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.

Hearing on Bill 48, An Act to amend the Highway Safety Code in order to introduce provisions relating to detection systems and other road safety provisions

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,

There are only a few weeks left until the end of the school year, and we are currently in the home stretch.

The school community has once again been dealing with a challenging year, which has brought everyone, including the parents, together to work through the difficulties. Across the province, thousands of parents are actively involved in education by providing support and encouragement to their children's academic progress and working together with the school. They volunteer, organize fundraising events with the Parent Participation Organization (PPO), serve on Governing Boards (GBs) and Parents' Committees (PCs), they are Parent Commissioners, and they are PRESENT! When we call on them, they show up! When parents voice their opinions or make choices, they do so with the intention of advancing the success and well-being of our students.

We would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to all of these parent volunteers who not only impact our school network in a positive way, but also make a significant contribution to the academic success of all of our children. The fact that we are able to achieve such high success rates is due to the fact that all of the stakeholders are working together to ensure the success of our children.

In this newsletter – which is EPCA’s 30^th edition of our Newsletter! – we will present ways that parents can continue to stay involved - and help their children stay engaged - in the last stages of this school year and throughout the summer. We hope to help to demystify both summer school and school board elections, and provide tips to build confidence, help teens find jobs, and get the most out of the next few months. We hope you find this information helpful.

As always, we love to receive your feedback.

Warm regards,
Katherine Korakakis
President, English Parents Committee Association

Dear Parents,

As we enter the third and final stage of the school year, I hope you are well and looking forward to the accomplishments that lie ahead. It's a pleasure to communicate with you as we navigate this critical period together.

You should have received your child's report card before the Easter holiday. As we approach the home stretch, it is critical to stay informed and engaged, especially as Ministry exams approach. These assessments are crucial in determining our students' progress and ensuring they are adequately prepared for the next academic phase.

In addition to academic updates, the Ministry of Education recently released the Education Dashboard. It is a powerful tool that provides our network with insightful data. Access to comprehensive data allows us to better understand our strengths, identify areas for improvement, and tailor our strategies to meet our students' diverse needs.

The detailed study of Bill 47 to strengthen student protection was completed during the same period. I am pleased to report that some of our recommendations have been incorporated into the measures outlined in the Bill. This reinforces our commitment to providing a safe and supportive learning environment for all our students.

Furthermore, I am pleased that the government of Quebec provided clarification on the provision of information to English-speaking parents whose children attend English schools. This development demonstrates our ongoing efforts to ensure that all parents, regardless of linguistic background, have access to critical resources and support.

As we approach the end of the academic year, let us continue to work together to support our children's growth and development at all times. Thank you for your unwavering commitment and partnership in creating a better future for our students.

Warm regards,

Katherine Korakakis