The Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB) has released results from the “Every Voice Counts" School Climate Survey conducted October 12-29, 2021. The survey gathered input from students in Grades 4-12, staff and parents/guardians to assist with planning programs and decision-making related to supporting safe and inclusive school environments.
The LKDSB is pleased with increased participation rates in the 2021 online survey in comparison to previous years. A total of 9,559 students in Grades 4-12 completed the survey, along with 2,954 parents/guardians and 626 staff. The surveys included a variety of questions on topics such as student routines, mental health, well-being and bullying. The surveys were developed with input from students, parents/guardians; school and Board administration, including Mental Health, Safe Schools and Indigenous Education representatives, and Chatham-Kent Public Health and Lambton Public Health.
Based on the responses, the majority of students feel their school is a welcoming environment and feel a sense of belonging at school. Most students in Grades 4-12 indicated they have one caring adult at school they trust. Ninety per cent of parents/guardians surveyed said they feel they can contact the school with concerns and 62 per cent feel their child's school is welcoming.
“The release of the 2021 School Climate Survey results is just the beginning of the work for our school teams to examine the results and engage with their school communities to develop action plans to improve learning outcomes and support student mental health and well-being," said Director John Howitt. “The results, albeit a snapshot in time, indicate that we need to continue developing relationships with parents/guardians and work together as partners in education to foster success for every student."
The Ministry of Education requires all school boards to conduct school climate surveys of students, school staff and parents at least every two years, as they all play a key role in contributing to a positive school climate. LKDSB recognizes the COVID-19 pandemic may have impacted the 2021 results. LKDSB feels the School Climate Survey results are important indicators of the broader social, cultural, health and economic factors influencing the learning experiences, mental health and well-being of students, as well as family and community engagement. These considerations will be part of LKDSB's planning and programming moving forward.
The LKDSB Multi-Disciplinary Teams, which include the principal, teachers, education workers and school staff are reviewing individual school results to develop plans to support students and promote positive school climates.
Visit the LKDSB website for more information about the board-wide data: www.lkdsb.net/survey
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For additional information contact:
Randy Campbell, Chair of the Board, (226) 996-9717
John Howitt, Director of Education, (519) 336-1500 Ext 31297
For reference information contact:
Heather Hughes, Public Relations Officer, (519) 336-1500 Ext 31262
