What is a Student Census?
The Student Census is a voluntary, confidential survey for all students in the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington (PVNC) Catholic District School Board that will collect identity-based and perception data to help our communities understand and better support equity and inclusion.
The data collected from students and parents/guardians will provide the school system, families, and the community with valuable information that can help to improve programming and services for the benefit of all students.
Why is PVNC Catholic conducting a Student Census?
All Ontario School Boards are required to collect identity-based data (via Census) in compliance with Ontario’s Anti-Racism Data Standards (ARDS) under the 2017 Anti-Racism Act.
Data collected in our 2021 Census has been instrumental in strategic planning and policy development and has helped foster more equitable and inclusive learning environments.
Who will complete the Census?
- Phase 1: Grade 7-12 – students who had not opted out, completed the student census in their classroom running April 29 to May 10, 2024.
- Phase 2: K-6 – parents/guardians of students in Kindergarten to Grade 6 were asked to complete the census with or on behalf of their child(ren) from Jan. 15-29, 2025.
- Current Grade 7 students (who did not have the opportunity to participate in spring 2024) will be sent a secure link to the survey to their Board email and be provided classroom time to complete it from Feb. 18–28, 2025. Parent/Guardians will be provided with an opportunity to opt their child out between Feb. 3-13, 2025.
Is the Census mandatory?
No. Census completion is voluntary; however, a high level of completion allows for more complete information about school communities and allows us to hear student voice which is paramount to our decision-making.
Parents/guardians of Grade 7 students may opt their child out during the opt-out period running Feb. 3-14, 2025 . An opt out form will be sent by email to all Grade 7 families.
What type of questions are on the Census?
The Student Census will ask multiple choice identity-based questions on race, ethnicity, religion/spirituality, *gender identity, *sexual orientation, disability, socio-economic status, and citizenship.
*Questions regarding gender identity and sexual orientation are grade-level appropriate, consistent with the Ontario Catholic Elementary Curriculum Policy Document, Grades 1-8
How will the information be kept secure?
The encrypted data will be collected securely through Qualtrics in accordance with applicable privacy legislation and best practices.
Once the survey period is closed, the data will be securely transferred to PVNC Catholic where it will be stored securely on internal PVNC Catholic servers, and will only be accessed by a small number of staff, in order to analyze the data.
Is the Student Census accessible?
The online Census has been created to meet Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) standards.
Is the Student Census available in multiple languages?
Yes. The student Census will be available in multiple languages.