Your School. Your Voice.

TVDSB School Climate Surveys

Hearing from students, parents/caregivers, and staff is important for developing plans to help make school communities safer and more welcoming.  

This year all TVDSB students in Grades 5-12, parents/caregivers with children attending TVDSB schools, and TVDSB staff are invited to complete the School Climate Surveys.

Students in Grades 7 to 12 are also asked questions about themselves (e.g., gender, race, religion/creed) to help understand if aspects of students’ identities relate to their views about and experiences at school. 

These surveys ask questions about experiences and feelings related to school life, such as safety, connection and belonging, and the school environment.

Participation is voluntary and the survey is anonymous. Students will be given time in class to complete the survey if they choose. Parents/caregivers can request that their child not participate by contacting the school principal.

Information for Parents/Caregivers:

Over the next couple of weeks, your child/children will learn more about school climate in school. If your child/children is/are in Grade 5 –12, they will also be invited to complete an online survey during class.

The survey asks questions about their experiences and feelings related to school life, such as safety, connection and belonging, and the school environment.

Students in Grades 7 to 12 are also asked questions about themselves (e.g., gender, race, religion/creed) to help understand if aspects of students’ identities relate to their views about and experiences at school. 

You will be invited to answer similar questions. On February 24, 2025 you will receive an invitation with a link to the survey. Information related to the survey will be shared through SchoolMessenger, by email, and/or social media.

Participation is voluntary and the survey is anonymous. You and your child/children will not be asked to include your name or their student number. Answers cannot be connected back to you or your child/children in any way.

If your child/children is/are under 18, and you do not want them to complete the survey, please speak with the principal of your child’s/children's school as soon as possible.

 
Frequently Asked Questions for Parents/Caregivers
 Who is invited to participate? 
All Grade 5-12 students will have time in class to complete the survey if they choose. Families with children attending school in TVDSB and school staff are also invited to participate.
 Does my child have to participate? 
No, participation is optional. If you do not want your child to participate, please speak with your child and contact their principal.
 Is this survey anonymous? 
Yes. You and your child will not be asked to include your names or their student number. Answers will be combined and cannot be connected back to individuals.
 How long will it take to answer all the questions? 
About 30 minutes for students and 15 minutes for parents/caregivers. If you have a child or children who are learning virtually, the survey will take about 10 minutes for both you and your child/children to complete. 
 Do students and parents/caregivers have to answer all the questions?
No. The first three questions are required. These questions ask if you want to complete the survey, grade of student, and school. All other questions are optional.
 Can students get help with answering the questions? 
Yes. This is not a test. Students can ask for help if they need it. Teachers may read the questions to students, help define words, and/or provide extra time.
 Is the survey available in different languages?

Yes. The survey is available in multiple languages.

  • Arabic
  • French (Canadian)
  • German
  • Hindi
  • Korean
  • Kurdish (Kurmanji)
  • Mandarin
  • Nepali
  • Persian
  • Portuguese (Brazilian)
  • Punjabi
  • Spanish (Latin American)
  • Ukrainian
  • Urdu
  • Vietnamese

If you need assistance completing the survey in a language not listed on the website, please speak with the principal of your child’s school, or email schoolclimatesurvey@tvdsb.ca.
How were the questions determined? 
TVDSB uses questions from the Department of Education School Climate Surveys (EDSCLS). For more information visit https://nces.ed.gov/surveys/edscls/index.asp
 What support is available for students who may feel upset?

Some questions may make students feel uncomfortable. If students feel upset, they are encouraged to speak with an adult they trust at school or at home. Information about supports is also included in the survey. You can preview the questions that are being asked by clicking on the pictures above and then selecting "Preview the Survey". You can view questions for students, parents/caregivers, and for school staff.
 Who will have access to the information?
Only members of TVDSB’s Research and Assessment Services will have access to individual responses. Answers will be combined to create school and district reports.
 How will the information be used?
School reports will be shared with principals and district staff to help create plans (e.g., Safe and Inclusive School Plans). Principals are asked to share key findings with their school communities. District reports will be shared with TVDSB staff and Trustees to help make decisions about policy, resources, and learning opportunities. Key findings may also be shared with the TVDSB community, Ministry of Education, and the public.
 Where can I get more information?

If you have additional questions, please speak with the principal of your/your child’s school or email the School Climate Working Group at schoolclimatesurvey@tvdsb.ca.

 
Need Help Completing the Survey?

If you require assistance completing the survey, please speak with the principal at your/your child’s school or email the School Climate Working Group at schoolclimatesurvey@tvdsb.ca.

Community Mental Health Resources: Contact Information

If there is a mental health emergency, please visit your local Hospital Emergency Department or call 911.
 

Reach Out 24/7 
Call or Text: 519-433-2023 
Toll-Free: 1-866-933-2023 
Web Chat: https://reachout247.ca/ 

Wellkin: Child and Youth Wellness – Oxford & Elgin 
Call: 1-877-539-0463 

Tandem 24/7 Crisis Support Services and Intake Team – London and Middlesex 
Children and youth up to 18 years of age and their parents/caregivers 
Website: https://www.tandemhelps.ca/ 
Call: 519-433-0334 

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