May 7th, 2025
The Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) is committed to ensuring our schools are safe, caring and inclusive spaces for everyone. To make sure we are achieving this goal, we will be asking all students in Grades 4 to 12 to complete our Safe, Caring and Inclusive School (SCIS) survey. This will take place from May 20 to May 30, 2025.
The Safe, Caring and Inclusive School (SCIS) Survey
The WRDSB wants to better understand the areas of child development that contribute to students’ well-being, health and school success. The SCIS survey asks students about their thoughts, feelings and experiences in school and in the community.
View an online version of the Safe, Caring and Inclusive School (SCIS) survey. This version of the survey preview is compatible with online translation tools and screen readers.
We will be using the Middle Years Development Instrument (MDI) as our SCIS survey. The MDI asks students about their:
- Social and emotional development, such as self-esteem, optimism, happiness and empathy;
- Feelings of connectedness to school, family, friends, and communities;
- School experiences;
- Physical health and well-being; and,
- Time spent after school hours, as well as students’ wishes for after-school time.
The voluntary and anonymous survey includes questions about students’ identity. Students may also skip questions. The survey includes questions about students’ cultural, social, and sociodemographic identity. It specifically asked about Indigenous status, racial identity, first language, nationality, gender identity, disability, birth year, grade and school. Identity-based data is collected in alignment with the Anti-Racism Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code.
How will the survey happen?
On May 20, students in Grades 4 to 12 will receive the link to the survey via their WRDSB email. Teachers will provide time during class to complete the survey from May 20 to 30.
- The survey should take approximately 40-90 minutes to complete.
- Staff will provide assistance to any students who require accommodation in order to complete the survey.
- The SCIS is voluntary. Please read our family and caregiver information letter that includes instructions on how to opt out your child(ren) from the survey.
Please note that all students will receive the survey invitation. However, the list of students who have been opted out will be shared with principals and teachers prior to the email invitations being sent. If you and/or your child has decided to opt out, WRDSB staff will ensure that your child has another activity to complete during the class time used to complete the SCIS survey.
How will the survey results be used?
Students’ responses to the questions will be kept confidential and will be presented anonymously. The results of the survey will be used to inform activities to enhance school engagement, positive learning experiences and academic success.
Thank you for your continued interest in our schools, and for helping us do our best to ensure a safe and respectful learning environment for everyone. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your school principal.
2022-23 Safe, Caring and Inclusive School (SCIS) Survey – Summary Report
In support of our commitment to transparency and accountability, we are pleased to share the summary report for the SCIS results from the 2022-23 school year.
Read the 2022-2023 Safe, Caring and Inclusive School (SCIS) Survey – Summary Report