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

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.

Dear parents,

February is the month we celebrate Hooked on Schools.

On February 13, as part of Hooked on School Days, we unveiled the results of our national survey, conducted in collaboration with Dr. Mélissa Généreux and the FCPQ, aimed at painting a portrait of family well-being in the context of social crises. All parents were invited to this webinar and a follow-up will be scheduled to discuss possible solutions for promoting family well-being.

We are following the implementation of the school catch-up plan, which is currently underway. Considering the large sums of money devoted to remedial education, and specifically to students with special needs, all students should benefit from support measures if students need them.

I'd also like to mention that EPCA was present at the National Assembly to make recommendations on Bill 48, amending the highway safety code. Many of the measures introduced by this Bill concern school zones.

EPCA also submitted a brief on Bill 47, an act to reinforce the protection of children. EPCA consulted with parents and provided strong commentary on the priority that must be given to protect the physical and psychological well-being of students. Links to both briefs can be found later in the newsletter.

Finally, EPCA will soon be launching this year’s workshops for parents. The topics are directly related to the survey results, and this is our next step in helping parents. To further encourage the implementation of solutions and actions following this survey, we are inviting all interested parties to an online reflection and discussion activity on March 13. Meetings will be held at 2 p.m., targeted at organizations (access meeting registration here) and 7 p.m., targeted at parents (access meeting registration here).

Have a great month!