As part of the strategic planning process, students were asked what their vision of the future looked like. Using various feedback methods, students shared what matters most to them. Six key areas surfaced which we must address through strategies, policies, and future student engagement.

What Students Shared

Below are insights and themes from student engagement. They can be used as a launching point for engagement with students and offer opportunities for deeper discussion and exploration with students.

Students care about making schools more diverse and equitable, with space to voice their opinions

  • More teachers and staff that are representative of marginalized groups
  • An awareness of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and gender inclusivity in schools
  • No more segregation by gender in washrooms and gym class
  • Easy access to menstruation products throughout schools
  • Gym pinnies and other school-related clothing should be inclusive for all bodies
  • Designated vape area monitored by staff on-site

Students need their well-being and mental health prioritized to stay engaged at school

  • Workload at school is overwhelming for students
  • Just showing up at school can be a daily challenge for many students
  • Students are struggling with their mental health, and they need more support along with a recognition that there is a lot more to their lives than just school
  • Students feel discouraged, disengaged, overwhelmed and behind in school

Students want to see the school system evolve and accept new ideas

  • Update and increase the use of land acknowledgements
  • Teaching and evaluating practices shift to accommodate:
    • Different types of learners
    • Different modalities of learning
  • Accountability and transparency on speech or actions that are disrespectful toward others
  • Cleaner school environment
  • Infrastructure improvements and better amenities in schools

Students care about and want more opportunities to learn about identity and well-being to support themselves and their peers

  • Learn about identity
  • Topics to improve and support health and well-being in ways that reduce stigma
  • More conversations and education on their bodies

Students want to learn and broaden their understanding of more diverse histories globally

  • History and deeper understanding of marginalized groups
  • More world history and world topics, not just about Canada and the United States of America

Students value learning skills outside of traditional school subjects and want to learn more skills in the classroom

  • How to properly apply for a job
  • Filing taxes and money management
  • Coding
  • How to navigate and maintain relationships