Is your school safe and welcoming? Your opinion wanted

Students, staff, parents, guardians are invited to tell the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board if they feel their school is safe, and welcoming.

The board is conducting a survey this month to find out about two closely related issues – equity and inclusive education; bullying and harassment.

“Knowing what people think and how they feel about their/their child’s school can help it to be a better place to learn,” said Kerry Donnell, the board’s communications officer. “We believe it is important for people to have a voice about school being welcoming, inclusive, safe and accepting learning environments for everyone.”

The survey is part of a province-wide initiative by the Ministry of Education for school boards to get feedback to provide input on the school climate.

The 2019 Family/Guardian School Climate Survey will be live online until May 3, 2019. Participation is voluntary and responses are anonymous. Paper copies are available by contacting the school office. Students in Grade 4-12 will be able to complete the survey at school.

Links to the survey are posted on the home page of each school and on the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board website https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HPEDSB_SchoolClimate_FamilyGuardian

All responses are to be compiled and used by schools and the school board to plan for improvements.