QFHSA FAQ

Please note: If you have any technical questions, please refer to the technical support page.

What is the QFHSA?
- The Quebec Federation of Home and School Associations is an independent, incorporated, non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to the general education and well-being of children and youth.
- The QFHSA is part of the Canadian Home and School Federation. This federation is a 100 year old nation-wide parent volunteer movement, dedicated to promoting the education and the well-being of children through parental involvement and other means.

What does the QFHSA do?
The QFHSA promotes the involvement of parents, students, educators and the community-at-large in the advancement of learning and acts as a voice for parents.

What is the difference between Home and School (H&S) and Governing Board (GB)?
- Voting membership in H&S is open to all parents of a school or members of a community. Voting membership in GB is limited by legislation to a set number.
  Every H&S is a member of the provincial and national parent organization and therefore has a greater voice. Each governing board is virtually separate.
  Each H&S sets its own goals based on student and parent needs. Purpose of the GB is set by the Ministry of Education Quebec.

H&S, especially at the provincial level, is concerned with the overall good of the child and family, health, safety, rights, as well as education. GB is only concerned with education.

Why should I get involved with the QFHSA?
As a parent, you are most likely already involved in the life of your child(ren), be it reading to them at bedtime, helping with homework, or even running to and fro from all of their extra-curricular activities. If you can take the time to do all of these wonderful things, why not get involved more directly in your child's education? Research has proven that when parents are involved in their child's education, the child succeeds better at school.

The QFHSA is an independent voice in education in Quebec. Your membership in your local Home and School automatically gives you access to various resources offered by the QFHSA, to help you begin to play a more active role in your child's education and learning.

How do I become a member?
There are many way to become a member. You can contact your local Home and School Association or you can contact the QFHSA in either of the following ways:
Mail:
Quebec Federation of Home and School Associations
3285 Cavendish Blvd. Suite 560
Montreal, Quebec
H4B 2L9
Email: info@qfhsa.org
Phone:
(514) 481-5619 or Toll Free 1-888-808-5619

I have a toddler. What's it (the QFHSA) to me?
At the Home and School, we believe that education begins at home at birth. Parents of preschoolers have much to gain by joining the QFHSA, a head start at enhancing your child's school career.

My kids are in high school. They don't want me interfering in their school life, so what's the use of joining?
Certainly, parents of high schoolers need to proceed differently from parents of children in elementary schools, but there is a growing body of evidence indicating that high school students do substantially better when their parents show an interest in their education.

I have no time and don't like fundraising, anyway.
There are many, many ways you can contribute to your child's success at school. Contact the school to find out! Or phone the QFHSA at (514) 481-5619.

Why should I pay to volunteer?
The $16.00 provincial membership includes $2.00 liability insurance. Next, $1.00 goes to Canadian of Home and School Federation which gives you a national voice. The remaining $13.00 helps fund the provincial organization programs and projects. Other benefits include:
- The Newspaper that is published 4 times a year and mailed to your home represents a large portion of this. PALS and other workshops are also subsidized for our members. Our office and resources, of which there are many, to assist parents. Our Executive Secretary is here to answer questions and assist you. We put on workshops to help train your volunteers so that your Association works better Funding for volunteer travel expenses to present briefs and opinions to the Provincial and National governments.
- Paying the membership fee also shows your support and belief in the work of home and school.

What do I get when I pay my membership fee?
Your membership fee pays for an affiliation with the Canadian Home and School Federation, services provided by the QFHSA, mailings and information kits, as well as a subscription to the Quebec Home and School News newspaper.

Speaking of which, what is Quebec Home and School News?
This newspaper serves as a link between the QFHSA and its individual Home and School Associations. Communicating messages from various committees, interesting articles and tips, and the happenings at different Home and School Associations and schools, just begins to describe the Quebec Home and School News. There are always articles on parenting issues, safety, health, and more. Includes write-ups of the happenings at the two major yearly conferences and the latest in education circles.