In early January 2025, Fort McMurray Public Schools conducted a Student Demographic Survey. We wanted to learn more about the diversity of the students we serve. This information will be used to inform actions that can lead to more students experiencing success.
At FMPSD, we recognize that creating a truly inclusive environment is essential for our staff and students'. We believe that diversity is a tremendous asset and that the range of skills, ideas, and perspectives our staff members bring to the table drives our success. FMPSD knows that building a more inclusive workplace is an ongoing process, and we recognize that this initiative represents a significant step forward in our efforts to create a genuinely welcoming and equitable environment for staff, students and stakeholders.
We are grateful to all parents and students for their consideration of this survey. We thank those who took the survey and respect the choice of those who did not.
Survey Results
The results of the survey will help us better understand the diversity of students we serve.
The findings of the survey will inform how the Division:
- promote a comprehensive approach to supporting student and staff wellbeing and mental health.
- promoting practices that support diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racism by ensuring our Division is:
- safe
- caring
- welcoming
- respectful
- inclusive
- a place where all students can be themselves and experience success.
Intiiatives such as the Student Demographic Survery are aligned with our Education Plan Priorities.
The Student Demographic Survey is one step on our path to address racism and take action towards reconciliation and equity.
About the Survey
Participating students in Grades 4 to 12 had the opportunity to share more information about their identity with the Division.
The questions on the survey addressed the following:
- Indigenous heritage
- racial background
- ethnicity
- religion or spiritual belief(s)
- gender expression
- sexual orientation (Grades 7–12 only)
The survey was open for students to complete between January 8 and January 15, 2025. Participation in the survey was voluntary. Parents who did not want their child to participate were able to opt their child out. Survey questions were designed to be age-appropriate for students in Grades 4–6 and Grades 7–12.
When answering each question, students were able to choose from a list of provided options and were also given the opportunity to provide a written response. Students who participated in the survey responded only to the questions they felt comfortable answering. For each question, students had the option to choose “I prefer not to answer”, “I do not understand this question”, or to skip the question altogether. The “other” option was also provided to students to input responses that the survey might not have included or to expand on answers.
Survey questions
- for students in Grades 4 to 6
- for students in Grades 7 to 12
Student Privacy
As good stewards of information, Fort McMurray Public School Division follows the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP) and best practices to collect, store and protect student information and data.
The information students have shared with the Division is being held on a secure central server. This information is only accessed by a small number of Division staff who are responsible for data management and privacy.
All survey findings are reported at the Division level. Individual students or schools are not identified in the report.
Student Demographic Survey Results Report
What Happens Next
We are proud that students across our schools come from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, communities and experiences.
The findings of the Student Demographic Survey are just the beginning. We will analyze the findings with other student information we have related to academic achievement, safety and a sense of belonging. Together, this information will help us answer questions about how students experience school and where the Division can take action to improve their experience.
As we move forward, we are committed to working with students to gain further perspectives and insights. Once the Division has a better understanding of how students experience racism and inequity at school, we can take the next steps to reduce barriers. Our goal is to improve the school experience so that all students can be proud of who they are and feel welcome at school.
