The COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect the delivery of educational services across Canada. In Quebec, every week, schools are reporting class closures due to COVID-19 outbreaks. Nunavik schools have so far remained free of COVID-19 infections. Plans are in place to manage suspected cases and outbreaks. Staff and students have also integrated new preventative routines aimed at reducing the risks of spreading infections in school (washing hands frequently, wearing facemasks, social distancing, etc.).

Nevertheless, the pandemic has repercussions on our schools. Kativik Ilisarniliriniq implemented strict health protocols in July, August and September, which included spreading over a 6-week period the arrival in Nunavik of employees recruited in other parts of Canada. The staggered re-opening of schools throughout the months of September and October has impacted learning and the continuity of our services. The pandemic is still evolving, and the situation remains subject to changes.

This reality was acknowledged by the Quebec Ministry of Education on October 8, 2020. In a communication to all School Service Centres and School Boards of the province, Education Minister Roberge announced changes to the evaluation of students in the youth sector. The changes aim to prioritize learning over evaluation. They take into consideration the educational services disruptions that students and school staff have had to cope with since March 2020.

After careful considerations, Kativik Ilisarniliriniq has determined that these changes are also in the best interest of Nunavik students. Parents will be informed of these changes in a letter from Kativik Ilisarniliriniq, which will be distributed by the schools, during the week of October 26, 2020.

Student Report cards
There will be only 2 report cards sent to parents this year.
The first report card will be issued no later than February 15, 2021.
The second report card will be issued no later than July 10, 2021.

The weighting of students’ marks for these 2 terms will be distributed 50% – 50% in the equation used to compile year end grades.

All competencies in each subject will have to be evaluated each semester.

Assessment of your child’s progress this fall
You will receive a first communication from your child’s teacher no later than November 20, 2020. This communication will provide information about the child’s learning progress, their behaviour and, where applicable, support measures that have been put in place to support them.

Your community’s school will be informing parents locally about the exact date of this first communication.

Parents’ meeting (November)
Parents wishing to meet their child’s teachers will have the opportunity to do so. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, each school will adapt the meeting format to the local reality. However, rest assure that you will be provided with an opportunity to have a conversation with your child’s teacher either in person, on the phone or via other suitable means of communication.

Your community’s school will be informing parents locally about the exact date and format of this year’s November parents’ meeting.

Parents’ meeting (April)
Parents wishing to meet their child’s teachers will also have the opportunity to do so during the spring. School administrators will plan a period of availability in April, where teachers will hold meetings with parents.

The timing of the April parents’ meeting will allow parents to be informed about their child’s progress before the year-end report card is issued.

Your community’s school will be informing parents locally about the exact date and format of this year’s April parents’ meeting.

Ministerial exams and local evaluations
More details will be provided soon by the Ministry of Education, on the ministerial examinations and their administration this year. However, Education Minister Roberge already announced that the value of end-of-cycle assessments for elementary and secondary Cycle 1 would decrease from 20 to 10%.

Schools and school boards are also asked to reduce the number of local student assessments, in order to ease pressure on students while prioritizing learning and student success.

Parents will be informed of these changes in a letter from Kativik Ilisarniliriniq, which will be distributed by the schools, during the week of October 26, 2020.