Your child’s interim report card

Each year, by October 15, parents of elementary and high school students in Quebec receive an official interim report card from their child’s school. Filled out by the teacher (or special education teachers), this document provides valuable information about your child:

• Their general behaviour
• Their classroom participation
• Their level of autonomy
• The quality of their work
• Their punctuality
• Etc.

This assessment is not an official report card and doesn’t include grades. Instead, the teacher gives qualitative feedback:

• Very good
• Good
• Good but requires some help
• Poor
• Etc.

Your child’s interim report card is an opportunity to connect with the school team and start the year on the right foot. To build a strong parent-school relationship, and to show your child that you value their education, you can do the following:

• Read and sign your child’s interim report card
• Talk to them about their evaluation
• Speak to their teacher if you have questions
• Request a meeting with their school team, if necessary
• Etc.

Your child’s interim report card, which should arrive a few weeks into the school year, will let you know if they’re having any difficulties. If they are, there are several steps you can take to address the situation:

• Ask your child if they think they need help
• Share your observations and let them know if you’re worried
• Speak with the teacher
• Explore possible ways to support your child
• Speak with specialized school staff (e.g., remedial teacher, speech-language pathologist, psychologist)
• Etc.

The information contained in a interim report card can be extremely useful. You can use it to help your child set new goals so they can improve and stay motivated. For example, if your child is shy, their goal could be to ask a question in class at least twice a week.
Whatever goal(s) you choose should do the following:

• Emphasize effort
• Give school-related tasks meaning
• Engage your child in their own learning
• Etc.

Even if your child’s interim report card isn’t picture-perfect, it’s important to focus on the positives to keep their confidence up. For instance, try choosing one or two good comments and discussing them with your child:

• Tell them how proud you are of them
• Point out their progress
• Talk about what they’re most proud of
• Etc.