Frequently Asked Questions
What is a census?
A census is the collection of data from an entire population or a group of people.
What is the purpose of the student census, and how will the information be used?
Grand Erie’s student census findings will help guide the Board moving forward. The findings will help the Board better understand student populations and school communities; identify and eliminate barriers to student success, inclusion and well-being; and create effective programs to increase student services.
What kinds of questions are asked as part of the census?
The census includes multiple-choice questions about student identity, family characteristics, school experiences, and student well-being. Only students in Grades 7 through 12 will see questions related to orientation and identity.
The census will be distributed to all learners through their Grand Erie email accounts.
To view an example of of the student census, click the links below:
When will students complete the census?
The census will be distributed to all learners through their Grand Erie email accounts beginning November 14, 2022. A follow-up email will be distributed, and the survey link will remain open until November 25.
For students in Kindergarten to Grade 3, parents/caregivers will complete the census on behalf of their child. For students in grades 4 to 12, time will be given during class to complete the census. Students not taking part will be provided with an alternative activity.
Is the census confidential?
Yes, the student census is confidential and the data collected will be stored in a private, secure database that will only be accessed by authorized research staff to identify and summarize board trends. Individual student questionnaires will not be analyzed. No personal identification, such as student name, will appear on the student survey. This ensures that the information provided remains confidential. Grand Erie District School Board is committed to the highest levels of privacy and confidentiality in collecting information about students, and follows all privacy requirements outlined in the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA). The information gathered through the student census is collected under the legal authority of the Education Act (R.S.O. 1990, c. E. 2, as amended) for educational and research purposes only.
Is the census mandatory?
Completing the student census is voluntary. Students or parents/caregivers who decide not to participate must let their school know by Friday, November 11, 2022.
Grand Erie believes it is vital that the student census reflects all of the voices within the Board. The more responses received, the more reliable the data will be, and the more effective the Board can be in supporting all students moving forward. The data collected will be used to inform and improve programming and instruction across Grand Erie.