INNISFAIL - Almost 4,000 Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools (RDCRS) students took part in a recent survey aimed at garnering input about faith and education in the school division.
The survey results were presented to trustees at a recent board meeting. The survey also included questions for teachers, parents and support staff on a variety of education-related topics.
RDCRS includes schools in Innisfail and Olds.
A total of 3,925 students from grades 5, 6, 8, 9, 11 and 12 took part in the survey.
Students were asked if they agree or disagree with 19 statements related to faith and their education in RDCRS.
To the statement “I enjoy learning about faith in my school,” 85 per cent agreed, compared with 83 per cent in the 2023-24 survey.
To the statement “My school encourages me to learn more about faith," 94 per cent agreed, down from 96 last year.
To the statement “I am inspired by the Catholic faith at my school," 79 per cent agreed, down from 82 per cent last year.
To the statement “I learn that we all need to play a part in helping make our world a better place for everyone," 96 per cent agreed, compared with 97 per cent last year.
To the statement “I believe that the Catholic faith teaches me a good way to live," 90 per cent agreed, compared with 91 per cent last year.
To the statement “I feel connected to my school," 80 per cent agreed, compared with 85 per cent last year.
A total of 1,438 RDCRS parents were also surveyed.
To the statement “Our school encourages students to understand the church’s mission to help the common good and students’ personal responsibility to actively participate in society through service to others," 96 per cent agreed, compared with 97 per cent last year.
To the statement “I believe our school provides a welcoming, caring environment for our children,” 94 per cent agreed, compared with 97 per cent last year.
The survey results include parent comments, including that there is a need for more help for students with diagnosed learning disabilities, academic struggles, behavioural issues, and emotional/mental health challenges.
A total of 506 teachers were also surveyed.
To the statement “I am supported in my faith development," 96 per cent agreed, compared with 95 per cent last year.
To the statement “The school division wants to support my faith development without judgment and in the spirit of growing together through Christ." 97 per cent agreed, compared with 98 per cent last year.
To the statement “I feel supported by RDCRS when it comes to my wellness, 62 per cent agreed, compared with 67 per cent last year.
A total of 374 staff members were also surveyed.
To the statement “I would recommend RDCRS as a great place to work," 67 per cent agreed, compared with 76 last year.
The complete survey and results are available for viewing on the division’s website.
