To fulfill our mission of educating and inspiring all students to achieve their full potential in a safe and caring environment, the York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB) is conducting a voluntary and confidential Student Census in early 2021 to better understand the backgrounds, experiences and needs of our students and communities. The collection of demographic data is a Ministry initiative that is intended to “foster policies, procedures and practices that are equitable and inclusive for all students – regardless of background, social identity or personal circumstances – and that support closing achievement and opportunity gaps.”
An important way to ensure success is to know and understand students in the richness of their diversity and uniqueness. An essential component of this work is gaining a better understanding of the intersectionality of social identities on student achievement. The information provided will help us better identify the barriers to student success and what we need to do to create more equitable and inclusive learning environments as we work to improve equity, achievement and well-being for all students.
In January 2021, we invited high school students in Grades 9 to 12 to complete the voluntary Student Census. In February 2021, we invite Grade 7 and 8 students to complete the Student Census. Parents/Guardians of students in Kindergarten to Grade 6 will receive an invitation to participate in March 2021.