As students in Quebec head back to school after the holiday break, they are greeted with new rules focused on fostering respect and civility in classrooms.
These regulations, introduced by former Education Minister Bernard Drainville in response to an uptick in school violence and bullying, are designed to create a safer and more respectful environment for both students and staff.
Effective January 2026, all public and private schools are mandated to implement updated codes of conduct that stress the importance of respectful behavior and clear expectations for interactions among students, teachers, and staff.
Among the key changes are requirements for students to address school staff with titles like “Mr.” or “Mrs.”, and the use of the formal “vous” when speaking to adults in French-language schools.
Michael Gagliano, a resource teacher at Lester B. Pearson High School, views these rules as a foundation for respect in the educational setting, establishing a baseline for how individuals address one another.
While emphasizing the importance of titles in fostering professionalism and reinforcing the teacher-student relationship, Gagliano also highlights the broader concept of respect that extends beyond mere formalities.
Students at Pearson High School, like Adyson Miniaci and Sonia De Michele, share their perspectives on how these rules influence classroom dynamics and relationships with teachers. They believe that the official implementation of such respectful language requirements can positively impact behavior and interactions within the school community.
The new codes also outline basic standards of civility, including the use of polite language, respect for school property, and appropriate conduct towards peers and staff. Consequences for violating these rules range from warnings to suspension or expulsion, with additional measures such as apology letters, community service, or participation in discussions circles as potential forms of reparation.
These rules align with Quebec’s broader efforts to prevent violence and bullying, as well as the province-wide ban on cellphones and personal devices during school hours to combat cyberbullying and social conflicts.
Keyphrase: School Respect Rules
