understand that navigating the educational system can be difficult, which is why we're here to help you every step of the way.

I'm excited to announce that we will once again offer a series of workshops designed specifically for parents. These workshops cover a wide range of topics, including understanding your child's curriculum and effectively advocating for your child's needs. Whether you are a new parent in our school system or have been involved for many years, there is something for everyone. These sessions are intended to provide you with the knowledge and tools necessary to support your children's educational journey.

In addition to the workshops, we have several tools and resources to help you throughout the school year. Our website offers guides, checklists, and video tutorials on topics ranging from school registration to special education resources. You can find our Guides for Parent Governance & Involvement HERE.

While we all want to start the year on a positive note, we must acknowledge that we will no doubt also face challenges. There will be challenges in adapting to new regulations, addressing ongoing staffing shortages, and ensuring that all students receive necessary supports. However, I am confident that by working together—as parents, educators, and community members—we can overcome these obstacles and provide a nurturing and productive environment for our children.

Let us make this school year one of collaboration, resilience, and achievement. EPCA is here to guide you and work with you, and we're excited to keep building a strong and vibrant school community together.

Wishing you all a great start to the school year!

Katherine Korakakis
President, English Parents' Committee Association

The English Parents’ Committee Association (EPCA) plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between home and school, committed to enhancing the well-being and academic success of our children. Together, we can collaborate to improve the quality of education by supporting initiatives that foster creativity, critical thinking, and a global perspective.

We strongly encourage parents to take an active role in the events and governance activities offered by your schools. To support you in this journey, EPCA has developed a series of practical guides designed to help you navigate Parental Governance and provide you with the essential tools to make informed and impactful contributions to the educational system.

Your involvement, passion, and dedication are invaluable to our shared goal of providing the highest quality education for the next generation. Together, we can make a meaningful difference.

If you would like more information that isn’t in the guides, or to speak directly with someone from EPCA, contact us at: (514) 778-3722 or president@epcaquebec.org.

Dear Parents,

This year, we encountered significant challenges within the school system. In the fall, students experienced disruptions ranging from a few days to several weeks due to staff strikes. All educational partners collaborated to implement a remedial plan to ensure student achievement. However, this was yet another impact on students who were still recovering from school impacts due to the pandemic.

In the 2023-2024 school year, EPCA’s primary focus has been on the well-being of young people. We have addressed various issues such as school violence, screen time, safe routes to school, access to English-language resources, family quality of life, and accessibility of services. We have represented parents in the media and participated in meetings and events with the Minister of Education, the Ministry, and our educational network partners. All of these consultations and discussions have been focused on how to advance education in the province and how to support students and their families.

A core principle guiding our efforts is that children's well-being and success should always be prioritized.

This edition of our newsletter looks at how to continue to engage students throughout the final weeks of school and into the summer. We have also secured content from partners regarding digital literacy, support for parents, and educational contests. And as usual, we hope that our articles help parents by providing tips and tricks on building confidence, enhancing learning, and supporting neurotypical and special needs children.

As we look ahead, let's continue working together to ensure a positive and safe educational environment for our children. Your support, engagement, and collaboration are essential to making this happen. Together, we can build a strong community where every child can thrive and succeed.

Thank you for your continued support this year and have a wonderful summer holiday.

Katherine Korakakis
President, English Parents’ Committee Association

🌞✨ Summer camp is just around the corner! While it's an exciting time for kids, it can be a bit overwhelming for those with sensory sensitivities. Whether your child is going to a day camp or staying overnight at a sleepaway camp, we've got you covered! 🌈💼

Download our personalized sensory kit to ensure your child has a smooth and enjoyable camp experience. Let's make this summer unforgettable! 🌟

Dear parents,

As the academic year progresses, it is critical that we address relevant issues affecting our students' well-being and academic success. Among other relevant topics, this edition of the newsletter will focus on discussing and addressing the rising use of vaping, wax pens, and other substances by students.

This newsletter will be a comprehensive resource for parents, providing important information and insights into the prevalence of these substances in our school community. We understand how important it is to provide parents with the tools and knowledge they need to effectively address this concerning issue.

In the newsletter, you can find:

1. Educational resources: We will provide detailed information about vaping and other drugs, including the risks, health effects, and potential consequences for students.
2. Signs and symptoms: Recognizing the signs of substance abuse is critical for timely intervention. We will discuss common indicators that may indicate a student is vaping or using other drugs.
3. Prevention strategies: Our newsletter will provide parents with practical tips and strategies for preventing substance use in their children. We will look at a variety of approaches to supporting a drug-free environment, including open communication and setting boundaries.
4. Support resources: We recognize that addressing substance use can be difficult for families. As a result, we will provide information about support services and resources available in our school community and elsewhere.

We hope that by focusing this issue of the newsletter on such an important topic, we can foster greater understanding and awareness among parents.

EPCA will also use this newsletter to inform parents about how to support reluctant readers and also will provide information on Projects pédagogiques particuliers – Special Educational Projects in order to ensure parents understand these important opportunities for students. Together, we can work to create a safe and supportive environment in which our students can thrive both academically and personally.

Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership.

The deadline to change your situation is APRIL 1^st

Please make sure you are paying your school tax where you want to, be it to the ENGLISH System or the FRENCH System. This does not have to be where your child goes to school and can be your choice even if you don't have child currently going to school. If you have don't know where your taxes are going or if you want to change where your school taxes are going, please follow the links below. You can also call your school board and they will be able to assist you.

*English Montreal School Board

https://www.emsb.qc.ca/emsb/services/central-services/school-tax

*Lester B Pearson School Board (514) 422-3000

https://www.lbpsb.qc.ca/wp-content/uploads/Application-for-Change-Tax-Roll-Registration.pdf

New Frontiers School Board (450) 691-1440

https://www.nfsb.qc.ca/school-taxes/

Western Quebec School Board (819) 684-2336

https://westernquebec.ca/resources/school-taxes/

Riverside School Board (450) 672-4010

https://www.rsb.qc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Avis-dimposition-24-25.pdf

Sir Wilfred Laurier School Board (450) 621-5600

https://www.swlauriersb.qc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/TAXATION-choice-FORM-2024-2025.pdf

Central Quebec School Board (418) 688-8730

https://www.cqsb.qc.ca/en/taxation/general-information

Eastern Shores School Board (418) 752-2247

https://www.essb.qc.ca/school-taxes/

Eastern Townships School Board (819) 868-3100

taxation@etsb.qc.ca

*On the Island of Montréal school taxes are paid to a central body (CGTSIM) and then redistributed according to population and need. School boards on the Island (EMSB and LBPSB) and School Service Centres do not collect their own school tax.

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZApd-uppjwuHdJRXkbcy69pk_XmQ4maQ-Hs

Did you know that there are educational paths specifically for our little ones, regardless of their disabilities, disorders or challenges?

ON April 11^th2024 at 7 PM, the Direction de l'adaptation scolaire of the Ministère de l'Éducation will be presenting these specific educational paths at our open forum on "Children with special needs - what educational paths are possible?

Open to all, and more particularly to parents of children with disabilities or learning or adjustment difficulties, this presentation will give you the opportunity to learn more about what can be offered to your child, and to discuss the subject with representatives of the Ministère de l'Éducation.

We'll be talking about the following paths:

• PFEQ (Programme de formation de l'école québécoise) - the famous straight line from kindergarten to secondary school leading to a DES diploma
• CAPS 1 (Compétences axées sur la participation sociale) - for students aged 6 to 15 with a moderate to severe intellectual disability
• CAPS 2 (Social Participation Skills) - for students aged 15 to 21 with moderate to severe intellectual disabilities. This program, which is still being drafted, will replace the current DÉFIS (Démarche éducative favorisant l'intégration sociale).
• PEDIP (Programme éducatif destiné aux élèves ayant une déficience intellectuelle profonde) - for students aged 4 to 21.
• PFAE (Programmes de formation axés sur l'emploi) - this program has 2 different components:
• FMS (Formation Métier Semi-spécialisé) - for students aged 15 and over who have achieved the objectives of the elementary school program in French (or English, depending on the language of instruction) and math, but have not obtained any junior high school credits.
• FPT (Formation Préparatoire au Travail) - for students aged 15 and over who have not achieved the objectives of the primary program in French (or English, depending on the language of instruction) and mathematics.