HDSB Hosting Virtual Information Session December 8 on Student Census

The Halton District School Board (HDSB) will host a virtual Student Census Information Session on Tuesday, Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. at www.hdsb.ca. The Information Session provides an opportunity for HDSB families to learn about the Student Census, which will be conducted starting in January 2021. The Student Census will confidentially gather data about students’ identities such as their first language, ethnic and racial background, religion, gender identity and for older students, sexual orientation. Students will also share their perceptions of school climate, sense of belonging and experiences with bullying.

Families have the opportunity to submit questions before and during the information session through this form. A full recording of the information session will be available with closed captioning and translated versions of the presentation following the event.   Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) will also be made available in Arabic, Chinese, French, Hindi, Punjabi, Spanish and Urdu. These resources will be posted on the HDSB Student Census webpage.

“All school boards in Ontario are required by the Anti-Racism Act, 2017 and Ontario’s Education Equity Action Plan to gather and report identity-based data by 2023. The data from the Student Census will help the HDSB and its schools to:

• Fully understand the needs of all students and families to support student success and well-being

• Identify and eliminate discriminatory practices, systemic barriers and bias in order to ensure equitable opportunities and outcomes

• Allocate resources to support students and programs where the need is greatest.

“The HDSB is committed to providing a supportive, inclusive and respectful learning environment for students,” In order to do this, we must truly understand the needs of all students and families.” says Superintendent of Education Rob Eatough,