Students in the Bluewater District School Board have more time to participate in the student demographic census.
The board’s census was launched earlier this year as an exercise to better understand the needs of students and their families. This week, the board announced the deadline for students to participate has been extended to May 13, 2022.
Themed “Your Voice Matters”, junior kindergarten to Grade 12 students have been invited to participate in a voluntary questionnaire. The findings will help to inform the work the board is currently doing in the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusive education by allowing the board to: better understand student populations and school communities; identify and eliminate barriers to student success, inclusion, and well-being; and establish effective programs and reallocate resources to where they are needed most.
Although student participation is voluntary, the board is strongly encouraging students and families to get involved. The higher the completion rate, the more thorough and reliable the information will be for school improvement and program planning.
A dedicated web page has been developed to provide information and answers to common questions.
To promote the census to students, Bluewater District School Board held a logo and slogan contest last fall that was open to all Grades 4 to 12 students. Following a deliberation process, which included almost 70 entries, the judges selected the logo design submitted by Peninsula Shores District School Grade 11 student Molly Solomon, and slogan from Egremont Community School Grade 5 student Emerson Lantz.
Molly’s logo depicts simple figures with each figure displaying the same heart.
“When I created my logo, I wanted it to be simple but have a big impact. I wanted everyone to know that even with the different skin tones, cultures, and disabilities, we are all equal,” said Molly. “I am First Nations, and I like to express my feelings through my art. I believe that everyone is equal, regardless of any differences on the outside.”
Emerson’s “Your Voice Matters!” slogan reflects Bluewater District School Board’s strategic priority around community engagement, which includes actively seeking input from students and families on matters of achievement and well-being.
“I was interested in entering the 2022 census logo and slogan contest because I have always cared about equality, whether it is Black Lives Matter (or) female rights, and that is what this census (is) all about,” said Emerson. “I am hoping my slogan inspires people to encourage equality throughout Bluewater District School Board!”
Board officials said the information the census gathers will be important for future decision making.
“Our census will enable all students and families in Bluewater to lend their voices to our vitally important work around equity, diversity, and inclusiveness in our schools,” said Superintendent of Education Keith Lefebvre. “The information we gather will be pivotal to better aligning our decisions and focus with our strategic plan priorities of a safe supportive learning community that works together to support wellness, and fosters the strengths, contributions, and overall health of students and staff.”
Bluewater District School Board is the public board of education for Grey and Bruce Counties, including The Blue Mountains and Grey Highlands.
