b'We have been asking families to voluntarily provide informationSCHOOLS WITH THE HIGHEST about their childrens self-declared identities through theRESPONSE RATE:annual registration process. In the 2020-2021 school year, 35 per cent of families completed the self-declaration question. We recognize that self-declaring can often be a question of trust and feeling safe in that declaration. We continue to76 % cole Henri-Bergeron work toward creating environments where all people can feel comfortable if or when they want to share their heritage.In June 2021, the Senior Leadership Team began an audit51 Island Lakes Community School%of the current student registration form to discover ways to improve the process in future years. This will help the division learn more about the self-declared identity of students to become culturally responsive to the needs of learners.49 % Marion SchoolSimilar to exploring the identity of students, we began asking questions about the level of representation among staff. In March 2021, the LRSD launched its first-ever Indigenous, BIPOC, and Ethno-Cultural Diversity Employee Survey. 48 % Minnetonka School Following the recommendations of the State of Equity Reports and Calls to Action from the Winnipeg Indigenous Executive Circle and the Newcomer Education Coalition, LRSD set out to gather employee data regarding the self-declared identity44 % Highbury Schoolof Black, Indigenous or People of Colour (BIPOC), members of a racialized community and all ethno-cultural identities.The survey also included a question about language. The highest The voluntary survey was developed in consultation withproportion of respondents indicated they speak English and/or staff, members of racialized communities and the divisionsFrench fluently; however, many indicated they speak an additional various unions. language such as Urdu, Spanish, German or Hindi.OVERVIEW OF THEThis survey was anonymous, but staff were provided with an 695 STAFF RESPONSES: option to include their name. More than 200 staff members took the opportunity to identify themselves and express an interest to 21% self-identified as BIPOC or a member participate in an open dialogue about the ongoing refinement of of a racialized community current policies and employment equity strategies.Moving forward, LRSD intends to continue the conversation 15% self-identified as Indigenous and build trust with students, families and staff to improve participation in the self-declaration of identity. Asking the question Who are we? is an important step to ensuring31 PER CENT OF students see themselves represented in their learning journey STAFF *RESPONDED:and experience positive changes in achievement, engagement and well-becoming. 56% of school administrators 38% of clerical employees33% of teachers29% of library technicians 23% of educational assistants* Active permanent and term as of June 20, 202123'