MDI Results - Strong Connections with Adults but Lack of Sleep Concerns

Star of the Sea School recently reviewed its latest Middle Years Development Instrument (MDI) results, and there is much to celebrate about the experiences of our Grade 4 students.

The MDI, developed by researchers at UBC, measures student well-being, connectedness, health, and school experiences. Looking across the past several years, the results consistently highlight what makes Star of the Sea such a special community: strong relationships, supportive adults, and highly engaged students.

One of the strongest findings is the high level of connectedness students feel both at home and at school. This year:

• Students reported very strong connections with adults at home

• Students reported strong connections with adults at school

• Peer relationship scores also remained very high

These results reflect the caring environment created by teachers, staff, and families, and reinforce the importance of community in helping children thrive.

While the results are overwhelmingly positive, one area that stood out as a challenge was sleep. Only about 63% of students reported getting a good night’s sleep five or more nights per week.

In many ways, this reflects the busy lives of today’s children. Between academics, extracurricular activities, family commitments, and screen time, it can be difficult for students to consistently get the rest they need. The results serve as a helpful reminder that sleep plays an important role in children’s emotional well-being, focus, and overall health.

Overall, the MDI results paint a very positive picture of life at Star of the Sea: students feel connected, supported, involved, and confident. Most importantly, they show a school community where relationships and belonging remain at the heart of the student experience.