Our staff were committed to supporting our students move forward with having a greater sense of themselves and their own identity, and how that could support the growth of our community.  We were wondering:

How might we support learners in developing an understanding of identity? 

How might a stronger sense of identity help to foster a sense of belonging?

Our staff had a conversation with students in each classroom, and asked these specific questions:

Do you feel that you belong in your classroom? 

Yes: 135          No: 12             Sometimes: 61

Out of 208

Do you feel that you belong outside during recess and lunch?

Yes: 71                        No: 12             Sometimes: 69

Out of 208

Do you feel connected to children who are not in your classroom?

Yes: 118                      No: 21             Sometimes: 61

Out of 208

Do you feel connected to adults, other than your teacher, who are in the school?

Yes: 115                      No: 26             Sometimes: 66

Out of 208

We concluded that most of our students felt a strong or good sense of belonging and connection within our school community.  But, we also realized that there was a portion of our student population that needed more support to feel fully connected and included.

Our staff began to develop a hunch:

… if we develop our understanding of our self-identity, then we will be better able to connect to others within our community!