Results from Grand Erie's First Student Census Will Inform the Board's Next Steps for Planning and Supports for Students

The results are in from Grand Erie District School Board’s first student census, a survey of students in Grades 4-12 conducted last spring. The data collected will be used to better understand student needs, remove barriers to inclusion, and effectively plan programming and supports for all students.

“The census findings provide a more accurate picture of our student populations and school communities, an understanding which is crucial to ensuring equity and addressing systemic barriers,” said Wayne Baker, Superintendent of Education responsible for Grand Erie’s Safe and Inclusive Schools team, which led this initiative. “To help students succeed, we need to understand who they are.”

The confidential and voluntary student census was completed in class, and asked students about themselves and their experiences both inside and outside of school. Grand Erie’s participation rate was 83 per cent. Responses are secured in a database accessed only by authorized research staff.

“It was extremely important that the census capture a multitude of student voices,” said Baker. “What we now know is that we have diversity in all areas of our Board, and this information will help us close the gaps for marginalized students.”

The census initiative follows Ontario’s Education Equity Action Plan, the province’s strategy for identifying and eliminating discriminatory practices, barriers, and biases from schools and classrooms, and is a critical step to ensuring equity and addressing the factors affecting it. The census was supported by Grand Erie’s Board of Trustees, Senior Administration, and a host of community groups and organizations.

Key findings from the census report include:

• 12 per cent of respondents identified as Indigenous (Six Nations, First Nations, Metis, or Inuit)
• A majority of Grand Erie students identified as white (81 per cent), with more racial diversity in the City of Brantford where 29 per cent of respondents identified as non-white, followed by Haldimand County (21 per cent), and the Counties of Brant and Norfolk (both 13 per cent)
• 31 per cent of respondents indicated some form of disability (including mental health, learning, or medical-related)
• Students in Grades 9-12 were asked about sexual orientation. From those students, 16 per cent identified as other than heterosexual (gay, lesbian, bisexual, asexual or pansexual)
• Overall, respondents had a positive view of school, with 74 per cent indicating they feel accepted by adults at school, and 73 per cent indicating they feel their teachers care about them.

 For the full report on the student census and its findings click here.

For the public data set from the student census click here.

For questions about the student census, contact Greg Rousell, System Research Leader at Grand Erie at: greg.rousell@granderie.ca or 519-756-6301, ext. 281042.

Healthy Bites Success for Graham Bell-Victoria Students

Graham Bell-Victoria School has been presented with a GOLD award of recognition and achievement in the Healthy Bites Program. The staff and students have worked hard and enjoyed the “fruits” of their labour as they have now been recognized with GOLD!

Throughout the year, Sonia Martin, school health nurse with the Brant County Health Unit, has lead our staff and students in a variety of healthy eating awareness activities. These included a Mystery Fruit and Vegetable contest, a trivia question in the monthly newsletter, and healthy fruit and vegetable snacks every Friday. These tasty treats, prepared by the grade 4-5 class were a big hit and helped us learn about the benefits of eating healthy.

Next year the program will be expanded to Healthy Steps and Healthy Bites, a program in which we will learn about and practice healthy eating and healthy activity. Congratulations, Graham Bell!

Voluntary Aboriginal Self-Identification

The Grand Erie District School Board recognizes the importance of school success for Aboriginal students. Our dedicated staff members are committed to improving services and programs for Aboriginal students attending school in the Board.

With a goal to improve the school experience for all Aboriginal students, the Board encourages the development of strong partnerships with Aboriginal families, communities and organizations, both on and off the reserve.

Through the Voluntary Aboriginal Self-Identification process, Aboriginal parents and students will have access to additional support services, including educational, social, and emotional supports that focus and foster Aboriginal identity, culture and values.

There are three categories of Voluntary Aboriginal Self-Identification – First Nation, Métis, or Inuit.

Your child may bring a GEDSB Voluntary Aboriginal Self-Identification form home or if not, you can contact your child’s school to receive a form. You can also, visit the Aboriginal Education section under the Program tab at www.granderie.ca for more information and a copy of the Voluntary Self-Identification form.