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Dear Parents, 

The first report cards for this school year have been distributed and it is now time for Parent Teacher Interviews. 

EPCA has developed a number of tools to help you with your first in-person meeting with your children’s teachers in over two years! While this may be an intimidating time for both you and your child, it is a great opportunity to learn more about what they are doing every day at school and should be seen as a key moment to get involved in their educational journey. 

In other exciting news, EPCA will hold its Annual General Assembly on December 3^rd.  This is the start of our new year and the time when we elect the new Executive, approve important documents, and set the stage for our activities for the next 12 months. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all of the Directors from the various Parents’ Committees across Quebec who worked so hard this past year to give our parent community many needed resources and a voice. Though there have been many challenges, we have made great strides in many areas and I’m looking forward to continuing the hard work next year. 

I encourage you to sign up for our newsletter on our website (epcaquebec.org) and to follow EPCA on Facebook for the most recent news, events, and other important information. According to research, students whose families are involved in school perform better. 

Happy Parent Teacher interviews! 

Katherine Korakakis

This handout provides parents with the relevant information regarding the report card and Ministry exams for the 2022-2023 school year.

What should you say to your child's teacher in an email? Email can be an excellent way to communicate and highlight crucial issues. The most effective emails are usually brief and focused on facts rather than emotions.

Take a look at these two example email to a teacher. You can use it as a template to create your own.

Email Template #1

Dear Ms. / Mr. ____,

Hi, my name is _____________. I am ______________'s parent. I am emailing today because I am concerned with the grade on _____________'s last assignment. If you could please explain more about the assignment and how ______________ earned their grade, I would really appreciate it.

Thank you,

Your name __________________

Email Template #2

Dear Ms. / Mr. ____,

I hope all is well. My name is ______________, and I am ____________’s parent, and I am looking forward to the parent teacher meeting that is coming up on_________________. In preparation for the meeting and because I know we do not have much time, I wanted to send you ahead of time the questions I am going to ask you that evening for __________. I know that ___________ is having a hard time and I want to know what you are seeing in class and how I can better support my child at home. These are the following 3 questions I am going to ask during our time together.

1)
2)
3)

Thank you very much and I look forward to our meeting.

Your name _____________________

Speaking with the teacher can help you understand what's going on and how you can help. You may speak during a parent-teacher meeting. You can also arrange another time to talk, either in person, by phone, or by email.

But how can you voice your concerns? Be direct and specific while speaking with the teacher. Pose questions and follow-ups. The goal is to figure out what's going on and what can be done to help. With parent-teacher meetings coming up, here is a list of questions you can ask.

Speaking with the teacher can help you understand what's going on and how you can help. You may speak during a parent-teacher meeting. You can also arrange another time to talk, either in person, by phone, or by email.

But how can you voice your concerns? Be direct and specific while speaking with the teacher. Pose questions and follow-ups. The goal is to figure out what's going on and what can be done to help. With parent-teacher meetings coming up, here is a list of questions you can ask.

Is your youngster struggling with math? Speaking with the teacher can help you understand what's going on and how you can help. You may speak during a parent-teacher meeting. You can also arrange another time to talk, either in person, by phone, or by email.

But how can you voice your concerns? Be direct and specific while speaking with the teacher. Pose questions and follow-ups. The goal is to figure out what's going on and what can be done to help. With parent-teacher meetings coming up, here is a list of questions you can ask.

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.

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.