Abbotsford Students Demand School Improvements through Survey Findings

Students in Abbotsford have voiced their needs for improved study environments and better washroom facilities through a recent survey conducted by the Youth Health Accountability Network (YHAN). The survey, which gathered anonymous feedback from over 1,200 high school students across the Abbotsford School District, highlighted several key areas for improvement in school life, including the need for quiet study spaces and enhancements to washroom conditions.

The initiative was led by Ayra Dhillon, a Grade 10 student at Abbotsford Senior Secondary School, who has been actively involved in the district’s Student Voice program since its inception in 2021. This program encourages students to engage in discussions about school and community issues. Dhillon collaborated with assistant superintendent Bruce Cunnings to develop the survey, which aimed to amplify student voices in educational policy-making.

Dhillon expressed her satisfaction with the survey’s participation, stating, “It was incredible to see so many youths come together to really tell the education system in Abbotsford what they wanted to be changed.” A significant finding from the survey indicated that a large number of students desire more study blocks or quiet spaces within the school. “There was an unbelievable amount of students who requested that certain areas in the school would be just for studying or downtime,” she remarked.

Another notable concern was the return of late start days, known as “SLO days,” which had been previously implemented. Dhillon was surprised to find that hundreds of students expressed a wish for this schedule to be reinstated. The survey revealed that 43 percent of students felt there were insufficient breaks or downtime during the school day.

Survey Highlights and Recommendations

The survey results indicated that washroom improvements were the top priority for students, with 33 percent identifying them as the most needed facility enhancement. Among the issues highlighted were non-functional hand dryers, a lack of paper towels, and cleanliness concerns. Dhillon plans to present three policy recommendations to the school board based on the survey findings. These suggestions include reinstating late starts, creating dedicated quiet study spaces, and implementing structured study blocks during the day.

“The hardest part about being a student is that sometimes you don’t get the space to breathe throughout the day,” Dhillon noted, emphasizing the need for a more accommodating educational environment.

The survey also gathered data on students’ general well-being and academic support needs. The findings indicated that 59 percent of students felt somewhat confident in their ability to succeed in classes, while 30 percent reported feeling extremely confident. When seeking help, 48 percent of students turned to friends first, followed by teachers at 31 percent.

In response to questions about school meals, 56 percent of respondents stated they had access to healthy options during the school day, while 43 percent felt they lacked sufficient breaks to manage stress.

Next Steps for Student Advocacy

Dhillon’s efforts have inspired students in nearby districts, such as Chilliwack and Surrey, to consider conducting similar surveys to present their findings to local school boards. “It’s all about ensuring that students’ voices are heard and that they can contribute to their own educational experiences,” she stated.

The survey covered a range of topics, from academic confidence to perceptions of school safety. Many students voiced a desire for more flexible scheduling and additional mental health resources. One respondent noted, “I think it doesn’t show your understanding,” referring to the relevance of standardized assessments.

As the Abbotsford School District prepares to review the survey findings, Dhillon hopes that these insights will lead to meaningful changes that enhance the educational experience for all students. The active involvement of students in shaping school policies marks a significant step towards fostering a more responsive and supportive learning environment.