Dear WRDSB Parents, Families  & Caregivers, 

The transition from elementary school to high school is a major milestone. It’s an exciting time for students to grow, but it can also feel a bit uncertain. We want to hear about Grade 8 students’ experiences so we can make sure every student has the resources, opportunities, and support they need to get ready for learning in high school.

What are students being asked to do?

Grade 8 students are invited to complete the Future Grade 9 Survey online during class time between June 1 and June 5, 2026. The survey will take 10 – 15 minutes to complete. 

What kinds of questions are on the survey?

We want to hear about the experiences that have helped students get ready for high school. All the survey information, including the questions, can be viewed here.

What else do you need to know about this survey?

This survey is voluntary and anonymous.

  • Students decide: Students don’t have to take this survey. If they choose not to, it won’t affect their grades or their relationship with their teachers.
  • Students can skip what they want: If students don’t want to answer a question, they can just leave it blank.
  • It’s anonymous and confidential: We won’t ask for students’ names, emails, or student IDs.
  • Students can change their mind: If students start the survey and decide they’re done, they can just close the browser before hitting “submit”.

How will the information that students provide be protected?

How we will protect students’ privacy:

  • Group focus: Students’ answers will be mixed in with all other Grade 8 students. We only look at the results for the whole Grade 8 group, so each student’s identity stays hidden.
  • Limited access: Only a few specific staff members will see the data to help analyze it.
  • Safe and secure: Everything is kept in password-protected files for seven years to make sure students’ information stays private.

How will the information that students provide be used? 

We’ll use feedback to improve how we prepare students for high school. We will share a summary of what we learned with school leaders (e.g., school principals, superintendents, Trustees) and the Ministry of Education.

Who can you contact if you have questions about this survey?

If you have any questions, please contact your child’s school principal.

Thank you for your continued interest in our schools and support for student learning at Waterloo Region District School Board.