Student Census 2025 (Grades 7 to 12) Questions

Welcome to the “See Yourself in Limestone” Student Census for Grades 7 to 12! We want to know more about you so that we can support your learning and well-being. The answers you provide will help us serve you and other students better in Limestone. Before you start the survey, there are some important things you should know: The survey takes about 20 to 30 minutes to complete. Take your time to answer each question. This is not a test. There are no right or wrong answers. Please think about your experience in school now when answering the questions, unless the question gives another timeframe. The survey is private. Your answers will not be shared with anyone. The survey is optional. If you do not want to answer a question, you can skip it and move on to the next one. You can also stop at any time. Sometimes reading and answering questions about yourself and your identity can feel hard and that’s okay. If you want to talk more about what is on the survey, you can ask an adult that you trust. You can also click this link for more resources. 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. If you can't find your language, 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.

Please tell us about the nation you belong to (optional)

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 has 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 prefer not to answer

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

Indigiqueer is a term used by some 2SLGBTQIA+ Indigenous people. This term can refer to someone's gender or sexual orientation. Do you identify as Indigiqueer?

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

Ethnic or cultural origin(s) (or ethnicity) means where our family comes from and the culture we share. People with the same ethnic origin (an ethnic group) might come from the same country or region, speak the same language, follow the same traditions or religion, or share a history or a way of life (for example, Anishinaabe, Irish, Chilean, Tamil, Japanese, and Somali). Race is often confused with ethnicity, but there can often be several ethnicities within a racialized group. What is your cultural background(s) or ethnic origin(s)? Click the search icon to use the search bar to find an ethnicity or cultural background. You can pick more than one. If you can't find your ethnicity or cultural background, 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 often described as belonging to a certain race based on how others see and behave toward them. These ideas about who belongs to what race are usually based on physical features such as skin colour. Ideas about race are often imposed on people by others in ways that can affect their life experiences and how they are treated. This is called being racialized. Race is often confused with ethnicity, but there can often be several ethnicities within 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”, among many other terms. 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 identify with one or more religions. Some people don't identify with a religion at all. What is your religion and/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 prefer not to answer

Gender identity is someone's feeling of being a woman or girl, a man or boy, both, neither, or anywhere on the gender spectrum. 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

People who are transgender have a gender identity that is different from the one they were assigned at birth. Are you transgender?

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

Gender expression is how you present your gender to the world. It is different from gender identity. You present yourself to the world through things like your appearance, style, dress, or the way you walk or talk. Other people at school may describe your gender based on these things. Choose one answer for each question. 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

Sexual orientation describes our attraction to other people. We can feel romantic, physical, and/or emotional attraction to someone of the same gender, or a different gender(s), or none at all. Which of the following best describes your sexual orientation? You can choose more than one and you can type in the box.

(Answer options): Asexual; Bisexual; Gay; Lesbian; Pansexual; Queer; Questioning; Straight/Heterosexual; A sexual orientation(s) not listed above (please specify):; I am not sure; I do not understand this question; I prefer not to answer

Supporting mental health is important in Limestone. We want to better understand what issues affect students at school, even if they are undiagnosed. Do any of these issues affect you? You can pick more than one and you can type in the box.

Answer options: Worry, stress, and/or anxiety; Mood issues (for example, sadness, anger, emptiness); Eating or weight-related problems; Substance use (for example, using cannabis, alcohol, nicotine or any other substance); Gambling; Social media use; Gaming; Family conflict; Peer conflict; Grief; Sleep; Discrimination; Trauma related to world events; Another issue not listed (please specify); None of the above; I am not sure; I do not understand this question; I prefer not to answer

You are seeing this information because you answered that one of the issues on the previous question affects you. There are places you can go for support. Click here to see a list. Click Next at the bottom of the page to continue.

Do any of the following apply to you, even if you are undiagnosed? You can pick more than one and you can type in the box.

(Answer options):

• Blind; legally blind; low vision; limited vision
• Deaf; deaf; deafened; hard of hearing
• Chronic medical conditions (for example, epilepsy, asthma, diabetes)
• Chronic pain
• Traumatic Brain Injury (for example, concussion)
• Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
• Developmental disabilities (for example, intellectual disability, Down Syndrome)
• Learning disability or disabilities in reading, writing, or math
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD); Autistic
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD); ADHDer; ADD
• Speech or language disorders
• Tic Disorder; Tourette Syndrome
• Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD); Conduct Disorder (CD)
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Mobility, flexibility, or dexterity issues
• Spinal cord injury or paralysis
• Limb difference
• A condition or conditions not listed above; Please specify:
• None of the above
• I am not sure
• I do not understand this question
• I prefer not to answer

Neurodiversity is a term to describe the different ways that our brains work. Neurodivergence means having a mind that functions differently from what is considered the norm, including learning, processing, interpreting, feeling, etc. Students with ADHD, Autism, Learning Disabilities, etc. might call themselves neurodivergent. 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 prefer not 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

People with disabilities can have physical, mental, learning, communication, or sensory differences. 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 prefer not 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 if 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 prefer not 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

Do you have a family member who is or was incarcerated (in jail) in Canada?

(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...

Have you considered yourself to be unhoused in the last twelve months (for example, living in shelters, living in cars or abandoned buildings, living in a tent, couch surfing, not sure where you will be living at any point)?

(Answer options): Yes; No; I am not sure; I do not understand this question; I prefer not 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 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): Strongly disagree; Disagree; Neutral; Agree; Strongly agree; Not sure

Thinking about this school year, do you or do you plan to participate in any of the following activities at school? Choose one answer for each option.

• Arts or performance-based clubs or activities (examples may include art club, drama club, dance club, band, choir, improv, school play, talent show).
• Media activities and clubs (examples may include yearbook, school publications, newspapers).
• STEM-based clubs and activities (examples may include environment club, robotics, coding, math club).
• Other school clubs and activities (examples may include chess, DECA, GSA, faith-based).
• Sports (examples may include track and field, team sports, Special Olympics, intramurals).
• School leadership or volunteer activities (examples may include student council, grade 9 orientation, tutoring).
• School special events (examples may include dances, concerts, Model UN, Athletics Banquet).
• School field trips

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

(Answer options): Yes; I would but I do not have transportation (before or after school); No; This is not available at my school

Positive representation of different identities at school can help students feel like they belong. Representation means seeing examples or learning about people who share some of the same identities as you. You can find representations in books, class materials, lessons, posters, and displays of student work. Think about how often different parts of your identity are represented in your school, then choose one answer for each. You may skip any part of the question if you choose.

How often are these parts of your identity positively represented 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 sexual orientation
• My neurodivergence (displays if selected in previous question)
• My disability (displays if selected in previous question)
• My body type
• My family type

(Answer options): Never positively; Sometimes positively; Always positively; 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
• Sexual orientations
• 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.
• 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): Strongly disagree; Disagree; Neutral; Agree; Strongly 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 assessed 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): Strongly disagree; Disagree; Neutral; Agree; Strongly 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 your greatest strengths are as a student? You can pick more than one and you can type in the box.

(Answer options): Curiosity; Eagerness to learn; Kindness; Willingness to help others; Including others; Reliability; Creativity; Imagination; Independence; Being a hard worker; Determination; Being a good listener; Sense of humour; Advocacy; Sense of adventure; Teamwork; Another strength not listed (please specify): ; I am not sure; I do not understand this question

What grade are you in this year?

(Answer options): Grade 7 or 8; Grades 9 to 12

Shows is answered Grades 9 to 12 above.

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 classes start; Morning classes; Afternoon classes; Break between classes; Lunch; Time with friends outside of class; Art classes; Drama classes; Music classes; Business classes; Computer Studies classes; Co-op; English classes; First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Studies classes; Geography classes; History classes; Math classes; Peer tutoring; Physical education/Gym class; Second Language classes (example: French); Science classes; Independent study; Social Science or Humanities classes; Career studies; Civics; Learning on the Land; Experiential learning/SHSM; Outdoor learning; Technology classes (for example, construction, hairstyling, hospitality, culinary); Riding the bus; Extracurricular activities (for example, school clubs, sports, student council); Another part of the day not listed (please specify):; I am not sure; I do not understand this question