Student Census 2025 (Grades 4 to 6) Questions

Welcome to the “See Yourself in Limestone” Student Census Survey! This survey is for students in Grades 4 to 6. We want to learn more about you so we can help make school better for you and other students. Here are some things to know before you start: The survey takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Take your time. This is not a test. There are no right or wrong answers. Try to think about how school feels for you right now, unless the question says something different. Your answers are private. We will not share them. You do not have to answer every question. You can skip any question you don’t want to answer. You can also stop at any time. Sometimes reading and answering questions about yourself and your identity can lead to big feelings or questions, and that’s okay! If you want to talk more about what is on the survey, you can ask a grown-up that you trust, like a family member or teacher. Thank you for your participation! This information is collected under the authority of the Education Act, R.S.O., Sections 169.1, 170 (1), and 171 (1), the Anti-Racism Act 2017, and in accordance with Section 29 (2) of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

To start, we would like to ask some questions about YOU...What language(s) did you first learn at home as a child and still understand? Click the search icon to use the search bar to find a language. You can pick more than one. Click "Add another language" at the bottom of the list to add another. (Select from a searchable list of 94 languages)

Do you identify as First Nations, Métis, and/or Inuit? You can pick more than one and you can type in the box.

(Answer options): No; Yes, First Nations; Yes, Métis; Yes, Inuit; Nation not listed above (please specify)

This question shows if student answers “yes” to previous question.

The term Two-Spirit is a modern term that often refers to a person who has both a masculine and feminine spirit, and who carries specific roles and responsibilities within their communities. Two-Spirit is also used by some Indigenous peoples to describe their gender, sexual orientation, or spiritual identity. Do you identify as Two Spirit?

(Answer options): Yes; No; I am not sure; I do not understand this question; I do not want to answer

What Is Ethnicity? An ethnic group is a group of people who share things like the same culture, language, family history, or background. For example, someone might be Anishinaabe, Irish, Chilean, Tamil, Japanese, or Somali. People sometimes mix up race and ethnicity, but they are not the same. One racial group can include many different ethnic groups. What is your cultural background(s) or ethnic origin(s)? You can pick more than one. Click the search icon to see the search bar to make your choice(s). Click "Add another ethnicity or cultural background" at the bottom of the list to add another.

(Select from a searchable list of 255 ethnicities and cultural backgrounds)

People are sometimes grouped into different “races” based on how they look—like their skin color, hair, or other features. These groups are often made by what others think, and are not always something the person chooses: This is called being racialized. Sometimes people mix up "ethnicity" and "race," but there can be lots of ethnicities in a racialized group. In our society, people are often described by their race or racial background. For example, some people are considered “White” or “Black” or “Southeast Asian”. Which race category best describes you? You can pick more than one and you can type in the box.

(Answer options):  Black (examples may include African, Afro-Caribbean, African-Canadian descent); East Asian (examples may include Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Taiwanese descent); Indigenous (examples may include First Nations, Métis, Inuit, descent); Latino/Latina/Latine/Latinx (examples may include Latin American, Hispanic descent); Middle Eastern (examples may include Arab, Persian, West Asian descent, e.g. Afghan, Egyptian, Iranian, Lebanese, Turkish, Kurdish etc.); South Asian (examples may include South Asian descent, e.g. Indian (India), Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, Indo-Caribbean, etc.); Southeast Asian (examples may include Filipino, Vietnamese, Cambodian, Thai, Malaysian, Indonesian descent); White (examples may include European descent); If not listed above, please type in the box below:

Some people have one or more religions. Some people do not have a religion at all. What is your religion or spiritual affiliation? You can pick more than one, and you can type in the box.

(Answer options): African Spirituality; Agnostic (a person who is not sure if any god or gods exist); Atheist (a person who does not believe in any god or gods); Ba'hai; Buddhist; Christian; Hindu; Indigenous Spirituality; Jain; Jewish; Muslim; Pagan; Sikh; Wiccan; Zoroastrian; Spiritual, but not religious; No religious or spiritual affiliation; Religion(s) or spiritual affiliation(s) not listed above (please type in the box below): ; Questioning; I am not sure; I do not understand this question; I do not want to answer

(This question shows if student selects a religion, faith, creed, or spiritual affiliation in previous question.)

Do you wear any visible symbols of your religion, faith, creed, or spiritual affiliation (for example jewelry, head coverings, etc.)?

Answer options: Yes; No; No, I don't feel comfortable (please explain if you wish):; I do not understand the question; I do not want to answer

Gender identity is how you feel inside about being a girl, a boy, both, neither, or something else. Everyone feels their gender in their own way, and that’s okay. What is your gender identity? You can pick more than one and you can type in the box.

(Answer options): Boy/man; Gender Fluid; Girl/woman; Non-Binary; Questioning; Gender identity or identities not listed above (please type in the box below):; I am not sure; I do not understand this question; I do not want to answer

About Being Transgender

Some people feel that their gender identity is different from the one they were given when they were born. These people may call themselves transgender. Are you transgender? You can choose the answer that feels right for you.

(Answer options): Yes; No; I am not sure; I do not understand this question; I do not want to answer

How You Show Your Gender

Gender expression is how you show your gender to other people. This is different from your gender identity, which is how you feel inside. You might show your gender by: the clothes you wear, your hairstyle, how you walk or talk, your style or look.  Other people might guess your gender based on these things and whether they think you are more feminine, masculine, or in between. Feminine means more like a girl, and masculine means more like a boy. Choose one answer for each question. You can skip any question if you want. How do you express yourself most of the time at school?

(Answer options): Very feminine; Feminine; Somewhat feminine; Equally feminine and masculine (in between); Somewhat masculine; Masculine; Very masculine; It varies day-to-day; I am not sure; I do not understand this question; I do not want to answer

How do you think other people at school would describe you most of the time?

(Answer options): Very feminine; Feminine; Somewhat feminine; Equally feminine and masculine (in between); Somewhat masculine; Masculine; Very masculine; I am not sure; I do not understand this question; I do not want to answer

Different Ways Our Brains Work

Everyone’s brain works in its own way. This is called neurodiversity. Some people’s brains work differently from what is usual. This is called being neurodivergent. For example, students with ADHD, Autism, or Learning Disabilities might say they are neurodivergent. They may learn, feel, or understand things in a different way—and that’s okay! Everyone has their own strengths. Which of the following sentences describes you best?

(Answer options): I am neurodivergent; I am neurotypical; I would describe myself another way;

I am not sure; I do not understand this question; I do not want to answer

(This question shows if the student selects “I am neurodivergent” in previous question.)

Do you feel like your neurodivergence is supported at your school when you need it?

(Answer options): Never; Almost never; Sometimes; Almost always; Always; I do not need support; I am not sure; I do not understand this question; I do not want to answer

Some people have disabilities. This means they might do things in a different way because of their body, mind, or how they learn, talk, or sense the world. If met with an obstacle, it can be hard for them to do things that others can do easily. People with disabilities often face obstacles every day, like buildings that are hard to enter, rules that are unfair, or attitudes that treat them differently. Some disabilities can be seen, and some cannot. They can last a long time or just a short while. People with disabilities are diverse in many ways and have many strengths. Which of the following sentences describes you best?

(Answer options): I am a person with a disability; I am not a person with a disability; I would describe myself another way (please specify):; I am not sure; I do not understand this question; I do not want to answer  

(This question shows if the student selects "I am a person with a disability" in the previous question.)

 Do you feel like your disability (or disabilities) is supported at your school when you need it? 

(Answer options): Never; Almost Never; Sometimes; Almost always; Always; I do not need support; I am not sure; I do not understand this question; I do not want to answer

(This question shows if the student selects “I am a person with a disability” in previous question.)

What obstacles, if any, related to your disability, do you face in your school day? (optional)

Do you have an IEP (Individualized Education Plan)?

(Answer options): Yes; No, but I am getting one; No; I am not sure; I do not understand this question; I do not want to answer

(This question shows if the student selects “Yes” in previous question.)

Do you know what your accommodations are for your IEP?

(Answer options): Yes; No

Do you have a parent(s), caregiver(s) or family member who is or was a member of the Military (examples may include Army, Navy, Air Force, or Reserves)?

(Answer options): Yes; No; I am not sure; I do not understand this question; I do not want to answer

We would like to ask some questions about your experience outside of school...

If you live in more than one home, you will be able to answer these questions for each one. How many of the following are in your home?

-Musical instruments (for example, guitar, piano, violin)

-Cars, vans, or trucks

-Motorcycles, mopeds, or electric scooters

-Bathrooms with a bathtub or shower

-Bathrooms with a toilet

You may skip any part of the question if you choose.

(Answer options): None; One; Two; Three or more; Not sure

If you live in more than one home, you will be able to answer these questions for each one. How many digital devices with screens are there in your home (for example, TVs, computers, laptops, tablets, iPads, cell phones)?

(Answer options): None; One; Two; Three; Four; Five; Six to ten; More than ten; I am not sure; I do not understand this question; I do not want to answer

If you live in more than one home, you will be able to answer these questions for each one. How many of the following digital devices are in your home?

• Televisions
• Desktop computers
• Laptop computers or notebooks
• Tablets (for example, iPad, Galaxy Book, Surface)
• E-book readers (for example, Amazon Kindle)
• Cell phones with Internet access (smartphones)

You may skip any part of the question if you choose.

(Answer options): None; One to two; Three to five; More than five; Not sure

If you live in more than one home, you will be able to answer these questions for each one. Pick one answer for each item. You may also skip any part of the question if you choose. In your home, do you have...?

• A room of your own
• Internet access/Wi-fi (excluding through smartphones)
• A subscription to a streaming service (examples may include: Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV)
• Educational software or Apps
• Your own cell phone with Internet access (e.g. smartphone)

(Answer options): Yes; No; Not sure

Click "Yes" to answer these questions for another home. If you are finished, click Next.

(Answer options): Yes (I would like to answer these questions for another home); Next (I am finished with these questions)

Next, we would like to ask some questions about your experience at school...How do you feel about your school most of the time? Pick one answer for each statement.

• I feel like this school is a welcoming place.
• I feel like I belong at this school.
• I enjoy being at this school.
• I get along well with other students at this school.
• I feel accepted by students at this school.
• I feel that school rules are applied to me in a fair way.
• At school, I think about how I learn.
• I usually try to do my best in school.
• I am treated with respect by students at this school.
• I am treated with respect by staff at this school.
• I feel like differences among all people are respected at this school.
• I can express my cultural identity comfortably at this school.
• I can express my gender comfortably at this school.

You may skip any part of the question if you choose.

(Answer options): Disagree; Neutral; Agree; Not sure

Thinking about this school year, do you participate in any of these activities at school? Choose one answer for each activity.

• Arts or performance clubs or activities (examples may include art club, choir, school play, talent show).
• STEM-based clubs and activities (examples may include mathletes, robotics club).
• Other school clubs and activities (examples may include rainbow club, chess club, garden club, crochet club).
• Sports (examples may include cross country running, basketball, volleyball, soccer).
• School special events (examples may include dances, funfairs, school celebrations).
• School field trips

 You may skip any part of the question if you choose.

 (Answer options): Yes;  No; I would, but I can't get there (if before or after school); This is not at my school

Seeing Yourself at School

It feels good when we are represented at school. Representation means learning about or seeing people who share something with you, like your culture, language, family, or how you look. You can find representation in: Books, Posters, Class learning, and Student work on the walls.  Now, think about how often you see parts of who you are at school. Then, choose one answer for each question.

How often are these parts of who you are represented in a good way at your school?

• My language
• My Indigenous identity (displays if selected in previous question)
• My culture or ethnicity
• My race
• My religion or spiritual affiliation (displays if selected in previous question)
• My gender (identity and/or expression)
• My neurodivergence (displays if selected in previous question)
• My disability (displays if selected in previous question)
• My body type
• My family type

You can skip any question if you want.

(Answer options): Never in a good way; Sometimes in a good way; Always in a good way; Not represented at all

Please pick one answer for each statement. At school I learn...

• About Indigenous Peoples
• From local Indigenous Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and Community Members who come to talk to my class
• About the traditional territories, land agreements, and treaties where my school or home is

You may skip any part of the question if you choose.

(Answer options): Never; Sometimes; Often; Not sure

Please pick one answer for each item below. At school, I learn about people with different…

• Races, ethnicities, and cultural backgrounds
• Religions or faiths
• Gender identities
• Income levels
• Abilities, including people with disabilities

You may skip any part of the question if you choose.

(Answer options): Never; Sometimes; Often; Not sure

Please check how much you agree or disagree with the following statements.

• There is at least one adult at my school who cares about me as a person.
• There is at least one adult at my school who encourages me to do well.
• There is an adult at school that I can go to if I need support or help.
• In general, adults at my school treat me the same as they treat other students.

You may skip any part of the question if you choose.

(Answer options): Disagree; Neutral; Agree; Not sure

Please check how much you agree or disagree with the following statements.

• My teachers know I have an IEP. (displays if selected in previous question)
• I get my accommodation(s) without having to ask. (displays if selected in previous question)
• I feel like my work is usually marked fairly.
• I can participate in class in a way that meets my ability.
• Teachers give me chances to show my thinking in different ways.

You may skip any part of the question if you choose.

(Answer options): Disagree; Neutral; Agree; Not sure

Think about the last school year. What were the reasons you were late or absent from school? You can pick more than one, type in the box, or choose “None of these apply to me”.

(Answer options): Academic pressure (for example, my schoolwork is too hard, too many assignments to manage); Anxious; Medical or mental health appointment; Avoiding conflict with other students or staff; Avoiding discrimination at school; Bus cancelled or late; Community responsibility; Death of a loved one (including a pet) or community member; Extracurricular activities; Family conflict; Fear of being bullied; Getting ready in the morning was hard (for example, my clothes did not feel right); Mental health condition or mental illness; My parent or caregiver could not take me to school; My parent or caregiver gave me a day off; My period; No food for lunch at school; No running water at home; Playing video games or on social media; Religious or cultural ceremony; Helping with seasonal work (farming, hunting, making syrup); Sent home because of my behaviour; Sick (e.g., Covid, cold, flu); Suspended; Taking care of a family member or sibling; Taking care of my mental health; Technology issues (for e-learning); Too tired to go to school or I slept in; Another reason (please type reason here if you wish): __________________; None of these apply to me; I do not understand this question

What do you think you are best at as a student? You can pick more than one and you can type in the box.

(Answer options): I am curious; I am eager to learn; I am kind; I help others; I include others; I am reliable (You can count on me!); I am creative; I have a good imagination; I am independent (I do things on my own); I am a hard worker; I am determined (I don't give up, even when it's hard); I am a good listener; I have a good sense of humour (I am funny and like to laugh); I stand up or speak up for others; I have a sense of adventure (I like to try new things); I am good at teamwork; Something else not in this list (please type here): ; I am not sure; I do not understand this question

Which part of the school day do you look forward to the most? You can pick more than one and you can type in the box.

(Answer options): Morning before school starts; Time with friends outside of class; Recess; Nutrition Breaks; Drama; Music; Literacy (Reading and Writing); History; Math; French (or English for French Immersion); Gym; Science; Social Studies; Health; Using technology (for example, iPads, Chromebooks); Extracurricular activities (school clubs, school sports teams or clubs); Visits from guest speakers or community members; Outdoor learning; Before and After Care program; On the school bus; Another part of the day not listed (type in box):; I am not sure; I do not understand this question