April 18th, 2011

Dear Parent or Guardian,

Please find attached a copy of the student survey. This is a voluntary survey which is being
distributed to every student in the school district. Parents who are completing the survey on
behalf of their children due to their exceptionalities or special needs, are asked to complete the
survey with your child, place it into the return envelope provided, and return it to school no later
than May 20th, 2011.

The district is undertaking this survey because:
     • We believe that a comprehensive demographic survey will give us a better understanding of our student population and will help us to better meet student needs;
     • We are required to complete a bi-annual school climate survey; and
     • We are required to complete an Aboriginal self-identification survey.

This survey asks a number of questions related to factors which affect student achievement and
well-being, including such things as ethnicity, socioeconomics, gender, and student engagement,
sense of belonging, school climate, student health, extracurricular activities and special
accommodations.

We recognize that some of the questions are sensitive which is why the survey is voluntary. If
there is a question that you do not wish to answer, simply skip that question. If you do not wish
to complete the survey, you are not required to do so.

The survey is confidential. Each survey has a unique survey code (e.g., TST123456), but does
not include the student’s name or student’s Ontario Education Number (OEN). Please note that
the student’s name is included on this letter so that parents with more than one child can complete
the survey for the appropriate child. Please do NOT return this sheet with the survey.

If you prefer, you may complete the survey on-line at http://www.ocdsb.ca Please
use your child’s unique survey code (located on the first page of the survey) to access the on-line
survey.

Detailed instructions about how to complete the survey on-line or on paper are included. Please
review the instructions carefully before you begin.

The survey is available in seven additional languages: Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, French, Somali,
Spanish and Urdu. Please contact your school principal to obtain a copy.

Further information about the student survey is available at http://www.ocdsb.ca

Your participation in the survey will help us gather data that will help us to better serve
our students. Thank you for your assistance in this important initiative.

Sincerely,

Barrie Hammond
Director of Education/Secretary to the Board