What is a Student Trustee?

Student trustees represent over 127,000 students in the York Region District School Board. They network with students, staff and the Board of Trustees to share information that gives students a meaningful voice.
 

What​ do Student Trustees do?

Student trustees are responsible for:

• attending monthly Board meetings;
• providing a Student Trustee Report at the monthly Board meeting;
• sharing information from staff and the Board of Trustees ​with members of the student community, where appropriate;
• attending meetings with the Director of Education;
• hosting the Board’s Annual Celebrating Student Success evening;
• speaking at and hosting special events;
• being an active member of the Ontario Student Trustees’ Association;
• maintaining the Student Trustee Website;
• participating in York Region Presidents’ Council meetings and fulfilling expectations and job requirements as an executive member;
• listening to and addressing questions and concerns raised by the student community through face-to-face interactions, forums or electronic communications;​
• preparing for, with the other members of the executive and logistics team, and attending the Annual York Region Presidents’ Council Leadership Conference; and
• coordinating and conducting elections for the position of student trustee.

Student trustees may also choose to participate in several other regular Board, Advisory and staff committees where they are encouraged to provide input and feedback on the items being discussed. These meetings are generally held at the Education Centre Aurora between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.

In addition to regular Board Committees, student trustees may be asked to attend other meetings to provided input into events or issues affecting students in York Region.  

How are Student Trustees supported in their role?

Each student trustee will be provided with appropriate communication tools so that they are accessible to members of the student community, staff and trustees. 

Trustee Services staff are available to support student trustees in a variety of ways, such as, distributing materials to elementary and secondary schools, proofreading student trustee documents, answering questions, addressing concerns and assisting with conference registration. 

Student trustees may attend conferences and events hosted by the York Region District School Board and the York Region Presidents’ Council and other educational organizations, such as the Ontario Student Trustees’ Association and the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association in accordance with Policy and Procedure #221.0, Student Trustees and Policy #223.0, Indigenous Student Trustee. These events give student trustees opportunities to participate in discussions with other student trustees, trustees and staff from school boards across the Province and learn more about the education system. 

Each student trustee is given a budget for communication and professional development expenses. Information about items that are eligible for reimbursement are outlined in:

• Policy and Procedure #221.0, Student Trustees 
• Policy #223.0, Indigenous Student Trustee
• Policy and Procedure #131.0, Expenses

How will I get to and/or from Board, Advisory and Committee meetings?

Student trustees must arrange their own transportation to and/or from meetings and events they attend in their official role.  Student trustees are responsible for reviewing the demands of the position with their parents/guardians and wherever possible arranging for their own transportation to and/or from meetings, events and other official obligations. If a student trustee is required to attend an event and is unable to arrange their own transportation they may be eligible for reimbursement for transportation costs if they meet the requirements outlined in:

• Policy and Procedure #221.0, Student Trustees 
• Policy and Procedure #223.0, Indigenous Student Trustee
• Policy and Procedure #131.0, Expenses

Student trustees are encouraged to minimize transportation costs wherever possible. This includes participating in meetings via audio conference, choosing the most cost-effective method of transportation and sharing costs, whenever appropriate. In exceptional circumstances, where time or safety concerns are a factor, student trustees are authorized to use a pre-approved Board-provisioned taxi or ride-side service up to a maximum of $200.00 per month. 

I have questions, who do I contact?

The current student trustees are always available to address your concerns and/or answer your questions. Please do not hesitate to contact us at student.trustees@yrdsb.ca​.

If you have questions about Board policies and/or procedures or student trustee participation in Board and/or Committee meetings, you can contact Trustee Services, trustee.services@yrdsb.ca or policy.committee@yrdsb.ca​​.

Relevant York Region District School Board Policies and Procedures:

• Assessment and Evaluation
• Environmental Responsibility
• Field Trips
• Healthy Schools and Workplaces
• Homework
• Indigenous Student Trustee
• Appropriate Use of Technology
• Accessibility
• Student Health Supports​
• Caring and Safe Schools
• Student Dress Code
• Student Leadership and Student Voice
• Student Transportation
• Student Trustees

View the complete list of all Board Policies and Procedures.

Hayden: Good evening Mr. Chair, Mr. Director, staff, students, and members of the public. To begin, I am so grateful to work with the York Region Presidents’ Council (YRPC) Executives to make the YRPC biannual Student Outreach Meeting a success! On November 29, we hosted nearly 150 students from 30 of our 33 secondary schools for a full-day event. Thank you Mr. Chair, Director and Superintendent Fawthrop for making an appearance and speaking about how important student initiative is at this important event. I want to give a huge shout out to the YRPC Executives and staff and all the students who took time to be there. We had numerous presentations and topics discussed such as vaping, cell phones, leadership development and the YRPC.     

I was so impressed by how involved these students were and how eager they were to share input with us. My favourite part was the feedback for the YRPC, but a piece of feedback more relevant to the Board that we consistently heard from group to group was that engaging learning strategies is an amazing strategy at limiting cell phone usage, especially with the diverse learning styles. For example, students discussed how from class to class, cell phone usage from classmates would be drastically different, depending on how engaging the teacher was. For instance, reading slides monotonously compared to an interesting group discussion. Someone from the Caring and Safe Schools team discussed how in their teaching experience, they were able to focus students by making learning feel relevant and fun. It was also pointed out that no one was on their phone during these discussions, at least not obviously, because these discussion groups were fun and engaging.

Mitusaan: Furthermore, we discussed a proposed name change for the York Region Presidents’ Council (YRPC) to the York Region Student Senate (YRSS). This change was met with widespread support from students at the student outreach meeting, as they felt the new name better reflects our role as a unified voice advocating for student concerns and initiatives. The clarity and accessibility of the term “Student Senate” can help strengthen our identity and make our mission more recognizable across the region. We look forward to continuing these conversations and ensuring that all voices are considered in this rebranding effort.   

Another critical topic raised during the meeting was the issue of vaping in school washrooms. Students shared that vaping has become a pervasive challenge, not just in terms of health but also in maintaining a positive and safe school environment. To address this, it was suggested that schools increase access to resources for students who want to quit vaping, such as peer support groups or counselling services. Additionally, students emphasized the importance of reducing the stigma surrounding vaping. Many feel that being labelled as being someone who vapes after being caught by admin discourages them from seeking help or speaking openly with school administration about their struggles. 

We believe that fostering a supportive environment is key to addressing this issue effectively. By promoting open communication, providing targeted resources, and incorporating preventative education, we can create a culture where students feel empowered to make healthier choices. Moreover, enhancing supervision and reimagining shared spaces like washrooms to be more welcoming and less isolating may also discourage this behaviour. These steps, combined with student-led initiatives, can pave the way for meaningful progress in tackling vaping in schools. 

Natalia: To sum up our report we have one more event we would like to discuss. The Ontario Student Trustees’ Association (OSTA-AECO) Fall General Meeting (FGM) was an informative gathering for the student representatives of York Region that involved student trustees from the school boards across Ontario. The event included professional development workshops, the exceptional list of guest speakers, and participating in conversations on topics such as equity, mental health, truth and reconciliation, and student voice to take place. These group breakouts that took place from November 7-10, 2024 allowed student trustees to strengthen their abilities to express their ideas, gain knowledge from others, and propose solutions on the problems that concern students in our schools in a formal and respective manner. 

In addition, the Fall General Meeting provided a wonderful opportunity to communicate and create positive memories with other student trustees and exchange views. The breakout sessions were set to assist us to brainstorm ideas that are focused on finding new ways to support and uplift students' education while at the same time, create a more inclusive atmosphere in schools to promote higher student engagement. In conclusion, OSTA hosted a beautiful and inspiring event that reminded us of the opportunity of representing our peers and speaking up about important issues. This motivated us three student trustees to continue to persist for the school community we are proud to represent.

Greetings to Mr. Chair, Mr. Director, Staff, Students, and members of the public. Hayden, Mitusaan and I are excited to move into the third month of the school year and thank all trustees and the York Region District School Board (YRDSB) staff for their continuing support and insight as we steer through the academic year. 

This month, the York Region Presidents’ Council (YRPC) held a General Assembly at Keswick High School. Key topics included enhancing support for students transitioning to Grade 9, facilitating sessions on how grade 12 students moving to post-secondary education can succeed in their supplementary applications, and expanding mental health resources, especially during university applications. Furthermore, there was a strong recommendation to rename the YRPC to the York Region Student Senate, aiming to clarify the Council’s role and purpose for students.

On Thursday, October 10, the YRDSB First Nations, Métis and Inuit teams hosted the “Mino-Bimaadiziwin” Family Gathering at the Dr. Bette Stephenson Centre for Learning with community organizations who attended and supported the event- ENAGB Indigenous Youth Agency and Community Legal Clinic of York Region. Meagan Lindley and I facilitated a sharing circle with caregivers, exploring ways to support our young people’s mental health and wellness. Jake Charles, a cultural advisor from Georgina Island First Nation, facilitated a drum circle and teachings with the youth.                       

Additionally, Mitusaan, Hayden, and I are all dedicated to sharpening our skills as student trustees at the Ontario Student Trustees’ Association (OSTA-AECO) Fall General Meeting from November 7-10, 2024. We all look forward to connecting with our peers and participating in activities where we collaborate with other like-minded students across Ontario. 

October marked Muslim Heritage Month, during which Mitusaan and Natalia attended an Ontario School Boards’ Association meeting focused on reducing the stigma faced by Muslim students. Mitusaan also participated in a meeting with the Muslim Students’ Association at Middlefield, where he engaged with students sharing their rich cultural heritage and discussing the challenges of Islamophobia and discrimination within the school. In response, a group of Muslim students proposed hosting an assembly to educate peers on the positive contributions of Muslim students and to dispel harmful stereotypes. Taking the initiative, Mitusaan has begun coordinating with staff to bring this assembly to life during Ramadan, so that Muslim students can prosper in their culture. 

Unfortunately, there weren’t as many attendees as we would have wanted, and the YRPC will look into how we can improve attendance rates for General Assemblies at northern schools, like Keswick High School, where many students may have difficulty getting to. Now, we will be planning the YRPC’s Student Outreach Meeting, where we will hear from four students from every secondary school!

In conclusion, October was full of opportunities for students to engage and connect, and we look forward to the next month of the school year. Moving forward, we will continue to elevate student voices to the school board to facilitate a stronger connection between the Board and students. 

We are open to any questions or comments. Our student trustee report has now concluded. Miigwetch, thank you for your time. 

Greetings to Mr. Chair, Trustees, Director, Staff, Students, and members of the public. We are excited to move into the second month of the school year and would like to thank all trustees and the York Region District School Board (YRDSB) staff for their continued support as we navigate a new academic year.

This month, Mitusaan attended the York Region Presidents’ Council (YRPC) General Assembly. During this session, Mitusaan engaged in fruitful discussions with student leaders from across the region and gathered valuable insights on student concerns and aspirations. Our main focus has been to understand the evolving needs of students and advocate for more inclusive and comprehensive resources. The student feedback we received from the cell phone ban is that most students found it impactful on their ability to stay focused and access appropriate learning resources during the school day. Most students put the cell phone away on behalf of teachers' instructions. While some students understand the rationale behind limiting distractions, others highlighted how cell phones play a critical role in communication with their parents, mental health resources, and staying organised. We believe it’s important to review how this policy is implemented to ensure it doesn’t hinder student well-being and access to necessary resources for their success. 

During September, Natalia also attended the YRPC General Assembly. At the event, Natalia got to have meaningful conversations with high school students and understand their thoughts on our current post-secondary resources. The conversations focused on discussing helpful resources for post-secondary information. Many students mentioned they need better access to information about scholarships, career advice, and the application process. While some felt prepared, others were concerned that there weren’t enough resources tailored to their personal goals. Discussing September 30, many students took action across YRDSB to wear an orange shirt in support of Indigenous Peoples. Truth and Reconciliation for every Indigenous person reflects healing a historical trauma for survivors and their families who are still suffering from the historic ills of a dark Canadian past. It is an opportunity to give back support in a responsible way by doing substantial actions to facilitate wellness and opportunity for Canada’s Indigenous Peoples.

We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to the YRDSB Communications Team for providing us with invaluable social media and website training. Their expertise will help guide us to better connect with our student body and align with the values that the Board sets out. Moving forward, we are committed to continuously improving our channels of communication, making it easier for students to reach out and share their thoughts, ideas, and concerns. 

Furthermore, as the school year has just started, Student Council elections are in full motion. Student Councils or Student Activity Councils, as they are called in some schools, across the Board have commenced their elections to determine student leaders for the coming year. I want to express my gratitude to the students who have put their names forward and participated in the democratic process. Another crucial contributor to this important endeavour is the staff who work hard to make this process as smooth as possible. Student leadership and student success would not be achievable without the dedication of staff members who facilitate these elections. I also want to emphasize that Student Councils should be committed to supporting the student body and ensuring they are as accessible as possible. If any Student Council members need assistance during the year, the YRPC and student trustees are always available to answer any questions and provide support. Local Student Councils are the ones that do the real work, we are here to support you.

September has been an exciting month and I am proud of the work that we and the YRPC have continued to do. Let’s continue to get to work.

Mr. Chair, Trustees, Director, Staff, Students, Ladies and Gentlemen, and members of the public,

It is an honour to be here today to present our inaugural Student Trustee Report. Mitusaan, Natalia, and I all have great respect for everyone at Trustee Services and our fellow trustees for facilitating such a smooth transition into our roles. We want to acknowledge the work of Student Trustees, Vasserman, Yu, and Bates, and the many students who helped us get here. We are excited to advocate for the over 130,000 students attending the York Region District School Board’s schools.

As student trustees, we have been actively engaging with the York Region Presidents’ Council (YRPC), which is our Board’s student senate, responsible for developing our collective goals through direct student insight and feedback. Our approach is rooted in the belief that student voice is essential in shaping policies that directly impact our peers. By collaborating with YRPC representatives from the North, West, East, and Central CEC areas, we plan to facilitate open dialogues at the General Assemblies to identify and address the real concerns of our students across the region. This student-driven approach is at the core of our efforts, as we believe that meaningful change comes from understanding and responding to the lived experiences of our peers. This ensures our advocacy is both informed and impactful.

As we commenced our terms, we were fortunate to attend the Ontario Student Trustees’ Association (OSTA) Annual General Meeting from May 18 to 21. Throughout the meeting, we participated in ongoing training and development for our roles as student trustees. We actively learned about best practices for student leadership and appropriate ways to navigate our use of social media throughout our term. This experience was pivotal in shaping our strategic vision for the year ahead. We had the opportunity to connect with mentors and fellow peers who introduced us to various strategies for gathering student feedback and addressing the issues that matter most to the youth on our Board.

Over the summer, Mitusaan has actively engaged with the community to understand and address student needs. He recently participated in community BBQs organized by Councillor Juanita and MPP Vijay, which served as an excellent platform for student outreach. During this event, he provided volunteer opportunities to students and listened to their concerns about in-school issues such as outdated technology and textbooks. Additionally, he engaged in conversations with the local police and fire departments, fostering stronger community relations and advocating for student safety and well-being. Furthermore, he is currently working towards bringing more field trips to schools and an assignment extension policy.

Since August and the commencement of the school year, I have actively engaged with elders in my community and various Indigenous groups in York Region. My efforts have included participating in cultural gatherings, such as pow wows, preparing and smudging my healing bundle for meetings, and deepening my understanding of Indigenous history. These experiences have been key in preparing me to fulfill my objectives as the Indigenous Student Trustee. One of my initial proposals is to establish an Indigenous Awareness Week across all schools in the York Region District School Board (YRDSB). This idea aims to celebrate the strength and resilience of the Indigenous community and highlight recent advancements in Canada to honor Indigenous women and people. 

Since stepping into this role, my top priority has always been listening to students and ensuring clear communication about Board updates. Whether through YRPC General Assemblies or a simple email, I always try my best to advocate for them. At the YRPC Student Outreach Meeting, many students expressed discomfort using restrooms because of vaping. I was proud to speak at the Ministry of Education’s announcement of investing $30 million in vape detectors to advocate for those exact students. When students said they felt unheard by school board administration, I developed a newsletter and found new ways to communicate updates to the student body. Looking ahead, I remain focused on being as accessible as possible and keeping students informed about public Board updates for their input.

All in all, it has been amazing even though our terms have just started. We are thrilled to start the new school year and begin championing over 130,000 students at the Board level.

Good evening Mr. Chair, Mr. Director, Trustees, Staff and Members of the Audience. 

As the school year comes to an end, we are excited to share what we have been up to. Every month, the York Region District School Board’s (YRDSB) student senate—the York Region Presidents’ Council (YRPC)—hosts a General Assembly that brings together students from all of YRDSB’s 33 secondary schools. This month, students provided valuable feedback to the Caring and Safe Schools team and learned about how they could contribute to the Multi-Year Strategic Plan. In addition, elections for the YRPC executive team opened, and with more than 50 candidates, we can confidently say that the future of student leadership is bright. We thank the YRPC executives and Superintendent Gardner for their contributions to amplifying student voices.

From May 23 to 26, our current student trustees, Anita and I, along with our incoming student trustees, Mitusaan, Hayden, and Natalia attended the Ontario Student Trustees’ Association (OSTA-AECO) Annual General Meeting. During the conference, we got the opportunity to network with other student leaders across Ontario and engage in professional development. We also heard from guest speaker experts on issues important to students such as Menstrual Equity. Furthermore, incoming student trustees participated in media training and an introduction to student trustee rights and responsibilities, whereas Anita and I engaged in career-building workshops and an alumni panel. 

In addition, we facilitated discussions alongside stakeholders at a variety of advocacy groups and charities across the province, such as the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA) and the Ontario Physical and Health Education Association (OPHEA). As a member of the Leadership Team, I collaborated with our provincial executives to run the logistics of the conference and ensure all incoming student trustees had a smooth transition into the role. The OSTA-AECO Annual General Meeting was a great opportunity to engage in education-related discussions with students, professionals, and community members. We are enthusiastic about incorporating these insights into the work we do at the YRDSB.

Passing the torch on, we are excited to see what the next generation of Student Trustees work on with YRDSB. All of us attended the last YRPC General Assembly, and the incoming student trustees were able to begin their orientation for their roles next year. Anita, Lilly and I are happy to help with the transition of next year’s leaders, and cannot wait to see the amazing work they will do next year. A big thank you also to the YRDSB team for helping all of us student trustees, both outgoing and incoming, to adjust and thrive in this important role, we could not have done it without you.

As we approach prom, graduation, and other celebratory events, Meilun, Lily and I are reminded of the achievements and collaborative growth we have witnessed throughout the school year. With each milestone, conference, and meeting, we are fueled by the passion and dedication of the students around us, and we look forward to continuing to advocate for student interests and drive positive change within our community.

Thank you for listening.

Good evening Mr. Chair, Mr. Director, Trustees, Staff and Members of the Audience.

This month has been an exciting one, full of learning and hands-on change making, and today, we look forward to sharing what we have been up to.

Every semester, we collaborate with the York Region Presidents’ Council (YRPC) to facilitate the bi-annual “Student Outreach Meeting”. This year’s Student Outreach Meeting was held on April 19 at the Centre for Leadership and Learning and brought together over 120 students from 33 secondary schools. We began meeting with a Land Acknowledgement, followed by enriching sessions including Guest Speakers, a Welcome Message, Executive Introductions, Student Trustee Greetings, and smooth Room Transitions.

From there, we had informative presentations and engaging discussions on topics such as vaping, bystander effects, and reporting tools from the Caring and Safe Schools department. We then gathered student input about how the YRPC could improve its outreach efforts, and finally, we spoke about menstrual equity and how we can continue improving it in the school board. We concluded the day with an inspiring keynote led by Trustee McCarthy, emphasizing the significance of relationships, financial literacy, and perseverance in student success. Overall, the event was a success, and we thank our YPRC advisors, Trustees, Staff, YRPC executives, and high school students for bringing their ideas to the table.

In addition to the Student Outreach Meeting, this month, myself and over 130 York Region District School Board (YRDSB) students participated in the DECA International Career Development Conference. DECA is an international career-technical organization that prepares youth for futures in entrepreneurship, marketing, and financial literacy. Many YRDSB students walked away with the coveted DECA glass, meaning they placed in the top three competitors in the entire world. We extend our gratitude to the dedicated staff and teachers who have continuously supported us in their journey towards post-secondary skills and career readiness.

Meilun and Lily also had the honour of hosting the Student Success Awards ceremony, which celebrated the achievements and accomplishments of outstanding elementary and secondary school students across the school board.

In conclusion, we had a productive month with a variety of thought provoking discussions and recommendations that we are eager to implement at the Board level.

Thank you for listening.

Good evening Mr. Chair, Mr. Director, Trustees, Staff and Members of the Audience.

We are excited to be back from the March Break and are pleased to share our initiatives since then.

In March, we collaborated with the York Region Presidents’ Council (YRPC) to host a General Assembly. During this town hall, we discussed the importance of student voice in Sexual Harassment Policies and ensuring safe spaces within our schools. We also briefly touched upon the “Report It Tool” and how students could report harassment experiences to a trusted adult. We are thankful for the various opinions and perspectives that students contributed to the conversation, and are grateful to the Caring and Safe Schools Department for facilitating the event.

As a Member of the Ontario Student Trustees’ Association (OSTA-AECO) Leadership Team, I created a social media post to celebrate the initiatives that school boards took to celebrate Black History Month and Women’s History Month. In collaboration with the Leadership Team, I also began planning for our upcoming conference in May, the Annual General Meeting (AGM), and we look forward to providing professional development to student trustees across Ontario.

Anita, Lily and I also look forward to the Student Outreach Meeting on April 19, the first of this year, hosted by the YRPC. We will be welcoming presentations from Caring and Safe Schools and engaging them with student voices. Furthermore, during the Student Outreach Meeting, students will have the chance to give feedback on menstrual equity efforts in the YRPC and provide us with some valuable opinions on the next steps we can take to build an even more inclusive space for students.

Finally, all three of us provided prospective Indigenous student trustee candidates with additional information about the role by facilitating the Indigenous Student Trustee Question and Answer. We were joined by previous Indigenous student trustees, including Holly Schlamb, Ashton Wood, and the Indigenous Student Advisors. With that being said, we are excited to share that the Indigenous student trustee for the upcoming school year will be Natalia Pitawanakwat from Newmarket High School. Congratulations Natalia, and thank you to all the staff and trustees who facilitated this election process!

Overall, March was an exciting month, full of new experiences and discussions. Thank you for your time, and we look forward to continuing to contribute student voices to the school board through our upcoming elementary student voice conference.

Good evening Mr. Chair, Mr. Director, Trustees, Staff and Members of the Audience. Today, we are excited to share our March Student Trustee Report.

Anita: This month, I engaged in a Fireside Chat with the Hon. Charmaine Williams, who currently serves as Associate Minister of Women's Social and Economic Opportunity at the Ontario Legislature. She shared that 50 per cent of women leave the skilled trades after four years due to a variety of factors, such as a lack of role models and stereotypes, which got me to think critically about the role of education in fostering inclusivity.

Anita: Luckily, the York Region District School Board (YRDSB) is a leader in creating those inclusive spaces for trades and technological education. In February, I participated in the York Region Skills’ Challenge at Humber College, which brought together 700+ students from across elementary and secondary schools to compete against fellow students in skills-based challenges. I competed in the “Secondary TV/Video Production Event” and was tasked with creating a 90-second video to promote women in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and skill trades at York Region Skills Challenge. Although my partner and I won the first place trophy for our video and qualified to represent YRDSB at Skills Ontario, the best part of the event was not winning; it was learning. Throughout the day of filming B-Roll, I interacted with a variety of young girls in technological events and spoke with organizers from the Curriculum and Instructional Services team about the importance of girls in STEM-like activities.

Anita: On the provincial level, I am part of the Ontario Student Trustees’ Association (OSTA) Leadership Team and we recently finalized our 20-page Student Trustee Handbook. We will share this with incoming student leaders from York Region and across the province to help students with the transition to the important role of trustee.

Meilun: Moreover, we hosted our February General Assembly (GA) alongside the York Region Presidents’ Council (YRPC). This GA focused on the course selection process and the transition to secondary programs in the school board. We also listened to a presentation from representatives of the Inclusive School and Community Services team, and students shared their thoughts about spectator guidelines at YRDSB school events. These discussions were productive, as we collected student perspectives and feedback to help improve processes at the Board.

Meilun: We recently concluded our Student Trustee Elections, and we are excited to share that Hayden Lai and Mitusaan Kugathasan will be the 2024-2025 YRDSB student trustees. From moderating the Student Trustee Panel Discussion to spreading the word about elections, we learned a lot throughout this process and thank staff for their continuous support. Over the next couple of weeks, we will be reflecting on the strengths and weaknesses of this year’s process and are eager to improve it for future students.

Meilun: Overall, February has been a fruitful month with many events and learning opportunities. In the future weeks, we will continue planning our Elementary Student Voice pilot conference and working alongside the YRPC to improve consent culture within schools. Thank you for listening to our Student Trustee Report, and we welcome any questions.

Good evening Mr. Chair, Mr. Director, Chair, Trustees, Staff and Members of the Audience.

We are pleased to provide an update on recent activities in our role as we head into the New Year. Firstly, we are excited to share the successful launch of our recent podcast episode on Tune in YRDSB, where we spoke about becoming student trustees and our experiences in the role. The episode will serve as a resource for future trustees and aspiring student leaders and underscores the importance of youth engagement. We would like to thank the Communications Team for their work guiding us through the process and bringing the podcast to life, as well as Superintendent S. Gardner for hosting the episode. All of us felt like it was an incredible learning experience.

Regarding Student Trustee elections, the first round to select the 2024-25 trustees is currently underway. We are inspired by all the candidates and their ideas, with nearly 30 students running across various regions. Soon, the elections will enter the second round, where one representative from each region will advance, followed by a debate round to provide additional insights for the selection process. We look forward to welcoming the next generation of student trustees and are excited to continue to champion student voice in the York Region District School Board (YRDSB).

Furthermore, we collaborated with York Region Presidents’ Council (YRPC) to host a January General Assembly. During this assembly, we discussed essential topics such as exam tips, mental health resources, and strategies for stress relief. These conversations were designed to address and support the mental health concerns of our peers.

Lastly, as a Member of the Ontario Student Trustees’ Association (OSTA-AECO) Leadership Team, I contributed to the planning of the Education Action Conference, which will bring together dozens of student trustees across Ontario for professional development and advocacy in the middle of February. I also contributed to designing an official Student Trustee Handbook to ease the transition for incoming student trustees, as well as the creation of a series of recommendations for the organization.

As we navigate these events, we look forward to continuing to encourage student leadership, amplify student voices, and ensure meaningful representation within our school board. We appreciate your continued attention and support.

Good evening Mr. Chair, Mr. Director, Trustees, Staff, and members of the Audience. We are so grateful and proud of the many initiatives we had the privilege of contributing to in the year of 2023, and we cannot wait to continue our work into the New Year.

To start off, Anita and I led a discussion on the election process of student councils with the York Region Presidents’ Council (YRPC) during the November Presidents’ Council. These questions ranged from how schools could ensure better representation in their councils and how they could collect student voice at the school-level. For the December General Assembly, we plan to discuss equitable dress codes and collect student concerns on this matter.

As well, we are furthering our efforts in promoting the next student trustee election, and are working with the team from Trustee Services and Leadership Development/Engagement to support potential applicants.

Furthermore, we have been in discussion with elementary schools about starting initiatives to promote student-led leadership groups to grade 5-8 students. Building off of the amazing progress last year, we plan to host workshops where younger students can learn more about how they can use their student voice to lead in their respective schools.

Finally, looking into the New Year, we plan to host our Student Outreach Meeting with the YRPC and have been in communication with the York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB) Student Trustees to host a joint Student Outreach Meeting. Students have expressed how they would love to create potential solutions to shared issues with their peers in the Catholic School Board.

We look forward to continuing to make an impact in 2024, and are all excited to launch and work on these new initiatives that we have been planning. The 2023 year has been full of productivity and creativity, and we thank staff and trustees for guiding us in our leadership and look forward to continuing our progress in the year to come.

Meilun: Good evening, and thank you for joining us for the York Region District School Board’s 2023-24 Inaugural Board Meeting. Today is special for two reasons: firstly, as it marks the beginning of a new year for the Board of Trustees. We are continuously inspired by your dedication to the students, regions, and communities you serve and look forward to our collaboration for positive change in the public education system.

Anita: Secondly, we are one thirds into our Student Trustee term. Over the past four months, we’ve had the pleasure of bringing student voice into Board and Committee meetings. We’ve advocated for everything from mental health policies and volunteer opportunities to democratic student councils and elementary student leadership through our various initiatives. We are excited to continue championing change for YRDSB students and bringing student voice to decision makers.

Meilun: The YRDSB consists of 128,000 students, spanning nine municipalities in one of the diverse places in Canada. Students come from unique upbringings and each have valuable viewpoints. As Student Trustees, elevating these important voices is of utmost importance. We’ve found various ways to connect with students and discuss these experiences through York Region Presidents’ Council (YRPC) General Assemblies and social media engagement. As we continue the rest of our term, we are eager to continue collecting student concerns and translating them into tangible change at the regional level.

Anita: However, we wouldn’t bring student perspectives to the table without staff and trustees, who are the backbone of our local education system. They bring a passion for public education and bring insights from their respective communities. Our staff and administrators' commitment to student excellence and well-being is what makes such a great learning environment possible for our students. We thank each and every one of you for your tireless dedication to making YRDSB what it is today.

Meilun: Moreover, it has been almost four years since schools shut down because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Learning gaps, social impacts, and mental health concerns were all some of the challenges that students faced during disruptions to their educational journey. However, as the first school year since 2019-20 without disruptions, we can only recognize how far we’ve come. We are encouraged by the resilient projects our Board and staff have undertaken to support students and look forward to ensuring no student is left behind in our recovery journey.

Anita: Year after year, Student Trustees may change, but their priorities won’t. We stay true to our steadfast commitment to empowering student voices, concerns, and perspectives. We cannot wait to work alongside the staff, Board of Trustees, and fellow students during what’s left of our term and look forward to all that is in store.

Good evening Mr. Chair, Mr. Director, Staff, Trustees, and Members of the Audience.

Anita, Lily, and I are excited to finish our third month as Student Trustees. During October, we had the privilege of engaging with our peers, and we appreciate the insights we've gained from these discussions.

At the start of the month, we had a Student Trustee Election planning session with Superintendents, Trustee Services, and the Communications team. We discussed how to make the voting process more equitable and encourage more students to participate. As current Student Trustees, we acknowledge the importance of elevating student voice and encourage all students interested in representing 128,000 students to apply for the role in November.  We are currently making some changes to the application process, and look forward to presenting it to this year’s applicants.

On October 18, we held our October General Assembly with the York Region Presidents’ Council (YRPC). Secondary school students came together to share feedback on the 40-hour community service requirement. One of the main takeaways is making volunteering more accessible. Students suggested that those who contribute to school events should receive hours for their community service efforts. Moreover, students suggested that schools should explain the volunteer requirements and importance of civic engagement earlier on in the high school career to promote student engagement. They also noted that they would appreciate more online volunteering opportunities from their guidance department since transportation inequities can prevent students from in-person volunteering.

At the end of October, we attended the Ontario Student Trustees’ Association (OSTA-AECO’s) Fall General Meeting in Toronto. We heard from speakers from the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA) and the Ministry of Education, increasing our knowledge of the public education landscape. We also actively participated in various workshops to gain a deeper comprehension of our rights as student trustees and explore methods for integrating Indigenous education into our work. Meilun and I actively engaged in the Curriculum and School Community Advocacy Interest Group, where we brainstormed ways to promote 21st-century learning, encompassing topics like personal finance education and digital learning. Simultaneously, Lily played an active role among other student leaders in the Indigenous Student Trustees Council. A big topic that came up was addressing Artificial Intelligence (AI) usage in the classroom, and how that can be navigated with integrity and inclusion at the forefront. It is a growing concern as AI tools continue to evolve, and as student trustees, we wish to approach this issue in a way that would be most beneficial for both students and staff.  Overall, this weekend was an enlightening experience, as we exchanged ideas with 80 other student trustees from school boards across Ontario.

Looking into November, we look forward to planning our outreach to elementary schools to collect more student voices. We’ll also engage with the YRPC to understand how to make dress codes identity-affirming and democratic student councils a better representation of the school population during our November Outreach Meeting.

We thank trustees and staff for their continuous support in this important role.

Good evening Mr. Chair, Mr. Director, Staff, Trustees and Members of the Audience.

We are excited to go into the second month of the school year, and thank all of the trustees and York Region District School Board (YRDSB) staff for guiding us through the first month.

Anita and I went to our first York Region Presidents’ Council (YRPC) General Assembly in September, and received a lot of valuable insight about student needs in specialised programs and the post-secondary application process. We had productive discussions in breakout groups and would like to share some of our most significant insights.

First off, students are very happy to plan ahead their post-secondary options ahead of time with YRDSB course registration. However, students also expressed how they wished to see more resources introducing potential pathways in the skilled trades and college options.

They feel as though there may sometimes be a stigma surrounding non-university pathways and we should aim to open up more discussion around these options. Furthermore, students were very happy with the flexibility that night and summer school gives them and appreciate opportunities to have more control over their educational journey.

On the other hand, students wished that there could be more conversations about how to register for those courses with guidance and secondary staff. As well, students expressed their desire to have more resources available to explain how to apply for the various post- secondary scholarships available. We look forward to addressing these student concerns and working with trustees, Board staff, and educators to continue to advocate for YRDSB pupils.

We are currently working with the YRPC to host the next General Assembly on volunteer work, civic engagement and opportunities to engage with their school community.

Lily, our Indigenous Student Trustee, attended an Orange Shirt Day beading event by the Indigenous Student Advisors where an elder shared traditional teachings and medicine and participants were taught how to bead their own orange shirt pin.

Indigenous Students at Huron Heights Secondary School in Newmarket have been provided with a classroom where they can practice medicines, meet with the Indigenous Student Advisors and be part of their community. This is a great opportunity for students.

September 29 was National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day.

Lily attended the Lafontaine-Baldwin Youth Conference. The focus was on Re-Imagining Canadian Democracy, with Anishinaabe Perspectives. Participants included members of the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation, Sharon Temple, students from Pickering College and YRDSB students.

Furthermore, looking ahead, Anita, Lily and I will develop our skills as student trustees at the October Ontario Student Trustees’ Association (OSTA-AECO) Fall General Meeting from October 18-22, 2023. We are enthusiastic to meet with our peers and coordinate with other like-minded leaders across Ontario.

Looking into October, we aim to continue strengthening our engagement with YRDSB student councils, fostering student leadership, and bringing underrepresented voices into the conversation. We recognize the importance of this work and thank you all for the support.

Good evening Director, Chair, Staff, Trustees, and Members of the Audience.

It is an honour to attend our first Regular Board meeting. Meilun, Lily, and I are incredibly thankful to Trustee Services and fellow trustees for making our transition process so seamless. We are especially humbled to be continuing the hard work former Trustees Bhavsar, Baskaran, and Schlamb put into the Board.

Before our terms began, we attended the Ontario Student Trustees’ Association’s (OSTA) Annual General Meeting from May 18th to 21st, where we actively participated in professional development. We engaged in a Non-Profit Youth Panel, hearing best practices for student leadership from Toronto Youth Cabinet activists and Hamilton Students for Justice. Moreover, we participated in an insightful presentation on education policy by York University’s Dr. Sue Winton and a roundtable discussion on public education by our predecessors. We were able to meet mentors as well as peers who opened our eyes to the many different strategies we could use to collect student voices and ensure that we reflect the issues that the youth in the Board are passionate about.

I am also excited to share that I was elected as the Creative Services Coordinator of OSTA. In my role, I’ll be maintaining media, graphics, and public relations, as well as aiding with our various modernization and mental health advocacy. Lily was inducted into the provincial-wide Indigenous Student Trustees’ Council, in which she will be collaborating with other trustees to explore how to elevate Indigenous student voices at the Board level.

Meilun and I also met with the York Region Presidents’ Council (YRPC), our Board’s student senate. Our team consists of a balanced distribution of students from North, West, South, and Central CEC areas, ensuring that we can amplify student opinions in historically underrepresented regions. We began brainstorming topics for our first General Assembly by evaluating the current policy gaps where not enough student voice is being heard. Our goal for this month is to actively collect student voices through the YRPC General Assemblies as well as executive meetings and our personal outreach strategies in our respective regions. We believe that hearing student input in the beginning of the school year would best advise the direction of our efforts in the coming months. Furthermore, looking to the future, we are excited to continue our learning at the OSTA-AECO’s Fall General Meeting in October, as well as start to get involved in the many committees that we are enthusiastic to be involved as members.  Finally, Meilun, Lily and I wish to thank all the York Region District School Board (YRDSB) staff who have helped us in this transitional period.  We recognize the importance of student voice to build welcoming and inclusive communities within YRDSB, and strive to be the amplifier of those 128,000 individuals. Thank you for your time.

Prisha: Mr. Chair, Director, Fellow Trustees, Staff, Members of the Audience. We will be delivering our June Board Report.

This last Board Meeting marks the culmination of our term and the valuable insights we have gained during our tenure. It has been an honor to serve our 133,000 students across the York Region District School Board (YRDSB). We are thrilled to reflect on the past year, during which we had the honor of interacting with diverse students, actively seeking their perspectives, and engaging in meaningful discussions on significant matters. Through these interactions, we had the invaluable opportunity to learn directly from our fellow students, gaining insights that have deepened our understanding that has allowed us to advocate for students. We would like to extend our gratitude to our trustee mentors, Superintendent T. Sterling, Trustee Services, and staff members for your support throughout this year.

Teerka: Over the past few months, we have been planning an elementary school conference catering to Grade 5-8 students, with two primary objectives in mind. Firstly, we aimed to empower elementary school leadership in light of the revision of Policy #672.0, Student Leadership and Student Voice. Secondly, we recognized the need for a long-term means to connect with Grade 5-8 students, an underrepresented segment of our constituents. These past two weeks, we successfully held two pilots at Donald Cousens Public School and Oscar Peterson Public School. We were able to hear from all the Grade 5-8 students at both schools on how elementary leadership opportunities can be improved in their schools. 

Prisha: Our first stop was at Oscar Peterson Public School, where we found trends in student needs and concerns. We found trends around empowering students with leadership skills to help them to lead sustainable initiatives within the school that are student centered. We found that it was important to find a balance between catering to the unique requirements of each grade level while ensuring an inclusive and equitable learning environment for all students. As we continue to analyze the results, we are excited to compile and share with the school.

Teerka: Our second visit led us to Donald Cousens Public School, where we encountered similar trends and witnessed a commendable enthusiasm among the students to actively participate in their school's activities. However, we did notice a prevailing pattern of teacher-led initiatives rather than student-led leadership in clubs and teams. As we further extend this initiative, our aim is to shift our focus towards empowering students and fostering their confidence to assume leadership roles within these groups.

Teerka: Our intention is to utilize this event as a pilot program, with the aim of expanding its reach to encompass all elementary schools within the YRDSB. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Lindsey Diakiw, Principal Freeman at Oscar Peterson Public School, and Principal Yao at Donald Cousens Public School for their invaluable assistance in making this event a resounding success.

Holly: This weekend we attended the York Region Pride Parade in Newmarket. We were a part of YRDSB’s section in the parade. Pride is all about acceptance for who you are and pride in your identities. Making all students feel welcome and accepted in classrooms is so important in schools.

Holly: I attended a moccasin making workshop for Indigenous students graduating from high school. Graduating students were able to form relationships with one another and to learn from experienced craftspeople at the same time. As this is my final year in high school, it meant a lot to me to be able to connect with other graduating students and to say farewell to YRDSB’s First Nations, Métis, and Inuit (FNMI) program.

Prisha: We also hosted our last exam and culminating workshop of the year. This time, we focused on increasing diversity in the panelists to cater diverse students in the Board. We were especially proactive in fostering inclusivity and diversity, ensuring that all students in the Board were catered to and empowered to succeed. It was of utmost importance to us that the panelists representing various perspectives and backgrounds reflected the diverse student population we serve. Students heard from YRDSB Alumni, YRDSB Mental Health Professionals, and Educators about the suggested preparation strategies to ace their exams, culminating projects, and helpful wellness strategies. We had panelists from various pathways and career fields - including university, college, apprenticeship and gap year pathways in areas such as: Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM), social sciences, business, arts and trades. Thank you to Ms. Haliburton, Ms. Dontigny, Dr. Sterling, panelists, mental health team, especially Helen and Avrom, Ms. Borshiov, Mr. Ganeshalingam and the technology team for your support and guidance to make this event possible. By prioritizing inclusivity and diversity, we aim to create an educational environment where every student feels seen, heard and valued.

Prisha: These exciting initiatives have been possible due the support and guidance of the Board staff, trustees, Superintendent of Education, Leadership and Development, Director of Education and Trustee Services. Through various checkpoints in the area, we had the chance to explore various initiatives, seek clarification on matters, and provide feedback to the team. Thank you for giving us the platform to bring our ideas to life. Thank you for your guidance and it has been an honor to work and learn alongside you. We thank Director Yake for his support and also welcome Director Cober who will be serving YRDSB starting August 1, 2023.

Teerka: As our term comes to a close, we would like to take this opportunity to express our deep appreciation to the students who entrusted us with the privilege of representing them. Your support has been invaluable, and it has been an honor to serve you. We would also like to extend my gratitude to the dedicated Board staff who have played a crucial role in helping us navigate our responsibilities and make a positive impact.

Teerka: Additionally, we want to acknowledge the unwavering support we have received from the Senior Team, whose guidance and assistance have been instrumental in the success of our initiatives. Lastly, we would like to express our utmost respect for all the trustees present here today. It has been an absolute privilege to collaborate and work alongside such dedicated individuals. Although our terms as student trustees may be concluding, rest assured that we will continue to champion the cause of students wherever our paths may lead us. Advocating for student needs and interests remains a steadfast commitment that we hold close to our hearts. Thank you once again for your trust and support throughout this journey.

Holly: I would lastly like to thank the FNMI team at YRDSB who have supported me throughout my term as Indigenous Student Trustee. I would like to thank Andrew McConnell for continuously guiding me and supporting me. I would like to thank Victoria Raymer for her kindness and counsel. I would like to thank Cheryle Jacobs for being a funny and compassionate addition to the FNMI team this year. I would like to thank Carolyn Marchand who I have worked on different projects with and is an excellent mentor. I would also like to thank Ashton Wood, the first Indigenous Student Trustee for YRDSB, for being an encouraging and caring leader and who I feel lucky to have as a friend. Lastly, I want to thank all the FNMI students in YRDSB and to wish them all the best. They are an incredible group of students and YRDSB has great support in place for Indigenous students.

Holly: This concludes our final Board report during our terms as student trustees. We cannot thank everyone enough. Miigwech, maarsi, and thank you for your time.

Teerka: Mr. Chair, Director, Fellow Trustees, Staff, Members of the Audience. We will be presenting our April Student Trustee Report.

Teerka: This month, alongside the York Region Presidents’ Council (YRPC) we hosted our Student Outreach Meeting which brought together four students in Grade 9, 10, 11, and 12 from each secondary school in York Region District School Board (YRDSB). We had over 160+ attendees from all across the Board together in one room and it gave rise to fruitful discussions about our education system. We heard from over 160+ students about how we can improve the YRPC, Student Trustee Elections and the YRDSB Budget Allocation. We look forward to consolidating this input and distributing it to the relevant stakeholders at the Board. Additionally, we are taking steps to continue this wide reach and attendance at our future General Assemblies. Thank you to the YRPC Advisors, Mr. Ganeshalingam, Ms. Vatousis and Ms. Gymnopoulos, the Senior Leadership Team and the entire YRPC Student Team for making this possible.

Holly: Prisha and I attended the first ever Day of Pink Elementary School GSA Event at Wellington Public School. It was an incredible event for 2SLGBTQIA+ students and allies to meet one another. We also heard Martin Boyce, one of the last four remaining survivors of the Stonewall Riots of 1969, speak and give students insights into the historical event. It was widely successful and a great experience for all the students involved. After being involved in this wonderful event, we will also be a part of the planning for the YRDSB component in the York Region Pride Parade this Pride Month.

Prisha: Additionally, alongside the YRPC, we hosted our Presidents’ Council meeting where we discussed Policy #672.0, Student Leadership and Student Voice, strategies for improving student engagement, best practices for event planning and more. Through this meeting, we connected with student council members from across the Board.

We also have also finalized our elementary school pilot project, happening at Oscar Peterson Public School on May 30th and Donald Cousens Public School on June 5th. We aim to discuss with each grade for 45 minutes and will be discussing the newly revised Policy #672.0, Student Leadership and Student Voice. Through discussion and activities we will be unpacking what student leadership can look like and sound like in our schools. We welcome any senior leadership staff and trustees to this event. Thank you Dr. Sterling, Ms. Diakiw, and Mr. Ganeshalingam for your continued support throughout this.

Moreover, Holly and I presented an Exam and Culminating Presentation to parents at the annual Parent, Family and Community Engagement (PEAC) Regional Symposium - "Parent Voice Matters!" on Wednesday May 3rd. It was similar to our first semester exam and culminating workshop for students, but this time for parents. Thank you to YRDSB social workers, Melanie and Avrom and  T. Russell for your support during the event. Thank you to the PEAC and the Leadership Development and Engagement team for organizing this event and inviting us! We are also excited to present a workshop for the second semester in the coming month.

Holly: We emceed the Student Success Dinner at the Royal Venetian Mansion. The Student Success award is given to those students on a basis of their character, service to their community, and leadership. It was an amazing experience to see such deserving students with such dedication to their school communities and being their best selves.

Holly: Overall, April has been an active month where we met lots of new people and engaged in new opportunities and events. This concludes our Student Trustee Report, we welcome any questions or comments. Maarsi, miigwech and thank you for your time

Mr. Chair, Director, Fellow Trustees, Staff, Members of the Audience. We will be presenting our March Student Trustee Report.

Holly: I had the opportunity to attend the Métis Nation of Ontario’s 4th Annual Early Learning and Language Conference this month in Niagara. This conference focused on language education in classrooms as well as in the community. Michif, the language of the Métis people, is an endangered language and this conference provided me with resources to continue my learning. I was able to listen to a talented keynote speaker, Dr. Jean Clinton, as well as to participate in traditional Indigenous art workshops. I was provided with Métis and Michif learning resources that I look forward to sharing with the Indigenous students of the York Region District School Board (YRDSB).

Holly: 2023 - 2024’s Indigenous Student Trustee (IST) has been selected. Lily Bates, next year’s IST, will begin her term on August 1, 2023. I look forward to working with her to help her settle into her position and to help her set her goals and objectives for her term.

Prisha: We have honed into our idea for an elementary school conference and although will be laying the base work for the coming years - this year we will be visiting various schools around our neighborhood. During these visits, we will be discussing important issues for students, such as mental health, inclusion and clubs/teams. Additionally, we plan to host a virtual drop in event for elementary students to raise their concerns.  Using this information, we will develop a survey for elementary school students to be done by the end of this school year. The reasoning behind this is elementary school students currently do not have a way of giving their input on issues. We are excited to work towards this goal and change anything along the way if needed.

Additionally, as part of the Co-Chair of the Well-Being Working Group for the Ontario Student Trustee Association (OSTA), I had the privilege of recording a podcast episode for the organizations’ podcast. We discussed the past exam season, especially being the first for many. The episode will be released soon.

Teerka: In addition, we recently held a meeting with the York Region Presidents’ Council (YRPC) to discuss YRDSB's budget allocation and received input from students on where they think funding should be prioritized. We are eagerly anticipating the upcoming YRPC Meeting on April 12, where Student Council Presidents and representatives from each secondary school will convene to brainstorm ways to enhance student leadership. Furthermore, on April 24, we will be hosting our Student Outreach Meeting (SOM) where secondary students are invited to participate in a day of activities and share their thoughts.

Teerka: Overall, March has been a stimulating month, as we have set the foundation for many exciting initiatives and events to come. This concludes our report and we welcome any questions or feedback. Thank you.

Prisha: Mr. Chair, Director, Fellow Trustees, Staff, Members of the Audience. We will be presenting our February Student Trustee Report.

Prisha: February was a productive month with gathering input and planning logistics for events. We are currently working on a conference for elementary school students. The reasoning behind this is that Grade 5-8 students are a part of the group we represent, but there are no means of currently reaching them. It allows elementary students to embark on a journey of student leadership early on and makes them more likely to get involved in their later years. It also allows us to gain data points on the concerns and ideas for the school system. As of right now, the two major themes we are planning are mental health and social justice.

We are also currently working on an opportunity database for students by students. Students are saying that they do not have equal access to opportunities and they are not aware of various opportunities. We are working on an initiative where students will receive a monthly email with opportunities such as (conferences, volunteering, etc.) compiled onto a spreadsheet. We are currently in the process of getting this approved.

Moreover, we hosted our February General Assembly (GA) alongside the York Region Presidents’ Council (YRPC) and focused on specialized programs and post-secondary planning. From accessibility of secondary programs, to the transition to post-secondary programs, and more - this was effective in gathering student input! We learnt about student concerns in this topic, especially around lack of accessibility, improvements and barriers to attending specialized programs offered in the Board, and more!

Teerka: This month we also concluded our Student Trustee Elections, and we are excited to announce that Meilun Yu and Anita Vasserman, will be the York Region District School Board (YRDSB) Student Trustees for the 2023-2024 term. We are excited to work with them in the coming months to help them transition into this role. Given we had a new election process this year, we will be reflecting on this process in the coming weeks.

Holly: A new social media page has been created for the Indigenous Student Council (ISC). Indigenous students and their families can find information about upcoming events and opportunities, as well as on upcoming ISC meetings. This can be found on @isc.yrdsb on Instagram.

Holly: ISC membership has increased this month and the Indigenous Student Trustee election will be occurring in March. The selected Indigenous Student Trustee for the 2023-2024 will work alongside the recently elected Student Trustees, Anita Vasserman and Meilun Yu.

Overall, February has been an exciting month full of new opportunities and new people. This concludes our Student Trustee Report; we welcome any questions or comments. Maarsi, miigwech and thank you for your time.

Mr. Chair, Director, Fellow Trustees, Staff, Members of the Audience. We will be presenting our February Student Trustee Report.

Holly: The Indigenous Student Council began discussing a creative project involving all council members. We are working towards building a social media platform as well as a website that Indigenous students and their families can get information from. We are beginning to create and distribute posters advertising the Indigenous Student Council in order to increase membership.

Prisha: We hosted a virtual culminating exam workshop and received over 600+ registrations. The workshop consisted of four speakers, all previous York Region District School Board (YRDSB) student trustees, from various post-secondary pathways that provided tips for culminating projects and exam preparation. Their discussions included tips for numerous subjects including the sciences, math, humanities, and more. Students were also able to ask questions and had a meaningful discussion with the panelists. This showed us the potential to host future events in a similar manner connecting students all across the Board. We would like to thank all the York Region Presidents’ Council (YRPC) advisors; Dr. T. Sterling, Ms. Diakiw, social workers, and Ms. S. Dontigny, alumni, and the technology team for your support.

Teerka: Additionally, the YRDSB Student Trustee Election for the 2023 - 2024 school year has begun. This year candidates participated in a different election process from prior years with all candidates participating in an area election and then the top candidate from each region moving to the final four. The area election for each region just concluded on January 30 and elections for the final four will start shortly on February 8, 2023. Furthermore, we will be hosting the second General Assembly of the school year on February 8 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Richmond Hill High School. The focus will be on discussing post-secondary admissions and specialized programs including IB, AP, Arts, SHSM, HPA and Dual Enrollment.

Holly: Overall, January has been a productive month of working towards our goals. Happy New Year and happy Lunar New Year to everyone. Maarsi, miigwech and thank you for your time.

Mr. Chair, Director, Fellow Trustees, Staff, Members of the Audience. We will be presenting our December Student Trustee Report. 

This month, we welcomed our new, York Region President’s Council (YRPC) Executive Cabinet, with students from a wider variety of schools than ever before and the highest voter turnout ever. We have worked with the York Region Presidents’ Council Executive to plan a December General Assembly occurring on December 15, 2022 at Richmond Green Secondary School. A return to an in-person General Assembly, one after many years, is exciting and will be a great opportunity for students from across the school board to connect.

During the General Assembly, students are welcomed to give input and evaluate questions on the approaching York Region District School Board (YRDSB) Every Student Matters Survey. It is immensely important to the YRDSB to gather student voices and assure that every individual is included. We will also be gathering feedback regarding exam stressors. Students have expressed concerns as many have not written an exam before following exam cancellations during the pandemic. We’ve been planning for an exam workshop in collaboration with the Mental Health Team for early January using the feedback we get from the December General Assembly. We are currently in the process of reviewing this idea with staff.

In the next few days, the First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education Team and Indigenous students will be having an in-person learning session with an elder from the Chippewas of Georgina Island. This session will focus on clan systems, naming ceremonies, and ceremonial protocols.

Additionally, we released our first monthly recap video informing students about what we have been working on and important events happening at the Board on our social media.

In all, November has been a month full of new opportunities. This concludes our Student Trustee Report. We welcome any questions or comments. Maarsi, miigwech and thank you for your time.

Mr. Chair, Director, Fellow Trustees, Staff, Members of the Audience. We will be presenting our November Student Trustee Report.

This month, we have had our York Region Presidents’ Council (YPRC) Elections where we have received more than 70 candidates and over 1100 voting responses. We will have our council finalized by November 1, 2022, and hope to have a minimum of four meetings every month.
With our new executive cabinet, we hope to begin hosting monthly General Assemblies to collect student input on the policies being discussed at that time.

We have continued receiving web and social media training from the York Region District School Board (YRDSB) Corporate Communications Team. We are working towards efficient communication with the student body, as well as being able to manage our Student Trustee website and social media to the best of our abilities.

We have finalized a plan for our monthly video and will have a video published on our Instagram for October, with the work we have been doing. Thank you Superintendent Sterling, D. Brusselers and the Communications team for your support.

Prisha and I were interviewed by the Parent Advisory Council for their winter newsletter. We discussed our role as student trustees, our goals and ambitions for the term, as well as how to encourage students to get involved in their own school communities.

Teerka and I have had the opportunity to give feedback to our mental health team regarding the development of a K-12 classroom activity for students.

Moreover, the YRDSB Indigenous Student Council (IST) will be having their first in-person event in November. This event will be a combination of a social event to bring Indigenous students and their families together, as well as an opportunity to participate in an IST council meeting.

We also attended the Ontario Student Trustees’ Association (OSTA-AECO) conference in downtown Toronto, where we learned and networked with other student trustees across Ontario. We heard from Minister of Education Stephen Lecce and the Ontario Education Plan, including items about actions to combat the effects the pandemic has made on our education system. Additionally, we learned how we can improve Ontario’s Sex Ed Curriculum from talks from, community organizations like, Ontario Physical and Health Education Association (OPHEA). We also had a presentation from the chair of the Ontario School Board Association.

The conference has also given us direction with our mental health initiatives. We are currently exploring options, like a mental health module that teaches students how to live a healthy lifestyle and will have specific steps done by next month.

We have also been discussing ways to better represent our students in Grade 6-8 through an Elementary Senate or other opportunities. It was great to hear about how student trustees at other boards were able to run similar structures in their boards.

Furthermore, as a part of the OSTA Public Board Council, I worked to connect school boards to OSTA leading up to Fall General Meeting (FGM), as well as leading regional breakouts during the conference. It was great to discuss with fellow student trustees in the Golden Horseshoe about the different initiatives and issues they are addressing at their board. I also had the opportunity to connect with the Ontario Principals’ Council (OPC) through being invited and attending their Annual OPC Dinner alongside members of the OSTA Executive Council.

I had the opportunity to spearhead a Mental Health Working Group with Student Trustees across Ontario. This year, we will be focusing on the wellbeing inside OSTA, school boards across Ontario, and through social media. One of our first projects will be a podcast episode that brings light to the resources available for wellbeing. In the future, we will be giving feedback to the Ministry of Health regarding wellness.

Furthermore, we have also have the amazing opportunity to speak at the Board’s upcoming QUEST Conference. I have also had the privilege of speaking about the importance of student voice and ethical leadership on a panel at QUEST.

In all, October has been an engaging month full of new opportunities and projects. This concludes our Student Trustee Report. We welcome any questions or comments. Thank you for your time.

Mr. Chair, Madam Director, Fellow Trustees, Staff, Members of the Audience. We will be presenting our October Student Trustee Report.

We worked with the York Region Presidents’ Council (YRPC) advisors to execute final details for the York Region Presidents’ Council Election. An email will be sent out to staff and students soon with information and nomination details. We hope to have a finalized council by the beginning of November.

Moreover, we met with the Mental Health Team Leads to learn about what is currently happening regarding mental health and opportunities to get involved. We learnt about the Youth Space project, which will be an advisory group across different schools and the Board to spearhead and advocate for mental health related initiatives. There will be a pilot program this year in approximately eight schools. We are in the process of brainstorming ways to get involved, and exploring ideas like a handbook schools can use to implement mental health activities. Moreover, we were given the privilege to give feedback about the development of a K-12 classroom activity for students. The activity will focus on the Student Mental Health Strategy. We would like to extend a great thank you out to H. Calliste, P. Marra-Stapleton, and the mental health team for organizing this.

To mark Powley Day this year, I was a part of creating two videos with the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Education Teacher Advisor. These videos showcased Métis culture and identity, as well as the history behind Powley Day.

Additionally, we received social media training from L. Miguelo, D. Clayden, and C. Choo-Hum on the York Region District School Board (YRDSB) Corporate Communications Team. In the coming weeks we will be going through website training as we explore options to effectively use the student trustee website. We are exploring ways to successfully and efficiently communicate with students to best raise their concerns.

Alongside L. Diakiw, we hosted a policy review drop in session on September 21 and 22 where more than 100 classes joined. Policy #672.0, Student Leadership and Student Voice and Policy #635.0, Student Dress Code were discussed. We are in the process of creating an opportunity alongside staff where students can share their opinions and concerns for an array of issues, as it is the basis of our goals.

We are exploring options to be transparent about our work in advocating for students as well as informing them about public Board discussions and decisions, through monthly videos for our social media. These videos would keep students well informed, as well as allowing for more interaction between the student trustees and the YRDSB student body to provide feedback. We are looking into making short monthly videos which would be available in our social media.

In conclusion, October was full of learning and we are excited for opportunities that lie ahead. This concludes our student report. We welcome any questions or comments. Thank you for listening.

Mr. Chair, Mr. Acting-Director, Fellow Trustees, Staff, Members of the Audience

It is an honour to be attending our first regular Board meeting as our predecessors, Munira Chakera, Bruce Yu, and Chelbylynn Milton have. We are privileged to carry the torch forward and would like to extend our gratitude to our trustee mentors, Trustee Services, Superintendent T. Sterling, and staff members for your support through this transition. We are excited to serve as the representatives of over 128,000 students of York Region District School Board (YRDSB).

Before our term started, from May 26-29 2022, we attended the Ontario Student Trustees’ Association (OSTA) Annual General Meeting. It was a weekend of professional development where we learned about how to best elevate student voice, as well as networked with organizations that support student success (e.g. High School Too) and student trustees from across Ontario. We learned about best practices to communicate during Board and Committee meetings which will help us better serve our students.

Additionally, OSTA serves as a vessel all year round to connect student trustees. I am happy to join the Public Board Executive Council on OSTA where I will have the chance to discuss and work together on student matters with all the Ontario public school student trustees.

I am excited to join as Co-Chair of the Well-Being Working Group, where I will lead a team of student trustees to collaborate on mental health affairs and spearhead initiatives across Ontario.

On August 31st, Prisha and I had the privilege of participating as the MCs for Compass Points where Director Sirisko set direction for this year. YRDSB’s Indigenous Student Council will be having our first meeting of this school year in the coming weeks. We will be beginning to plan our projects and initiatives for the new year and discussing our major goals.

Moreover, we have planned for a drop in session on September 21 and 22nd where students can join in to give input, ask questions and learn further about the policy review currently happening for Policy #672.0, Student Leadership and Student Voice and Policy #635.0, Student Dress Code. We filmed a video to share with students through the Safe and Caring Schools Presentation.

Additionally, we have been working with the York Region President’s Council (YRPC) Advisors to execute an election for the new executive cabinet in the coming weeks. We have an exciting new addition to the council this year of regional representatives - two students from each of the four regions. Regional representatives are responsible for supporting the YRPC Executive Cabinet in reaching students from all regions and all schools in the YRDSB, especially historically underrepresented schools at YRPC General Assemblies.

As we start our term, we are also in the process of collecting student input and having conversations with mentors on the school board to better understand student priorities for this year.

In all, August has been an exciting month as we transition into our new roles. We feel utmost privileged to have our voices and the voices of the 128,000 students in the YRDSB be brought to the table. Thank you again to all our trustee mentors, members of the Trustee Services team, Superintendent T. Sterling and other staff members for your support thus far.

Thank you!

2020-21 School Year

• October 21, 2021 (PDF)

2019-20 School Year

• September 13, 2019
• October 2, 2019
• November 5, 2019
• December 2, 2019 (Invocation)
• December 10, 2019
• February 4, 2020
• March 3, 2020
• April 7, 2020
• May 5, 2020
• June 2, 2020
• June 30, 2020

2017-18 School Year

• September 6, ​2017​​

2016-17 School​ Year 

• September 6
• October 6
• November 1
• December 13
• February 13
• Statement - Febuary 13
• What it means to be a Student Trustee (PPT) - March 23

2015-16 School Year 

• June 21 
• June
• April
• March
• February​
• December
• November
• October
• ​September
• Letter to Students

2013-14 School Year

• February
• December
• November
• October
• September