In 2022, the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) student census allowed us to hear the voices of more than 30,000 of the students we serve as we plan how to better support them. This census included innovative and differentiated methods for students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 to share their thoughts, experiences and ideas to help shape their own learning experiences.

 

The results showed us that we serve students from at least 104 ethnic or cultural backgrounds. We also learned a lot more about the varied identities, abilities and lived experiences of students.

 

We know that when students have their identities celebrated and reflected in their learning environments, they are better able to achieve academically and ultimately, in life. This is because well-being and academic achievement are directly connected. In fact, when this happens, this is how we equip our students to be successful in the world.

 

Every student deserves the right to bring their gifts, talents, skills and lived experiences to create and transform our world. We reflect the community we serve – these are WRDSB students: