Count Us In! Grand Erie Launches Second Student Census
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 9, 2022
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rand Erie’s Multi-Year Strategic Plan is guided by a mission to Learn, Lead and Inspire, and a vision to build cultures of Learning, Well-Being and Belonging. These goals can only be achieved if Grand Erie understands the needs of its students and their families, and uses that information to identify and eliminate barriers to achievement, establish programs to increase and improve student services, and guide its work in areas of inclusion, equity and belonging.
To gather this information, Grand Erie is launching its second student census, Count Us In! This census will build on the information gathered as part of the first survey of students, launched in the spring of 2019. This time, the census will be expanded to include primary-grade students, with age-appropriate surveys and family assistance build into the process for its youngest learners.
This initiative is being led by the Board’s Safe and Inclusive Schools team and has the support of Trustees, senior management and a host of community groups and organizations. It is also part of a larger initiative by the Ministry of Education and Ontario’s Education Equity Action Plan. Grand Erie believes it’s critical for the student census to reflect all of the voices across our region and in the communities it serves. The more responses received, the more reliable the data will be, and the more effective Grand Erie can be in supporting all students.
The student census features questions that ask students about themselves and their experiences, both inside and outside of school. To view an example of of the student census, click the links below:
Questions related to orientation and identity are only asked of students in Grades 7 through 12.
The census is voluntary, confidential and individual student questionnaires will not be analyzed. Grand Erie is committed to the highest levels of privacy and confidentiality in collecting information about students.
Students and/or parents/caregivers who decide not to participate in the census should let their school know by Friday, November 11, 2022.
Translations of the census are available, and students/families can request a translated version (available in Punjabi, Arabic and Urdu) through their school.
For questions about the student census, see Grand Erie’s FAQ.
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.
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