Quebec celebrates school perseverance with encouraging results from Pathways Program
Tashi Farmilo
In a week dedicated to highlighting the importance of educational perseverance among students, Quebec's "Hooked on School Days" campaign has once again brought attention to the efforts, motivations, and aspirations of young learners. The annual event, held from February 12 to 16, emphasizes the critical message that, with the right support, everyone can persevere in their educational journeys.
This year, the Pathways to Education Canada program shared uplifting data that underscores the positive impact of targeted support on student engagement and success. According to Philip-G Simard, a research and data analyst with Pathways, the program's ongoing evaluation, including findings from the Trousse d’évaluation des décrocheurs potentiels (TEDP) survey conducted by the University of Montreal, reveals significant achievements among its Quebec participants for the 2022-23 school year.
The survey highlighted that an impressive 88% of Pathways students felt competent and in control within their school environment. Furthermore, participation in after-school activities was reported by 92% of the students, with 89% actively putting effort into their schoolwork. Notably, 94% expressed a desire to complete high school, and among these, 68% showed interest in pursuing post-secondary education.
"These figures highlight the transformation that occurs when we back young people," Simard stated, expressing pride in the students striving to earn their high school diplomas and gratitude toward the program's supporters.
The Municipality of Chelsea, along with the MRC des Collines-de-l'Outaouais and various local organizations and educational bodies, marked the commencement of the School Perseverance Days with a flag-raising ceremony at City Hall. This collaborative effort symbolizes the community's unified stance in promoting educational success, showcasing the significance of the MRC des Collines-de-l'Outaouais' involvement in supporting local educational initiatives.
This event symbolized the community's commitment to fostering educational success from early childhood through adulthood, emphasizing that perseverance in school is promoted through daily actions and support from teachers, parents, employers, and the community at large.
As the week unfolds, the collective efforts of the community, educators, and programs like Pathways to Education are celebrated for their role in encouraging students to shine through determination and perseverance. This year's Hooked on School Days serves as a reminder of the simple yet profound ways in which support and encouragement can positively impact a student's educational journey, with the MRC des Collines-de-l'Outaouais playing a key role in this vital mission.
Photo caption: Pontiac MB Sophie Chatel and representatives from the MRC des Hills, the Municipality of Chelsea, Table de développement social des Collines-de-l'Outaouais, Table Éducation Outaouais, CISSS de l'Outaouais, and La maison de jeunes - Le Mashado united for the flag-raising ceremony to kick off School Perseverance Days.
Photo credit: Courtesy of MRC des Collines-de-l'Outaouais
