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School boards across the province are completing a Census with their school communities to better understand the needs of student populations and school communities. The Census gathers demographic data (statistical information) to help us better understand the people we serve.

The Census helps school boards better understand the needs of our students and school communities. Specifically, the Census information will be used to:

- address any barriers to student achievement and success,Ìý

- establish effective programs, and

- allocate resources according to student needs.Ìý

• Parents of JK-6 students were asked to complete the Census online.
• Students in Grades 7-12 were asked to complete the Census in class.

No. Census completion was voluntary; however, a high level of completion allows for more complete information about school communities.

Parents/guardians of Grade 7-12 students received information before the Census was administered, with the option to request that their child not participate in the process.

The Census consisted of approximately 20 questions about wellbeing, family structure, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, race, languages, nationality, disability and socio-economics.

The Census is confidential. We respect the privacy of our students and families. Data was collected in a secure manner in accordance with applicable privacy legislation and best practices. Questionnaires have unique access codes assigned to them.ÌýData is stored on internal Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ servers, and will only be accessed by a small number of staff, in order to analyze the data. Reports will never single out or identify a student or family, and will only be reported in a summarized way, to provide understanding of school communities' needs.