WELLINGTON COUNTY – In partnership with Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health, the Upper Grand District School Board has released the Wellbeing Health and Youth Survey to staff, students, and parents.
Mental and physical health, bullying and more are all topics survey-takers will be able to weigh in on.
Lyndsey Dossett, Health Promotion Specialist at WDG Public Health, says the broad range of topics the survey covers has expanded since last year.
The partnership aspect is key, says Dossett.
“Not every region has this partnership set up between the school board and the public health unit to be able to track the health and wellbeing of children and youth in our area over time. So, that’s the biggest thing is we have this information to take a look at this stuff,” she said.
Meanwhile Blayne Primeau, Manager of Research, Evidence, and innovation at UGDSB added this data provides a deep dive beyond standard board measures.
Primeau says it’s vital to get input from guardians and parents.
“When it comes to the school climate surveys, I think we’re legislated to get it from all our stakeholders, so from our parents, our staff and our students. It goes well beyond just being legislated,” Primeau said.
“It is super important to not only get student perspective which is the most important, but also the parents and caregivers’ perspective,” he added.
Primeau went on to say these numbers will help the board steer their future.
Dossett stated there are several ways for Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health to combat challenges identified.
The survey is available until November 24th.
Dossett says public health prepares digestible graphics once the information is gathered.
