A Word from the President – November 2021
Dear members and friends,
I hope your homeschooling is going well. Below is a summary of my latest discussions with the DEM, particularly in regard to the ministerial exams, a subject of concern for most families.
Here are the main points of these discussions, which were held in the presence of the Direction de la sanction des études (Director of Certification of Studies).
Ministerial tests
The obligation to take the ministerial tests does NOT mean an obligation to pass. I would like to point out the following parallel. It is the same for any child in the public system. When one or more students fail, the teacher does not lose their job. It is not the parent who is being evaluated.
Child’s level
The learning project allows you to better assess your child’s “achieved” level and to determine which exam(s) he/she will take. A new section has been added to the 2021-2022 DEM Learning Project template. Parents will be able to indicate whether the child will take the exam(s). This section is optional. However, it does allow those responsible to know how many children will be tested.
An important comment that I welcomed was: “It is not the biological age of the child that determines which test the child should take”. I received confirmation that this message has been passed on to the contacts. I find it imperative to point this out to you as some of you may have had the opposite impression. Therefore, by discussing this with your resource person, you should be able to determine when your child will take the exams.
Permanent code
I know this is irritating and bureaucratic, but it is important to get a permanent code (PC) for your child. This code will follow them throughout their studies and will be used to access CEGEP, if necessary. There is no point in waiting until the last minute. You should ask for it either at your local school or at your CSS/school board.
Taking the tests
You must inform your CSS or school board about the test taking. If you have difficulties with your CSS or school board, there are 3 liaison people at the DEM, 2 more than last year. These liaisons are the link between the DEM and the CSS. They are there in addition to the resource people and help to minimize the pitfalls in your relationship with your CSS or school board.
Children with special needs
A form will be available shortly.
Francophone families who teach in English
We have been informed that children will be able to take the tests in English, whether or not you have the appropriate certificate. Please contact your resource person to find out how to proceed.
I hope you find this information useful. Please do not hesitate to call your resource person. I truly believe that they want to help you succeed in your home school with each of your children. You can also contact me at patboileau@acpeq.org.
In closing, I encourage you to participate in the activities organized by ACPEQ (Events calendar in Member’s Area) and by your support group. I also invite you to pray with me and the Board members (Board members and Key volunteers) that we can find and add volunteers both to the Board and in other areas. If you are interested in getting involved or can think of someone who could get involved, please let us know.
Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,
And whose hope is the Lord.
For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters,
Which spreads out its roots by the river,
And will not fear when heat comes;
But its leaf will be green,
And will not be anxious in the year of drought,
Nor will cease from yielding fruit. Jeremiah 17:7-8 (NKJV)
By His grace,
