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Appointment of the Minister of Education

Montreal, October 20, 2022 – The English Parents’ Committee Association (EPCA) would like to take this opportunity to not only congratulate Bernard Drainville on his appointment to the position of Minister of Education, but also offer our complete cooperation to him on matters pertaining to public education in Quebec.

Katherine Korakakis, the President of EPCA, is looking forward to maintaining her positive relationships with both the CAQ Government and the education spokespersons of the parties that are in opposition to the CAQ. Ms Korakakis states: “I want to wish Mr. Drainville and the education spokespersons for the QLP, the QS, and the PQ the best of luck as they begin their work for their respective parties! During this mandate, we will continue to serve as the voice of English-speaking parents in Quebec and will insist that educational services and resources be provided to all children in a manner that is tailored to the need of each individual student. A further one of our goals will be to instill confidence in the responsibilities that parents play in order to help parents become active members in school governance and the education of their children and ensure that our English parent community continues to thrive and have equitable access to resources.”

Ms. Korakakis is interested in having a conversation with the incoming Minister as soon as possible about the concerns that are important to parents.

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Making the most of your child’s IEP meeting

The key to being a successful, confident advocate in your child's IEP sessions is preparation. Here are five things you should do before an IEP meeting.

1. Gather and examine your records.

Take out any official documents you have copies of, such as your child's current IEP, recent progress reports, and report cards. Collect samples of your child's homework, tests, and teacher notes. Make your own notes and observations as well. (An IEP binder is a handy method to collect all this information in one spot.)

When you've gathered everything, search for areas that want attention. Where is your child progressing or struggling? What resources and services are (or are not) beneficial? Is there anything fresh to report?

2. Invite visitors and supporters.

If you believe you will require assistance at the meeting, request someone to accompany you. This might be a family member or friend, a professional who works with your child, or an advocate. Explain how you believe they can assist you.

You may wish to meet with them before to the meeting to discuss your issues, obtain their perspective, and prepare your approach. If your child is attending an IEP meeting, be sure to prepare them as well.

3. Plan your questions and suggestions.

You may have a lot on your mind after reading your records and speaking with your child, family, or invited guests. Making a short list of the points you wish to make during the meeting might be beneficial. Consider the fundamentals: your worries, questions, and ideas. During the meeting, you might refer to this list.

4. Inform the school about your visitors and requests.

Inform the IEP team leader of any visitors you want to bring to the meeting. Give their names and explain how they are related to you and your kid. If you or any of your visitors require special accommodations, such as videoconferencing or a translator, please notify the team leader in advance.

5. Unwind and think about your child.

Once you've prepared everything for the meeting, try to unwind and concentrate on your child's skills, interests, and problems. Pay attention to what your youngster has to say about school and learning. Remember that you are the only one on the IEP team who knows and understands your child. That frame of mind will allow you to approach the IEP meeting with power and confidence.

Quebec Solidaire

In the interest of getting first-hand comment and commitment on the issues that are of concern to our educational community, EPCA reached out directly to the provincial political parties in the National Assembly to ask them eight questions pertaining to these topics and our children’s education. In addition to previously published responses, EPCA has now received responses from one additional political party - their answers are attached.

Election PDFs - Quebec Solidaire

EPCA Newsletter Vol. 13

Dear parents,

  

With the angst over the upcoming Quebec election looming not far away, we sometimes forget that a new school year has started. EPCA wants to know how it’s been for you and your children so far. We will be launching an online survey to find out so stay tuned for that survey and for our next newsletter. The results help us know what your concerns are and help us make sure we can align our services to meet your needs. There will be many more surveys to come throughout this school year, so we can stay attuned to the reality you are your children are facing.  

 

As soon as the election was announced, we asked all five political parties present at the national assembly eight questions. The questions were put together after months of consultations with English-speaking parents across the province of Quebec. In this newsletter you will find the answers we received. Note that no answer is an answer in our books.  

  

In closing, I want to urge each and every one of you to turn out and vote. Whomever you are voting for, it is imperative that our community makes their voices heard loud and clear on Election Day. This election is an important one for our community, so please vote! Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions, we are very responsive and eager to help. 

EPCA NEWSLETTER - VOL. 13

Back to School: Guide to Involvement for Parents

EPCA Back to School Parents Guide 2022

EPCA Newsletter Vol. 12

It has been another long year getting through COVID and fighting for the rights of parents and English speaking students and I am really proud of what we have been able to accomplish together again this year. Students have again showed incredible resiliency in the face of a third year in the middle of change and uncertainty and parents have pulled together within their communities to support the educational needs of our children! Way to go!! 

Over the past year, EPCA has:

  • Created memory aids and tips and tricks for all levels of school to encourage student success;
  • Presented webinars for parents on a wide variety of subjects in partnership with the FCPQ;
  • Developed tips on advocating for students at schools; 
  • Worked with the OMETZ Foundation and The Betty and Bernard S. Shapiro Family Lecture Series to present Dr. Eli Lebowitz; and
  • Described in detail Individual Education Plans (IEPs), Progress Reports, and Report Cards to help parents.

We have also had to contend with serious bullying issues and provided resources for conflict resolution and combating youth violence; you will find in this issue reminders on Digital Citizenship and resources for your and your children. We also continue to fight for English educational rights when it comes to Bill 96 and the impacts this law will have on our children – especially our most vulnerable students – for many years to come.

But for now, I would like to wish you a summer filled with joy and laughter and rest. I look forward to seeing you all in the fall!

EPCA NEWSLETTER - VOL. 12

EPCA disappointed with new Assistant Deputy Minister appointment

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

Québec, January 27, 2022 – The English Parents Committee Association (EPCA) was taken aback when the Québec Cabinet announced on January 26th the nomination of the sous-ministre adjointe au réseau éducatif anglophone, aux relations interculturelles, et aux Autochtones to the Ministry of Education.

EPCA expresses regret for the manner in which this appointment was made and has great concerns about the new appointee’s professional profile, which includes no experience working in the elementary, secondary, adult technical and vocational systems over her career.

“The English-speaking community has been fortunate to have been represented at the Department by high-calibre educators who are recognized for their leadership and who have understood the growing needs and challenges facing the English-speaking minority community”, EPCA President Katherine Korakakis explained.

“Historically, EPCA and all of our partners have been in the forefront of assisting in the selection of the Assistant Deputy Minister overseeing our education network. We find it disheartening that an appointment of this importance has been made without community consultation” the President said.

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About the English Parents’ Committee Association (EPCA)

The English Parents’ Committee Association represents Quebec English-language school boards. With a team of Directors chosen by member Parent Committees, it is the official voice of Quebec’s English public-school parent community, representing more than 100,000 students. Speaking with one voice for parents and their children, EPCA represents parent interests in all dealings with the Ministère de l’Éducation et de l’Enseignement supérieur (MEES) and across all levels of government.

For more information contact:

EPCA

Katherine Korakakis – President

Cellulaire: (514) 668-8672

Courriel: president@epcaquebec.org

A PUBLIC CONSULTATION BRIEF ON BILL 9

043-EPCA Bill 9 Brief

Where is the Plan?

Press Release

For immediate release

                                                            Where is the Plan?

(January 5, 2022 – Montreal) – With the 17th of January maintained as the day students return to school, the English Parents’ Committee Association (EPCA) is still unclear of the plan for a safe return to school.

“Today’s press conference left parents with more questions than answers,” Katherine Korakakis, President of EPCA, stated.

Report Cards

EPCA is astounded that the first report card of the school year has been pushed back two weeks to February 11th. Parents rely strongly on information sent by schools about their children; since the beginning of this school year, only one official communication has been sent to parents. ” The report card is an important tool for parents. Parents rely on the report card and the teachers’ comments to know how there child is doing in school. This allows them to make appropriate arrangements as needed in order to better assist their child with their educational success,” explains Katherine Korakakis.

Distance Learning

It is critical to consider vulnerable students, who are disadvantaged the most when school is physically inaccessible. Students with disabilities, in particular, must be able to access the ancillary services to which they are entitled, even when they are not physically present. What remedy do parents have if educational services are not delivered throughout the distant learning period? EPCA is greatly concerned about inaccessibility further impacting these vulnerable students.

Mental health issues and school dropout

Dropout prevention methods must be incorporated into the plan. Young people drop out of school for a variety of reasons, including a lack of desire and the allure of the labour market. Everyone talks about mental health, but there is no plan in place to assist adolescents who are disconnected from their environment, have lost access to their source of inspiration – such as sports or extracurricular activities – or are in despair. EPCA wants to know what the Government will put in place to address these issues.

Ventilation

“We’ve known for over a year and a half that there is an issue with the air quality in our schools, the situation needs to be addressed. What about air filters?” Katherine Korakakis inquires.

We have been living in a pandemic for nearly two years; we must adapt to this reality and develop a concrete plan to ensure that our children can attend school. Where is the strategy? This wait and see approach serves no one and harms both the school system and our most defenceless population – the children of Quebec.

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For more information contact:

Katherine Korakakis – President

Cellulaire: (514) 668-8672

Courriel: president@epcaquebec.org

About the English Parents’ Committee Association (EPCA)

The English Parents’ Committee Association represents eight Quebec English-language school boards and is the official voice of Quebec’s English public school parent community, representing more than 100,000 students. Speaking with one voice for parents and their children, EPCA represents parent interests in all dealings with the Ministère de l’Éducation et de l’Enseignement supérieur (MEES) and across all levels of government.

New English Parent’s Committee Provincial Leadership Elected

Montreal, Monday, November 22, 2021 - It is with great enthusiasm that the English Parent’s Committee Associate (EPCA) of Quebec announces its new Executive Officers, elected at the Annual General Assembly in November.

Katherine Korakakis, representing the English Montreal School Board, was re-elected as President for her third year. Ms. Korakakis has been instrumental in advocating for English School Board students and their parents and has forged many relationships with educational, governmental, and social groups across the province.

Joining Ms. Korakakis on the Executive Officers’ Committee is Trina Hubley, representing the Western Quebec School Board, moving into the Vice President position after being the Communications Committee Chair for the last year, and Victoria Chavez from the Riverside School Board, who was elected as Treasurer / Audit Officer.

Ms. Korakakis, Ms. Hubley, and Ms. Chavez look forward to continuing to support the English public education students and their parents by advocating on their behalf and working hard to provide support to ensure success in education.

For more information or for media contacts:
Email: President@epcaquebec.org

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