Newsletter and communication with parents (and students)

A delicate subject par excellence in the field of education, the delivery of the report card sometimes represents a communication challenge between teachers and parents, and even between parents and their children. Here are some things to consider.

Although assessment practices are changing, the report card is still at the heart of the school system. The figures found there testify to the success or failure in a subject, but they do not say everything.

In coeducation mode

The first communication in November was probably an opportunity to establish contact with the parents of the pupils. The delivery of the first bulletin of the year, in a few weeks, represents another privileged moment to take stock of the school situation of young people, but also of everyone's mental health.

“Parents, like teachers and school team staff, must listen to each other and unite to create the best possible learning conditions in the current situation. Let's be kind to ourselves and to others in order to support each other and stay in solution mode,” constantly reminds Stéphanie Dionne, co-education specialist.

In short, beyond grades, progress made, efforts made, study strategies, well-being and general balance are topics that benefit from being discussed between parents and teachers.

To (re)read: Meeting parents in co-education mode in the digital age

Discussing the report card with your child: tips for parents

Similarly, it is sometimes difficult for parents to discuss the report card with their children. In this regard, SOFAD carried out in 2021 a video capsule to guide them in this important discussion. It may be a good idea to bring this to the attention of the parents at your school.

Just as it is in the parent-teacher discussion, holistic thinking, which goes beyond grades, is very relevant with the child. The parent can encourage the latter to name their strengths and weaknesses, to make connections between their study strategies and the results obtained. As mentioned in the capsule, this discussion should become an opportunity to identify courses of action for the future, always adopting a positive and constructive attitude.

If the parent deems it relevant, feedback can even be given to the teacher afterwards.

This capsule is part of a series of videos aimed at supporting parents in the current situation, produced by SOFAD with the financial support of the Quebec Ministry of Education (MEQ). They are moreover all gathered in the MEQ YouTube channel.