A summer to recharge our batteries

Dear parents,

The end of the school year is here… phew! For many students and parents, it hasn’t been an easy year. Even the last few weeks may have seemed like an obstacle course, with exams and extreme heat in much of Quebec.

What’s more, a growing number of parents are contacting our Federation to inform us of a lack of services for their children with special needs. These parents are having to pick up their children from school more and more often when the day is not yet over. Yet educational services should be available to all students until the end of the year.

Parents are also seeking solutions because they are not invited to the revision of their child’s individualized education plan, or because aspects of the plan are not respected during exams. It’s not news parents like to end the school year with, but it’s unfortunately a reality for many.

As families prepare for summer, I’m challenging us to continue to support our youth in their learning, for example through activities such as reading, cooking and gardening.

I also challenge us, as involved parents, to take some time to rest. Although our mandates don’t end at the end of the school year, but continue until the the school’s annual assembly, we know that summer meetings are rare. Let’s recharge our batteries over the next few weeks and get ready for the new school year, because we’ve got our work cut out for us. I’m thinking in particular of the commission on the impact of screens and social networks on youth, and the new anti-bullying and anti-violence plan template, which will be made public in the fall.

Next year, school-family communications and respect for each other’s roles in the school environment and in the education of our youth will continue to be issues. Parents can count on the FCPQ to continue carrying their voice, supporting them in their activities and helping them take their place!

Have a great summer!

Mélanie Laviolette
President