Gathered with 2 different classes of Grade 10 students. We want to give students a voice and to use their feedback to set goals, provide opportunities and make plans for student success. We asked for their responses to the following questions:

Success for all students

How can our school better support you to achieve your full potential? More options in course offerings. Teachers being able to teach subjects that they are most passionate about. Counsellor availability after school

What do you feel are the biggest barriers to your success in our school? Timeline for planning courses options for the next year. Time management: too many exams at the end of the semester.

Equity and Inclusion

Do you feel welcome and included at school? Can you provide an example of what contributes to you feeling welcome and included? Having friends to support. General respect. Helping each other. Teachers are great people and are helpful.

Do you feel that our school provides a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students? Why or why not? Yes - mostly. Opportunities to make friends.

What specific actions could our school take to make it more welcoming and inclusive? More group opportunities – it is fulfilling to be part of a club.

Community and Partnerships

How can schools strengthen their connections with local organizations, businesses, and post-secondary institutions to support student learning? More volunteer opportunities outside of school – internships for high school students. More expert guest speakers in classes.

What are some ways the district can improve communication and collaboration with parents and caregivers? Lots communications already: WAAG, websites, Parent-Teacher Conferences. Tedious to translate so it would be easier if communications were translated.

Organizational Effectiveness

Are our school’s facilities, technologies, and resources meeting your needs and/or the needs of others? Please provide specific examples. What improvements are needed? WIFI could be better for students and teachers. More staff available for tech issues – computer sign in issues, routers. Air fresheners in bathrooms.

Additional questions

If you could change one thing about your school to improve student success, what would it be? 

Start classes a little later. BLT is important. Enforcing phone policy. A bigger or a second cafeteria with more spaces to eat lunch.

Our goal is to continue to give students a voice – to let them know they are being listened to – and to move forward in ways that show they have the ability to effect change.