As students head back to school following the holiday break, a new trend is emerging in elementary and high schools across the province: the formal use of addressing teachers with “vous” is now the standard practice.
According to the Regulations on Rules of Conduct in Elementary and Secondary Schools, students are now required to address school staff using the formal titles of “madame” or “monsieur.”
This initiative, introduced by former Minister of Education Bernard Drainville, is part of a broader plan put forth by the CAQ government to promote respect and civic responsibility within educational institutions.
In addition to the formality in addressing teachers, another significant aspect of this plan was the implementation of a ban on cell phones, which took effect at the beginning of the previous school year. Several stakeholders, as reported by The Canadian Press, have noted positive outcomes resulting from the absence of cell phones in school environments.
The code of conduct in schools now includes specific repercussions for students who do not adhere to the new regulations. Consequences may range from warnings and written reflections to detention, suspension, and even expulsion.
Schools are required to determine appropriate sanctions considering the nature and severity of the infractions, with a focus on a progressive and restorative approach to discipline.
