Newsletter Vol. 44

Dear Parents,

At the start of the school year, I stood with our education partners to advocate for more stability and transparency in school funding. However, over the last few weeks, stories shared by parents across Quebec have made it clear that the situation is becoming more urgent. Our children’s success and well-being depend on a system that truly meets their needs and right now, many families are left in the dark.

Parents who volunteer on school committees continue to express frustration. Their questions about budget priorities, service availability, and decision-making processes are frequently left unanswered. Meanwhile, school boards are experiencing delays in finalizing their budgets, which have been pushed back until the end of October.

Sonia LeBel, our new Minister of Education, has the opportunity to make a significant impact by ensuring that every child has access to essential educational and complementary services. Removing the directive that limits staff working hours, which is widely acknowledged as a barrier to providing adequate support, would be an important first step. As always, EPCA will continue to advocate strongly on behalf of families and students to ensure that words become actions.

EPCA is your partner for English Education in Quebec. We are excited to announce a new season of programs and activities for parents throughout the province. I encourage you to participate in the training sessions and workshops that we will organize. They are all intended to improve parental engagement, parent resources, and school governance. If you have a specific topic, you'd like us to cover, please contact us.

Finally, October marks Learning Disabilities Awareness Month. It's time to remind ourselves that not all learning differences are obvious. One of every five people has a different way of learning and thinking. Whether it's ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, or language and written expression disorders, raising awareness helps to reduce stigma and better support every child's ability to thrive. Let us use this opportunity to further our understanding and advocate for inclusive classrooms that meet every learner where they are.

EPCA remains committed to its mission of empowering parents and protecting their rights in the public school system. Together, we can continue to improve schools for all students.

I wish you a meaningful and inspiring autumn.

Katherine Korakakis
President, English Parents’ Committee Association of Quebec (EPCA)