Re: Journal de Montreal Article on WHS Drop-out Rates

May 27th, 2008

Dear Westmount Parents/Guardians,

We would like to express our concern about a misleading article published in the Journal de Montreal, indicating that Westmount High School's drop out rate for the 2006-2007 academic year was at 37.7%. According to the article the statistics represent the proportion of students who leave high school without a diploma and do not register in an educational institution the following year. It also includes the number of students who leave the province of Quebec and/or are deceased.

We do not agree with this figure of 37.7% quoted in the Journal de Montreal. Westmount High School has a high number of students who attend the school from out of province and country, whose parents have been transferred to Quebec for work or study. These students are often attending Westmount High School from a period of 6 months up to 4 years and return to their home country to complete their studies prior to graduation. According to the definition used in the article they are considered drop outs from Westmount High School, which does not portray an accurate picture of the situation at our school. Many of these students are star pupils and high achievers who add diversity and richness to our school community.

For example during the 2006-2007 academic year Westmount High School had 23 students out of a population of 699 leave the school. These students according to the definition were considered drop outs which we feel is wrong as they are all accounted for. The reasons for departure are cited below:

Left Province: 4
Left Country: 9
Transferred to another school board: 6
Home Schooled: 1
Adult Ed: 1
Private School: 2
High School Leavers: 23

We felt that it was important to clarify this point to our school community and ensure that an accurate portrayal of our school was presented.

Sincerely,

Michael Cristofaro
Principal