Quebec students are returning to school after the winter break with new guidelines in place. Elementary and high school students are now mandated to use formal language when speaking to teachers and staff. In the English school system, this entails using titles like Mr. or Ms., while in the French-language system, students are expected to address others using the formal ‘vous’ instead of ‘tu.’
Schools are required to incorporate respect as a core value in their codes of conduct, which parents must acknowledge by signing. The President of the English Parents’ Committee Association of Quebec, Katherine Korakakis, views this change positively, emphasizing the promotion of respect among students, administrators, and teachers.
Business etiquette specialist Julie Blais Comeau also supports the use of formal language in classrooms, citing it as a critical life skill. She highlights that addressing others with ‘vous’ signifies respect and helps set boundaries in interactions.
On the other hand, Heidi Yetman, President of the Quebec Provincial Association of Teachers (QPAT), notes a rise in violence in schools post-pandemic. While acknowledging the importance of respect, Yetman believes that enforcing formality may not address the underlying issues causing violence, especially among young children in primary grades.
Yetman advocates for additional resources to assist students struggling with behavioral issues. She suggests the deployment of behavioral technicians to provide guidance and support to students dealing with anger management problems.
Education Minister Sonia Lebel defends the new rule on formal language as a tool to enhance the school environment. She stresses that the regulation aims to foster a climate of respect and civic responsibility in schools. Lebel encourages school administrators to exercise discretion in implementing the guidelines to ensure a positive impact without creating unintended challenges.
Overall, while formal language is seen as a valuable tool to promote respect in schools, educators stress the need for comprehensive support and resources to address behavioral issues effectively.