Update on Gen Z Committee Findings
Last year, a committee of 15 teachers was formed to study Generation Z (born 1997-2012). The main objective of this committee was to create a set of recommendations concerning academics, literacy, student life and health and wellness. To come to these recommendations, the committee administered parent and student surveys, which totalled over a thousand responses and took part in professional development and outside research. Overall, this process proved very fruitful.
Among their findings were that Generation Z were not looking for the next adventure but the need of stability and a place to speak their mind. The search for truth and the desire for inclusivity are also major drivers. For Gen Zers, the key point is not to define themselves through only one stereotype, but rather for individuals to experiment with different ways of being themselves and to shape their individual identities over time. Major challenges included: work ethic, discipline, staying motivated and the need for instant gratification. Students at CDS identified a decreasing focus on reading, being on their phone too much and fear of letting people down that may hamper their progress. Interestingly, they identified face-to-face as the preferred mode of communication.
In the end, the committee’s recommendations focussed on four areas: time (more of it and how to manage it), increased student voice, increased amount of student leadership opportunities, and stress (alleviation of it and how to manage it). The faculty have already been at work on these recommendations, starting with a focus on curricular and extracurricular activities that would bring the different parts of the school together, thus increasing student leadership opportunities and a diversification of interactions.
It is with much anticipation that the committee and the full faculty plan the various stages of this initiative, one that will make a positive difference in the lives of our students.
Land Acknowledgment
The Country Day School wishes to recognize and acknowledge the land on which the school operates. Our nearest Indigenous Nations are now the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island. The Dish with One Spoon Wampum covenant is often cited as an example of the shared responsibility for caring for these lands among the Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples who would call these their traditional territories. CDS respects the relationship with these lands and recognizes that our connection to this land can be strengthened by our continued relationship with all First Nations, by acknowledging our shared responsibility to respect and care for the land and waters for future generations.
School Information
13415 Dufferin Street King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
