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 Learning Spaces for Students
• 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.

Mitusaan: Good evening, Mr. Chair, Director, Trustees, Staff, Students, and members of the public. What a meaningful journey we have had this year.

With student voice always our guide. From boardroom talks to classroom calls,

We stood for students, one and all. We faced the year with heart and grace, uplifted voices, and made our case. We also focused on making schools more inclusive by supporting cultural assemblies and attending student cultural events. Through Board-wide meetings and community events, I’ve had the chance to hear directly from students and ensure your voices were brought to the table. It’s been an honour to represent students. This year showed that when students speak up, lead, and support each other, we can create a real impact. Together, we pushed for meaningful change to ease academic stress, promoting financial literacy through new programs, advocacy, and bringing back hands-on learning with more school field trips that connected us to the real world, beyond the classroom walls.

Hayden: Last month, we held the York Region Presidents’ Council (YRPC) elections. Congratulations to the new executive that will represent the next year of student leadership in our school boards. A specific congratulations to Eric Chen and Owen Yin who will be serving as our Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister this year. 

I also want to reflect on the work put in by this year’s executives and teacher advisors. We ran our first year with two Student Outreach Meetings which saw participation from nearly all of our secondary schools. I’ve been involved since I started Grade 9 and our participation has clearly grown significantly over the past year. 

Even in our election process, this was the most competitive election that I’ve seen that genuinely reflects our students’ perspectives. I think the number of candidates demonstrates that the YRPC is becoming an organization that more students see themselves in, one that we can hopefully grow into a strong community. Thank you to our previous team whether they will be returning to our schools or graduating and going down exciting paths. I also want to thank our Teacher Advisors who have given us guidance and without, our achievements would not have been possible.

Being a Student Trustee, representing our students, for the past year has been an absolute dream and I am very excited to be returning next year with Natalia. There were so many highlights that make it difficult to condense into a single report, but I’m truly grateful for the trust our student body has placed in us and are looking forward to another amazing term.

Natalia: Over the month of May, the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Team has councilled a workshop focused on creating moccasins and bonding, and we had the Annual General Meeting with OSTA-AECO take place from May 22-25. But most importantly, the month of June focuses on a very important time of the year. Every June, we celebrate National Indigenous History Month, a time where we focus on how advocacy is set, awareness is shown, and voices are raised. 

This is also a time where we, as a Board, recognize and celebrate the culture, traditions, history, and strength of the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples of Canada. Where we can support the students and community of York Region District School Board to learn about the diverse cultures and heritage of this land. Furthermore, this period is important to share the history of challenges and barriers for the Indigenous community, to acknowledge the past, to highlight Indigenous voices, leaders, and artists. To support and recognize how we in York Region, contribute to the well-being and resources made for the Indigenous students. Another significant date within the month of June is National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21. 

On Monday, May 26, the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Team organized a cultural bonding, educational session where Indigenous students from across the Board were able to attend a workshop at Vivian Outdoor Resource Center to join in a circle and make their own personal moccasins. During this session, students were educated on how to sew together, join as a community, and learn cultural-based teachings. We thank those who take the time to coordinate such meaningful events, these strengthen the community, they support, teach, and allow Indigenous students to have a space where they feel recognized.

From May 22-25, in the City of Toronto, OSTA-AECO held their Annual General Meeting where student leaders unite and have the opportunity to feel supported in their role as representatives and a voice for students within their board. During this meeting, Hayden and I attended workshops and exciting activities in a community where we feel we belong. We also thank those here within our Board, and those at OSTA-AECO, who make this experience possible. To smoothen our journey as we step into a magnitude of leadership and convene with one another. 

Having the privilege to represent our First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students was such a treasured experience and I am deeply grateful, and excited to continue on into my second term alongside Hayden Lai. 

Overall, the 2024-25 term has been one filled with student community, recognition, and achievements. Mitusaan, Hayden, and myself sincerely thank the Board for your endless support and mentorship over our tenure, we are open to any questions or comments. Chi-Miigwetch.  

Mitusaan: To all students, have a great summer, stay active out there and enjoy it until it lasts, especially Grade 12 transitioning into post-secondary, it will be your last true free summer. All in all, students, your vision has always been our mission.

Hayden: Good evening, Mr. Chair, Director, Trustees, Staff, Students, and members of the public. To begin, we are incredibly grateful to work with the York Region Presidents’ Council (YRPC) Executive team to make the April Student Outreach Meeting (SOM) a success! We welcomed over 100 passionate students from over 30 of our 33 secondary schools and were joined once again by Chair Ron Lynn, Director Bill Cober, and Superintendent Grant Fawthrop, who emphasized the importance of student engagement. Additionally, we had Principal Kevin Ko who led a conversation on Artificial Intelligence (AI) to help inform an AI Board framework. The Curriculum team also gathered student input on our Homework policy. We are incredibly grateful to our guest speakers that made this possible as well as our YRPC Executive team and YRPC teacher advisors.

This SOM was especially meaningful, not just for the student voice collected on important Board decisions, but because it marks the first time we have fulfilled the YRPC’s constitutional mandate of hosting two SOMs in a school year. I’m excited to build on this momentum with the next YRPC team and am thankful for the hard work this past year with the current YRPC Executive team.

This brings us to look towards the future and yesterday, the YRPC Elections were announced. Students in Grades 9–11 are encouraged to run for a position on the student senate. Students can learn more by checking their school email for details! 

Finally, this month is an important month for student success and achievement. We will hear from Mitusaan about the student success awards. Still, we also have had many students from our school board compete at Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) International Career Development Conference (ICDC), the final round in a competitive international business competition in Florida, as well, many students qualified for Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) International Leadership Conference (ILC), the final round in a healthcare competition in Tennessee. Congratulations to those students. On this topic of student success, I would also like to wish luck to the Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) students completing their exams this month. I know it can be a stressful time for students.

Mitusaan: In May, I had the privilege of co-emceeing the 2025 Celebrating Student Success and Human Rights Office Ambassador Awards at the Royal Venetian Mansion in Aurora—an unforgettable evening that truly showcased the excellence within our student body. The event brought together trustees, Board staff, families, and community members to honour 20 exceptional students whose achievements go far beyond academics. These students are changemakers, advocates, and leaders who have not only succeeded personally but also uplifted those around them through their passion, perseverance, and compassion. 

Celebrating student success in the York Region District School Board (YRDSB) is about more than grades—it is about recognizing the students who create inclusive clubs, lead social justice campaigns, mentor peers, advocate for mental health, and step up to solve real challenges in their schools. These students represent the heartbeat of the Board’s vision: creating spaces where every learner feels empowered, valued, and seen. Sixteen were awarded for their outstanding accomplishments in academics, leadership, and community building, while four received the inaugural Human Rights Office Ambassador Award—a new distinction given to students championing equity, inclusion, and systemic change.

What made this evening particularly special was the care and thought behind the selection process. As student trustees, being part of this event reminded us of the incredible power and influence students hold to shape their schools, their communities, and the world around them. We walked away from that night inspired and proud to be part of a Board that not only hears students but celebrates them. 

Natalia: To close off our Student Trustee report for April, I would like to open my segment to recognize the MMIWG2S+. May 5, National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirited People, is an important day where we as a Board recognize, acknowledge, and show respect to the victims and families of victims who have experienced violence and grieve missing or murdered relatives. This date, also known as ‘Red Dress Day,’ came from a powerful and influential art project by Métis artist Jamie Black that began at the University of Winnipeg campus in Winnipeg, Manitoba, in March of 2011. At this exhibit, over one hundred red dresses were hung and displayed across campus that raised awareness about the thousands of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Peoples that deeply reflect the outbreak of gender and Indigenous-based violence in Canada. These empty red dresses, publicly displayed, were a reminder of those lost to violence. Jamie Black’s project sparked many’s interest, gaining national and international attention and advocating a movement for change. 

The Red Dress Project is a call to action, heavily advocated for through the tireless work of the Native Women’s Association of Canada, which has been an openly vocal supporter of many important commemoration dates such as Red Dress Day. Having continuous attention to MMIWG2S+ will allow us, together as a Board, to honour those lost and to also create a safer environment within and outside of schools for Indigenous students. Supporting and understanding the significance of this day is a group journey as we work together as a community to further acknowledge and speak on this day along with a few other commemorable dates, such as the Annual Strawberry Ceremony on February 14, often held at the Toronto Police Headquarters, and secondly the Sisters and Spirit Day held on
October 4. 

On May 5, I attended the Red Dress Day event with York Region in Newmarket, filled with insightful and impactful presentations by guest speakers who shared teachings on the significance of the National Day of Awareness for MMIWG2S+. During this event, an elder performed a prayer to all of the lost spirits that were taken too soon. At the beginning of this event, I was a helper and welcomed guests into the space, greeting them with a tobacco tie, and thanking them for attending. 

While taking time yesterday to set down offerings for Red Dress Day, I was brought back to my roots on Manitoulin Island, where there are active missing cases on the island. Juanita Migwans from M’Chigeeng First Nation was last seen on October 4, 2024, walking along Riverside Drive in M’Chigeeng, appearing to have none of her personal belongings. I share this story with the hopes that this story will spread the message and allow anyone with any information to submit a tip to the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122 or to report anonymously, you can submit through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Overall, April has been an eventful month filled with many learning opportunities, student recognition, and student engagement within the Board. This concludes our Student Trustee Report. We thank the Trustee Services team for their support and staff members for their contribution to acknowledging student achievements. We welcome all questions and comments. Thank you, Chi-Miigwetch, for your patience and attention. 

Good evening, Mr. Chair, Director, Trustees, Staff, Students, and members of the public.

Mitusaan: April marks the celebration of Easter, and we acknowledge this occasion while continuing our efforts to promote inclusivity and respect for all students' cultural and religious beliefs. April has been a month of important discussions and actions to improve student well-being. We aim to create a healthier, more inclusive school environment by focusing on loneliness, mental health, and addiction. 

Mitusaan: During March, we had the opportunity to meet with three secondary students who presented a proposal titled Teenager Loneliness and Isolation: Social Disconnection and Why it’s a Public Health Issue. This proposal highlighted the effect of loneliness such as poor academic performance, mental health struggles, and even suicidal thoughts. The impacts also appear to have serious physical effects, increasing the risk of heart disease and hospitalization. It is important that we address these issues and the impact on students’ lives. They proposed creating awareness posters in schools to guide students on coping with loneliness and promoting mental well-being, as well as developing a digital resource explaining why loneliness and social isolation is a public health issue. We believe that these ideas have the potential to shift how we understand and address these issues, making a significant impact on student well-being.

Natalia: Through March, I have had many unique opportunities to create invaluable experiences that I hope will have a positive impact on our First Nations communities across the province, especially in York Region District School Board (YRDSB), to advocate for First Nations, Métis and Inuit students. First and foremost, I am incredibly pleased to share that I've completed the planning of episode one of my first podcast, which reflects my experiences as an Ojibwe woman and First Nations student in YRDSB. 

Natalia: I would also like to highlight my engagement with the Indigenous community as the Indigenous Student Trustee. On March 26, I attended an online session titled Understanding and Addressing Racism with the Kinoomaadizwin Education Body. During this session, they established their ongoing work on addressing racism in schools, including their Anishinabek Education System: Reporting Racism Tool. 

Natalia: On March 26, the York Region Presidents’ Council (YRPC) hosted a general assembly at Milliken Mills High School, where students had the opportunity to attend, connect with peers, and participate in discussion sessions. During these sessions, YRPC members engaged students in conversations about course offerings, balanced school experiences, and potential YRPC improvements. In return, we received powerful feedback and shared personal experiences that helped identify pressing student concerns. These ideas focused on the prioritization of specific pathways, such as STEM, which can limit students’ ability to explore diverse career options, and how various mandatory and optional courses are often found to fail in aligning with real-world life skills.

Natalia: In addition, many students expressed frustration about having to opt out of taking optional life skills courses due to university prerequisites. This feedback highlights growing support for integrating life skills into existing academic courses, providing more hands-on learning opportunities to better prepare students for post-secondary education.

Natalia: Overall, March has been exciting, with many events and learning opportunities. In the upcoming month, we all look forward to the Student Outreach Meeting with the YRPC and many other engagement opportunities to share student voices within the Board. 

Good evening Mr. Chair, Director, Trustees, Staff, Students, and members of the public. 

Natalia: We are extremely pleased to share this month’s student trustee report to provide an update of the recent pursuits in our role as we step into March 2025. Our second month into the year was a productive period that was involved with gathering input, strengthening our connection to the students within York Region District School Board (YRDSB) and working alongside the York Region Presidents’ Council (YRPC) where we utilise our skills and embrace each of our unique qualities which allows us to help the Board in our own else ways. 

During February, I’ve been researching upcoming conferences where I can further engage with students in Ontario to learn new perspectives and experiences that Indigenous students experience within their learning and take feedback to share and explore opportunities that will allow students to feel seen, heard, and understood by their teachers and peers. 

Furthermore, I am incredibly grateful to the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis team. They have been immeasurable in providing guidance and support to me throughout my term while creating a space where I can openly share my personal experiences and ideas that I aim to implement during the period of my role.

Hayden: The YRPC also held our Presidents’ Council Meeting (PCM) this month. A special shout-out to Jesse and Justin, the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, the YRPC and YRPC Advisors for this incredible event. I am honestly so impressed with the organization put into this PCM meeting. We were quite frustrated for the past few months at the low turnout. However, this month’s PCM was the largest event I remember in my past few years at the YRPC, outside of our flagship Student Outreach events. We had participation from more than 27 of our secondary schools from every Community Education Centre (CEC) in the region and more than 80 students. I remember just last year, we had about 20 students. This shows that the YRPC is genuinely growing their presence across the school board. I saw real excitement from students.

At the PCM, we highlighted school spirit, fundraising, and student council democracy. At our PCM meetings, we host Student Council executives to share what they are doing at their schools to inspire new initiatives and traditions at other schools. I want to focus on the Battle of the Schools, an initiative started by Bill Hogarth Secondary School, Milliken Mills High School, Pierre Elliott Trudeau High School, Middlefield Collegiate Institute, Bur Oak Secondary School and Unionville High School. These student councils organized their week of school spirit competitions. For example, which school could write the most kindness notes, or which was wearing the most pink shirts on Anti-Bullying Day. This will foster school community and unity. I hope to see something similar at our other schools!

We also had our Student Trustee Elections. I am incredibly excited to be returning for the 2025-26 school year along with Jason Lin.

Mitusaan: Overall, this month’s PCM was a true reflection of the progress we have made in enhancing student voice and engagement across YRDSB. Seeing students from so many different schools actively participate, share ideas, and collaborate on meaningful initiatives shows the growing strength of the YRPC and the value of these gatherings. The momentum we are building will continue to drive positive change, not just within student councils, but in fostering a more connected and spirited student community Board-wide.

As we move forward, we are excited to build on this success — supporting our student leaders, amplifying their voices, and ensuring that every school has the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from the collective work of the YRPC. We are confident that with this level of passion and participation, the future of student leadership in YRDSB is brighter than ever.

With March Break just around the corner, we encourage all students to take time to rest, recharge, and make memories with family and friends. Whether you are catching up on hobbies, exploring new interests, or simply taking a well-deserved break, we hope you come back feeling refreshed and ready to finish the school year strong.

As John Quincy Adams once said: “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.”

Good evening Mr. Chair, Director, Trustees, Staff, Students, and members of the public. 

Mitusaan: This past month has been a meaningful journey of advocacy, celebration, and engagement within our school communities and beyond. I had the privilege of attending events that highlighted cultural heritage, student voices, and civic leadership. From discussions with local leaders to celebrating Thai Pongal with students, each experience reinforced the importance of unity, representation, and student engagement in shaping an inclusive future. 

This month, I had the opportunity to engage with municipal leaders at the Markham Civic Centre alongside Councillor Juanita and Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti, where we discussed student issues and the importance of youth involvement in civic affairs. I also visited Stouffville District Secondary School and Middlefield Collegiate Institute to speak about the significance of Thai Pongal, emphasizing the role of cultural representation in fostering inclusivity. Attending the Harvest of Hope celebration further highlighted the resilience and contributions of diverse communities, while the cultural event at Flato Markham Theatre with elected officials reinforced how public recognition of heritage strengthens the community. I want to thank Chair Ron Lynn, Trustee Michael Chen, Lois Agard and Nadeem for being present at these events and showing their continued support. Through these experiences, I witnessed how civic engagement, cultural appreciation, and student advocacy intersect to create more inclusive spaces where every voice is valued. 

Natalia: Many focuses were taken into consideration this month such as leadership, community, cultural recognition, and academic opportunities for students in the York Region District School Board (YRDSB). A big part of that has been socializing with students in school or on social media, learning from mentors, and finding new ways to share what I’ve learned.

I would like to emphasize one key event, the 20th Annual Strawberry Ceremony, taking place on Friday, February 14th from 12:30 to 4:00 PM at Toronto Police Headquarters (40 College St.). This event is an opportunity to support Indigenous women, girls, trans, and Two-Spirit peoples where a group will be showing their support for MMIWG2S+. 

The Indigenous Student Trustee elections have opened. This is an excellent opportunity for Indigenous students in Grades 10, and 11, or returning Grade 12 who are interested in becoming a representative for all Indigenous students on the Board.

This past month included learning more about Indigenous history and sharing updates on upcoming events in the Indigenous community that will help Indigenous students feel seen, heard, and supported. I look forward to continuing this work and finding more ways to build on my strengths moving forward.   

Hayden: One of the main priorities of my Student Trustee campaign in 2023 was student mental health and well-being. Something I consistently heard from students as a key priority was feeling like they had access to resources to support them. This month, I was invited to speak at the announcement of the first Youth Wellness Hub in Vaughan. I was proud to stand beside mental health professionals, elected officials like Mayor Del Duca, and community representatives who worked hard to deliver this to our youth. This centre will provide accessible essentials like substance use programs, and employment service programs as well. I look forward to seeing a brighter future for our students in Vaughan and the wider York Region. I also look forward to our staff and Board continuing to serve our student’s mental health and well-being. 

Hayden: On another note, the Student Trustees are excited to attend the upcoming Education Action Conference for OSTA-AECO in Ottawa. Thank you staff who helped organize this. We are thrilled to engage in a conference full of professional development to support our time as Student Trustees. As the new semester begins, we are excited to continue to work and learn. Thank you. 

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.

Good evening, Mr. Chair, Trustees, Director, Staff, Students, and members of the public.

Thank you for joining us at the York Region District School Board’s (YRDSB) Inaugural Board Meeting for the 2024-2025 school year. By marking the beginning of a new year for the Board of Trustees, we are so excited by the opportunity to continue to advocate for students at the Board level and to see the important work being done by the Trustees. We are continuously motivated by the work diligently put into support students and are looking forward to what the new year has to bring.

This also marks a third of the way through our Student Trustee terms. Since taking office, we have been relentless in our efforts to bring student voice to Board and Committee meetings on crucial line items from student leadership, to mental health, and even to one of the most important guiding documents, the Multi-Year Strategic Plan. It has been an absolute pleasure working with Leadership Development as well as the hardworking students on our York Region Presidents’ Council (YRPC). We have barely gotten started and have so much left to do. We are excited to continue to advocate and bring student perspectives to this table. 

We proudly represent the YRDSB, where over 120,000 students have their own story. These are stories that remind us each day of just how significant mental health and wellbeing are in educational settings. Awareness is what, as Student Trustees, we act on, and we want to stand in support of those places where through important events and open talks, students feel strong enough to share experiences and understand their voices count. It is our duty to make sure that every struggle is seen and that every student feels supported toward working on achieving success.

Our staff and trustees are very committed, and their hard work forms the principle of care and belonging in our schools. Their influence extends so much further than rules and procedures. It is in kind words of support, in the caring acts that make students feel seen and safe, and in the work of constant creation of space that shifts with our community's needs. They teach us, by example, to make well-being a reality for living. Above all, we are particularly grateful for their huge commitment to advocate for change across over 200 schools where their importance to each student is that they feel welcome in their educational experience. 

As we reflect on this year so far, we are encouraged by the success of our students and the determination of YRDSB to address their evolving needs. From amplifying the voices of elementary leaders to strengthening secondary student councils, we have seen firsthand the power of collaboration in creating change.

These efforts would not be possible without the resolute support of our trustees, staff, and administrators. You are the backbone of our education system, tirelessly working to create a learning environment where every student can thrive. Your commitment to addressing post-pandemic challenges, supporting mental health, and fostering inclusive leadership has been truly inspiring. 

Though the faces of Student Trustees change, our mission remains constant: to amplify student voices, champion their concerns, and turn those concerns into meaningful action. As we continue the rest of our term, we are inspired by the progress we have made and energized by the opportunities ahead. Together, we aim to make 2024-25 a year defined by growth, inclusivity, and innovation. 

Thank you for your ongoing support, guidance, and commitment to students. "Let us make our future now, and let us make our dreams, tomorrow’s reality." - Yousafzai

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.

Prisha: Thank you for joining us for the York Region District School Board’s Inaugural Board Meeting. This day is exciting for two reasons: Firstly, it marks the beginning of a new term and chapter. We have had the pleasure of working alongside last term’s trustees and are excited to work alongside you, the newly elected trustees to represent the 128,000+ students in our YRDSB. Secondly, for the first time in a few years, we are together in person for a board meeting. Although we’ve been through ups and downs throughout the past school year, one thing has remained the same: our commitment to students. Over the last few months, we’ve advocated for mental health, leadership opportunities, equity and inclusivity through the planning of various initiatives. We are thrilled to continue advocating for YRDSB students and learning from you to strengthen the bridge between and students. 

Teerka: Today is extra special as we welcome new faces to the Board of Trustees for the 2022-2026 Term. Each of you have been elected within your regions, but now work as a collective with the shared passion to support students and public education. It has been our utmost pleasure working alongside last term’s board of trustees during the first few months of our term and welcome you like they welcomed us. We are inspired by your dedication to the students and communities you serve and excitedly await what is to come this year. We are so honoured to have the opportunity to speak to you today. 

Holly: The students of the YRDSB are a wonderfully unique and diverse group of students. Conveying the perspectives and voices of students is our single most important job as student trustees. We have found successful ways in which to communicate with our students to discuss and collect their concerns. We translate student input into action and make sure that we are representing their voices to the best of our ability.

Holly: None of this would be possible without our staff and trustees, as they are the backbone of our schools. Our incredible trustees have important insight as community members and a passion for the education system. The effort and commitment from our strong staff and administrators keeps everything running smoothly and creates the best learning environment possible for our students. We wholeheartedly thank each and every one of you for your tireless work and dedication to making our school board what it is today.

Prisha: We recognize the impacts the pandemic has had on our education system. From learning gaps, especially with exams, to mental health impacts, to social impacts. We are encouraged by the work our board and staff has done to support students in these portfolios. We are inspired by our staff and board of trustees’ commitment to our students and are excited to work alongside you to ensure no student is left behind in this recovery journey.

Teerka: Through all this it is clear that term after term, one thing will remain the same, and that is our common priority of the students. As we continue our term as student trustees, we will ensure we advocate and empower student voices. We cannot wait to work alongside the resilient staff and board of trustees during our term and look forward to all that is in store.

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!

Mr. Chair, Madame Director, Fellow Trustees, Staff, Ladies and Gentlemen: 

We would like to begin by expressing our heartfelt condolences to the family of our colleague, Student Trustee Munira Chakera, who recently passed away. Munira was an exceptional student leader and had a tremendous positive impact on her community. Munira will be dearly missed by family, friends, community members and colleagues at the York Region District School Board (YRDSB). 

We would like to acknowledge the hard work of staff on preparing a revised version of Policy and Procedure #221.0, Student Trustees. The new policy and procedure are more comprehensive and include several provisions that we as student trustees have championed: a direct election of the position by students, increased transparency through the appointment of a scrutineer and clarity surrounding the eligibility of a student trustee to seek a second term of office. Thank you to the students, community members and trustees involved in the consultation process. We also look forward to receiving the results of the Policy #672.0, Student Leadership and Student Voice consultation, when it concludes in the fall of this year.

It was a pleasure to attend secondary and elementary graduation ceremonies over the last few days. While COVID-19 has presented a unique set of challenges, we know that you have grown more resilient. Congratulations to all of our grade 8 and grade 12 graduates. We wish you all the best in high school and post-secondary, respectively. 

Due to extenuating circumstances and short timelines, the York Region Presidents’ Council (YRPC) elections have been postponed to September 2022. At that point, students across the YRDSB will elect a new slate of student leaders for our student senate. We have revised our YRPC Constitution to better engage the student body, which means amalgamating some roles and increasing the team size with a new role: regional representatives. 

On a final note, we would like to wish the YRDSB’s incoming student trustees all the best in their new roles. We are confident that you will be excellent advocates for student voice. 

Thank you for the opportunity to present our final monthly Student Trustee report. With that, we would like to provide some highlights from our Student Trustee End of Term Feedback Report. 

Mr. Chair, Madame Director, Fellow Trustees, Staff, Ladies and Gentlemen: 

Thank you for the opportunity to present the June Student Trustee Report. As we approach the end of the semester, we want to take a moment to thank all of the staff and students who have worked incredibly hard to organize prom and graduation for the graduating class of 2022. Your dedication has not gone unnoticed and we know all of the students are deeply appreciative of your work. 

On that note, we also want to thank all of the staff that have made our first electronic/in-person Board meeting possible. It is good to see some trustees and members of the senior leadership team in person.

Last week, we attended the Ontario Student Trustees’ Association (OSTA-AECO)’s 2022 Annual General Meeting (AGM) in downtown Toronto. We engaged in a weekend of professional development and had the opportunity to share our experiences with incoming student trustees. Thank you to everyone on the OSTA Executive Council for putting this wonderful event together. 

At the Board level, there are a few things we would like to highlight. The York Region Presidents’ Council (YPRC) recently hosted a General Assembly to collect student voices on exams and assessments. Thank you to Superintendent Bredin and the Research and Assessment department for your collaboration. The YRPC Executive Cabinet also undertook a deep dive of our internal Constitution and we are pleased to be operationalizing the document, which was updated with the goal of expanding the YRPC in the next school year. 

In other news, two important policies, Policy #221.0, Student Trustees and Policy #672.0, Student Leadership and Student Voice are currently undergoing review. These are important policies and we hope that when deliberating and voting, trustees will carefully consider how they will impact student voice in the York Region District School Board (YRDSB). 

On May 25, 2022, Toronto District School Board (TDSB) trustees approved a proposal to replace merit-based admissions for specialized programs with a lottery. We have heard from some YRDSB students who believe specialized programs can be pathways into exciting careers for many students and are deeply troubled by this news. They believe a lottery may lead to students being deprived of programs well-suited for their interests and abilities. They are opposed to moving specialized programs to lottery-based admissions and on their behalf, we strongly urge trustees to maintain merit-based entrance processes at YRDSB. 

Finally, we look forward to presenting a Student Trustee End of Term Feedback Report at the last Board meeting of the school year. This is an important opportunity for us to share feedback on how the Board can better support student trustees.859556 

This concludes our report and we welcome the opportunity to answer questions or offer clarifications. 

Mr. Chair, Madame Director, Fellow Trustees, Staff, Ladies and Gentlemen: 

Thank you for the opportunity to present the Student Trustee report for May. This month has been busy, but also exciting and eventful for us as Student Trustees. 

We would like to begin by mentioning the events of Wednesday, April 28, when the three of us had the opportunity to emcee the 2022 Celebrating Student Success Awards ceremony. We would like to share our sincere congratulations to all of the award recipients. It was a pleasure to see everyone in person for the first time since our terms started. 

Meanwhile, the work with the York Region Presidents’ Council (YRPC) is beginning to take shape as we will be hosting our third General Assembly in late May. We are looking forward to collecting student voice on exams and assessments in collaboration with the Research and Assessment Department. In addition to the General Assembly, we are also anticipating YRPC executive elections to take place in early June and we look forward to supporting the process. 

Earlier this month, we also had the opportunity to present to the Equity and Inclusivity Advisory Committee (EIAC) consultations pertaining to Policy #672.0, Student Leadership and Student Voice. This is an important policy undergoing a deep review and we value feedback from all members of the community. We are eager to see the developments that result from this as the days go by.

We would also like to announce that May 5, was National Red Dress Day in Canada. Red Dress Day is a campaign started in 2010 and is a day of honouring missing and murdered Indigenous people. We use this day to raise awareness and education about the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, two-spirited, and men throughout Turtle Island. Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) refers to the human rights crisis of high and disproportionate rates of violence and number of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls in Canada. I was happy to see a few of the York Region District School Board (YRDSB) schools holding campaigns in their school communities to raise awareness of this crisis, and hope in the future we can ensure all YRDSB schools take May 5 to honour and remember MMIWG2S.

Later this month, we will be attending the Ontario Student Trustees’ Association (OSTA) 2022 Annual General Meeting (AGM) alongside the incoming student trustees. As this will be OSTA’s first in-person AGM since the pandemic, we are excited to see our own colleagues in person alongside student trustees from all across the province for an exciting weekend of professional development and mentorship in Toronto. 

We would also like to take the time to thank the Curriculum and Instructional Services Department and Information Technology Services for their work on bringing back student profile pictures. We know this is very important to students and we appreciate their willingness to consider student voice through this process. We are grateful for the support that we received from staff. 

In other news, we have lately been working with the Leadership Development and Engagement Department on filming a video to assist in student feedback regarding Policy #221.0, Student Trustees. This video will be shared with YRDSB students in the coming weeks and we look forward to hearing their voice. 

Overall, we think it is safe to say that this past month has been one of the most memorable months for us as student trustees. With so much happening, we look forward to taking a deep breath, settling in, and enjoying the last few months remaining in this school year while supporting and advocating for students along the way. That concludes the report for the month of May. 

Thank you. 

Mr. Chair, Madame Director, Fellow Trustees, Staff, Ladies and Gentlemen: 

Thank you for the opportunity to present our Student Trustee report for April. 

Last Friday, I had the opportunity to participate in a flag raising ceremony for World Autism Day and to mark the beginning of Autism Awareness Month. Thank you to all staff members, trustees and members of the public who attended to show support for this important event. 

We are very excited to be working with the York Region Presidents’ Council (YRPC) and Leadership Development and Engagement on consultations for Policy #221.0, Student Trustees and Policy #672.0, Student Leadership and Student Voice. We look forward to engaging the secondary and elementary student body on how we can elevate their voices through the democratic process. On a similar note, we also know that student council elections often take place in May or June and we are committed to supporting student councils through this process. 

Last week, families received an email about learning model selections for the 2022-2023 school year. Over the last couple of days, we have shared information and answered questions pertaining to learning model choices and Secondary Virtual School (SVS). We hope that this will help students make an informed decision for the upcoming school year. 

I am pleased to say that Indigenous Student Council had our monthly meeting on March 22, 2022. During this time, we discussed how to get more outreach and communication to First Nations Métis and Inuit (FNMI) students throughout the Board such as posters and a webpage. Students also shared concerns of needing more awareness throughout schools about Anti-Indigenous Racism to educate students and staff of the FNMI presence within the Board. I additionally had the pleasure of speaking with next year’s Indigenous Student Trustee Holly Schlamb and further informing her of what to expect in her role next year.

Furthermore, I met with D. Clayden and S. Luong from Corporate Communications, to discuss the making of the ISC webpage. During this meeting D. Clayden and S. Luong showed us a rough draft for the page and arranged for the making of this project. A great thank you to D. Clayden and S. Luong for making this outline possible.

Consultations for the 2022-2023 operating budget are also ongoing. Approval of the budget is one of the key responsibilities of the Board of Trustees and we look forward to bringing student voice forward as part of this process. We encourage students to reach out to us with feedback about programs, resources and areas that should be prioritized for funding. 

As we have approach the midpoint of the second semester and we look forward to what the next months will bring for the students of the York Region District School Board (YRDSB). In particular, we are excited to have been invited to emcee the Celebrating Student Success Ceremony in April.

Mr. Chair, Madame Director, Fellow Trustees, Staff, Ladies and Gentlemen: 

Thank you for the opportunity to present our Student Trustee Report for the month of March. 

We are excited to share that the York Region Presidents’ Council (YRPC) had a successful second General Assembly (GA) last Thursday. The event brought together students from across the Board to discuss York Region District School Board’s (YRDSB) new Mental Health and Addiction Strategy. It was great connecting with YRDSB student leaders and we sincerely look forward to the discussions at GAs in the coming months. We also want to thank P. Marra-Stapleton and H. Calliste for their collaboration. 

Two weeks ago, the Government of Ontario published information about education funding for the 2022/23 school year (Grants for Student Needs). The last two years have been very challenging for student mental health and we know that the pandemic has also taken a toll on student learning. As student trustees, we are pleased to see investments in mental health and school-based tutoring supports. 

An important part of work of the Board of Trustees is the development of a Multi-Year Strategic Plan, which informs high-level strategies implemented at the Board. The YRDSB is creating a committee to lead this discussion and we are looking forward to bringing a student perspective to these meetings. 

As we approach the spring months, the YRDSB’s 2022/23 operating budget is also on our minds. We look forward to hearing input from a variety of different stakeholders and we will also be reaching out to students to gather their voice on funding priorities. 

On February 18, I was able to attend and represent YRDSB at the annual Ontario Student Trustees Association’s two-day virtual Board Council Conference. The conference provided various networking opportunities, group sessions and visits from special guest speakers such as Ontario’s very own Minister of Education S. Lecce. All in all, the conference itself was a truly memorable experience and it was great to connect with student trustees all across Ontario to collaborate and learn from one another.

On February 23, the Indigenous Student Council gathered online for our monthly meeting where I was able to engage with First Nations, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) students from across the Board. We discussed future projects we will be working on to gain further outreach to Indigenous students and got feedback on what they want to see Indigenous Student Council become. We are excited to see that the posters for Indigenous Student Council are completed and ready to be posted in schools around the YRDSB. We also had the honour of introducing Student Trustee Elect for 2022-2023, H. Schlamb to our members as next year's Indigenous student trustee, where Trustee L. Hoeg and I were able to share kind words and guiding messages to our future generations of Indigenous student leaders. 

On a final note, we would like to congratulate the incoming student trustees for the 2022/23 school year, Teerka Baskaran and Prisha Bhavsar, as well as the incoming Indigenous student trustee, Holly Schlamb. We look forward to supporting the transition process and we sincerely wish you all the best. We know that the students of the YRDSB will be in great hands for the next school year!

That concludes our report for the month of March.

Thank you!

Mr. Chair, Madame Director, Fellow Trustees, Staff, Ladies and Gentlemen: 

Thank you for the opportunity to present our student report for the month of February. 

On January 28, I attended the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association’s (OPSBA) Public Education Symposium. The day-long conference was filled with informative presentations and I sincerely appreciated hearing from leaders in Ontario public education. Over the last month, I have also had the privilege of engaging in two professional development opportunities from Osgoode Hall Law School. These two courses in special education law and privacy/information management law will help me develop key competencies in my role as a Student Trustee. 

In conjunction with OPSBA, the Ontario Student Trustees’ Association (OSTA) has released an updated Student Trustee Handbook which is now available publicly online. On a similar note, in mid-February, OSTA will be hosting annual Board Council Breakouts, which will provide Student Trustees from across Ontario the opportunity to connect and discuss the future of education in our province. 

At the school board level, the York Region Presidents’ Council (YRPC) will be hosting a General Assembly later this month to collect student input on mental health, which is top of mind for many students. We would like to thank Patricia Marra-Stapleton and Hoshana Calliste for their time and “co-collaboration” on this important initiative. 

We are encouraged by the work of entrepreneurial York Region students at Unionville High School and Pierre Elliott Trudeau High School who have taken the initiative to develop mobile apps to help share information within their school community. It is always inspiring to see York Region talent. Congratulations on your achievements and we look forward to your future endeavors. 

We are also actively participating in the Board of Trustees’ Assessment being conducted by Governance Consultant Robert Turner and we look forward to reading the summary of findings. 

In other news, I am very excited to say that after conducting interviews from our highly competitive pool of future student trustee applicants, our four finalist Student Trustee candidates have finally been selected. The final four are: Teerka Baskaran from CEC Central, ​Prisha Bhavsar from CEC North, ​​Meihuan Yu from CEC East and ​Yael Lazebnik from CEC West. In addition, last week I had the privilege to be a moderator at the all candidates debate alongside my two incredible YRPC colleagues, Krish Chopra and Ivory Huo. The debate was a very successful event, as we had students from across the Board register and tune in to listen to our four candidates speak on debate questions that came from YRDSB students themselves. I would like to thank the election team consisting of the YRPC advisors, selected trustees as well as Board staff for their hard work and continuous support along the way. 

Furthermore, at this time, the final four Student Trustee candidates have their campaign videos and profiles posted on our Student Trustee website. As voting will take place from February 14 to February 22, we wish all four candidates the best of luck. I personally cannot wait to see what the next few weeks will bring. 

On a final note, we recognize that this week marks the start of a second semester for so many of our YRDSB schools. We cannot believe how quickly time has been flying not just as student trustees, but also as students. We are eager to see what this next semester will bring for the students of the YRDSB and we look forward to continuously advocating for and supporting them along the way.

Thank you.

Mr. Chair, Madame Director, Fellow Trustees, Staff, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Thank you for the opportunity to present our Student Trustee Report for the month of December. We would like to start off by congratulating newly-elected Chair Tam, Vice-Chair Lynn and Trustees Sherman, McRoberts, and Liang who were elected as Standing Committee Chairs. We sincerely look forward to your leadership and commitment to student voice. 

Last Monday, all York Region District School Board (YRDSB) secondary students returned back to a normal, pre-pandemic timetable. Being just a week into the change, we have received positive feedback from students. We are grateful for the advocacy that the Board of Trustees undertook to make this change possible. 

We would also like to acknowledge that November 8, 2021 was National Indigenous Veterans Day, where we took the time to remember the First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples who served in the Canadian Armed Forces and who fought for our country. A great thank you to the YRDSB Communications team for posting an image of a beaded poppy along with resources from the Government of Canada to commemorate this day. 

I was also excited to be given the opportunity to film a video for Canadian History week about Indigenous leadership. I was grateful to be joined by Indigenous Trustee L. Hoeg to answer questions about Indigenous history within the Board and curriculum, and also what leadership means to me as an Indigenous trustee and student. I would like to give a massive thank you to A. Guida and L. Hoeg for taking the time to put together this video and coming out to make it all possible.

On November 25, 2021 the York Region Presidents’ Council (YRPC) hosted its inaugural General Assembly. We had the opportunity to consult student leaders on three policies: Student Leadership and Student Voice, Dress Code and Assessment/Evaluation of Learning. We had a phenomenal turnout and we would like to thank everyone that attended. We are looking forward to planning for the next General Assembly in early 2022 with the wonderful YRPC executive team. 

On November 27, 2021 I participated in the trustee Policy Retreat where I was able to share student insights on those three aforementioned policies. We had a great discussion and I would like to thank all the staff that facilitated the discussion and trustees for attending.

Last Thursday, we had the opportunity to connect with the Change the Cycle Steering Committee. We are very encouraged to see the progress of the menstrual product deployment and we are very lucky to be a part of this initiative. We would also like to thank the Change the Cycle curriculum team: Ken, Tanya, and Marlee for including us in the curriculum component of the project and we look forward to the presentation being shared with staff in early 2022. 

In other news, we are excited to announce that applications to become the 2022/23 Student Trustee are officially available on the Student Trustee website! We highly encourage all student leaders who will be in grade 11 or 12 in the next school year to consider applying. Even though it seems like just yesterday that the three of us had been elected, we can all agree that this is a fantastic opportunity for students to represent the interests of their peers and work directly with decision-makers at the Board. We will be eager to see the applications roll in as we approach the deadline of January 22, 2022.

All in all, though the past month has been busy, we know that the winter break is just around the corner. With the students of the Board being equipped with rapid antigen tests from the Ministry, we look forward to transitioning into the New Year in a smooth and steady fashion. On that note, we would like to wish you all in advance a happy holiday season. Stay safe and thank you. 

Madame Director, Fellow Trustees, Staff, Ladies and Gentlemen, 

Thank you for joining us for the York Region District School Board’s (YRDSB) Inaugural Board Meeting. It is a pleasure to be here on this special day. 

Today marks the beginning of a new year for the Board of Trustees, but it also marks an important milestone for us as Student Trustees: we are a third of the way through our term. Over the last four months, we have strived to represent and advocate for students at the system level. We have been invited to share student voice on issues ranging from research, assessment. student leadership, mental health to menstrual equity. We have participated in Board and Board Committee meetings. We have had the opportunity to connect and work alongside many trustees and senior staff members. It has also been a delight working with the Leadership Development and Engagement department as well as the York Region Presidents’ Council to bring student voice directly to decision-makers. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented all facets of society with a unique set of challenges, but arguably education has been one of the sectors that has been affected the most. Students have seen their learning drastically disrupted with abrupt transitions to online learning and complex timetables. However, there is reason to be optimistic. The light at the end of the tunnel is near. Earlier today, YRDSB secondary students had a four-course timetable: the first time in 633 days. So much has happened since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic on March 11, 2020 but we can confidently say that COVID-19 has taught all of us to be resilient. 

We would be remiss if we did not acknowledge the advocacy of the YRDSB Board of Trustees and Student Trustees across the province that made this change possible. We have been at the forefront of advocating for a return to a normal timetable, highlighting that students can make a difference. As we head into the next year, we are committed to empowering students to become meaningful stakeholders in their own education. 

Students have identified bridging learning gaps and addressing mental health as two key issues important to them. We are inspired by the work that Curriculum and Instructional Services and Student Services have undertaken on these two key portfolios. We hope that we will continue to have these important discussions to determine how we can best serve the students of the Board. 

We will continue to advocate for the best interests of students and we look forward to working alongside trustees and Board staff as we start a third year of learning during a pandemic. 

Thank you. 

Madame Chair, Madame Director, Fellow Trustees, Staff, Ladies and Gentlemen, 

Thank you for the opportunity to share our November Student Trustee Report. It has been an eventful month for the three of us. As we approach the midpoint of our first semester back in school, we have been able to improve our understanding of student perspectives, opinions and concerns. 

In early October, we had the opportunity to present a student report at the Equity and Inclusivity Advisory Committee meeting. We look forward to working with the committee on important initiatives to ensure that every student feels supported. 

For the past couple of weeks, we have also been working with the York Region Presidents’ Council to plan our inaugural General Assembly. Although the official date is still tentative, we are hopeful that we will be able to collect a diverse range of student voices all across the board soon. 

We were also given the opportunity to conduct our first official Student Trustee Touch Base Meeting with board staff, Vice Chair Tam and Trustee Hoeg. We were able to share the thoughts, opinions, and concerns that we have been hearing from students. We would like to thank them for taking the time to listen to student voice and we look forward to meeting with them on a regular basis. We also had the opportunity to engage with members of the mental health team on an exciting student-led project that we are hopeful will support student wellbeing and increase leadership opportunities for students. 

At the provincial level, we are excited to hear about the Ministry of Education’s plan to offer free menstrual products in all schools across Ontario. This is something that student trustees across Ontario have championed and we are excited to see this advocacy come to fruition. 

Last Thursday, I also had the opportunity to participate in a student trustee orientation program organized by the Ministry of Education. This professional development event was informative and offered important insights into my role as a Student Trustee. 

In addition, we have been working on growing our professional network and making ourselves more accessible to all students by updating the student trustee website. We are currently in the process of improving our website with the main hope that the website will soon reflect important updates from the board and provide students with opportunities to engage with us. 

Despite these busy times, our dedication and passion for representing student voice continues to grow. We look forward to the coming months and we remain committed to advocating for students and ensuring that student voice is an integral aspect of decision-making. 

Thank you. 

Madame Chair, Madame Director, Fellow Trustees, Staff, Ladies and Gentlemen,

hank you for the opportunity to present our monthly Student Trustee Report. Over the course of September, we have actively sought out student feedback on decisions facing our board. Elevating student voice is central to the work that we do and we are grateful to all of the students that have approached us with questions, suggestions, comments or concerns. 

As part of our professional development journey, we are actively working on growing our understanding of board governance and the role that student trustees play. We have also finalized our committee choices and we look forward to learning more about the important work the committees do for the YRDSB. 

September has been a busy month for not only us, but for the York Region Presidents’ Council as well. We are excited to share that the YRPC has developed and shared a promotional video which is up on the YRDSB Youtube page. We hope that through this video, we will be able to raise awareness and engage more students in the important collection of voices that the YRPC is undertaking. We are happy to announce that the YRPC will be hosting their inaugural General Assembly very soon and we look forward to the exchange of dialogue on key issues that affect YRDSB students. 

As we know, September 30th marked the first National Day of Truth and Reconciliation to honour the First Nations families, communities, and survivors of residential schools in Canada. To commemorate this day, the Indigenous Education Team held a ceremony on Google Live Stream, which was broadcasted to students and teachers throughout the board. Members and Elders from diverse nations across Canada tuned in to pay respects and share a part of their culture with YRDSB Staff and Students. As the indigenous student trustee, I was fortunate enough to be asked to prepare a speech for the livestream and share my voice about the TRC. I would like to extend a great thank you out to Victoria Raymer and the whole Indigenous Education team for preparing that ceremony for everyone to enjoy.

At the provincial level, the Ontario Student Trustees’ Association (OSTA) will be hosting their in-person Fall General Meeting in early November in downtown Toronto. The event will consist of professional development activities and networking opportunities for student trustees. OSTA will also be hosting student trustee orientation sessions in conjunction with the Ministry of Education later this month. These two opportunities will help us, as student trustees, better understand the role that we play within our education system and will help us better serve the students that we were elected to represent. 

We also appreciated the opportunity to meet with members of the Curriculum and Instructional Services team to discuss the education component of the Change the Cycle menstrual product program. We are looking forward to further working with the team in the coming weeks. 

On a final note, we would like to congratulate Audrey on her appointment as Acting Manager of Corporate Secretariat and Trustee Services (CSTS). We would also like to thank Kathy and Sonia from CSTS for their support as we ease into our roles. With that, we look forward to what the next month has in store for the students of the YRDSB and the three of us are eager to support them along the way. 

Thank you. 

Madame Chair, Madame Director, Fellow Trustees, Staff, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is an honour and a privilege to be attending our first official regular Board meeting. We would like to start off by acknowledging and thanking our predecessors, Christine Lin, Felix Nomerovsky and Ashton Wood for their service in the last school year. We are excited to carry the torch forward into the new school year. 

We would also like to take the time to congratulate the newly elected executive cabinet members of the York Region Presidents’ Council (YRPC), the official student senate of the York Region District School Board (YRDSB). We hope that through the YRPC, we will be able to connect with students across the Board and ensure that every student has a platform to raise their voice on the issues that matter to them. 

We would like to extend our appreciation to Kathy Tallidis, Audrey Ballard and the entire team from Corporate Secretariat and Trustee Services who have facilitated our transition into our new roles. We would also like to express our gratitude to Board staff who have taken the time to answer all our questions and clarify student concerns. Your help has greatly increased our ability to understand our roles as Student Trustees and has made the beginning of this journey an amazing experience.

Recently, the three of us have had the privilege of providing a student trustee address for Compass Points, the annual YRDSB conference dedicated to highlighting aspects of the Director’s Action Plan. Thank you to Andrew Guida, Jamie Bennett and Monika Bent for all your support on this initiative. 

Additionally, in the last month, we have met with the YRPC executive cabinet several times to discuss and plan events with the ultimate goal of elevating student voice. We are excited to share that we are making meaningful progress towards our first General Assembly, which will bring together students from high schools across the Board together for an evening of thought provoking discussions and meaningful dialogue. 

We have also had the opportunity to meet with the Menstrual Hygiene Steering Committee to discuss the implementation of the Change the Cycle program.  In the coming weeks, we look forward to working with Curriculum and Instructional Services to further discuss the educational component of this very important portfolio.

Now, we know COVID-19 has presented our education system with a unique set of challenges but we are inspired every single day by the perseverance and dedication our administrators, teachers, school staff and students have demonstrated all across the YRDSB as we all try to adapt to this new normal. 

All in all, August was an exciting month as we transitioned into our new roles. We look forward to what the next months will bring for the students of the YRDSB, and three of us are eager to support them along the way!

Good evening Madam Chair, Madame Director, Fellow Trustees, Staff, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Christine: With our term coming to an end soon, we take this opportunity to reflect on all of our past experiences and accomplishments. Although this year came with many unprecedented changes, our time as student trustees were still filled with many valuable opportunities and experiences. We have had the privilege of working with such dedicated and inspirational individuals who were invested in our work and success. We are so thankful for all of the support we have received as Student Trustees, reflective of the Board’s commitment to student voice. However, one of our responsibilities as trustees is to seek ways to improve the system through identifying ways to better support our incoming student trustees and therefore, our student body as a whole. With this information report, we hope to highlight our best memories from our term and provide feedback for the Board. 

Ashton: During the month of May, Christine, Felix and I had the privilege to attend the final OSTA Conference of our terms which was the Annual General Assembly Meeting. At the conference, Christine continued her work with the Student Wellbeing working Group, and had the opportunity to lead a mindful meditation session for the General Assembly. Felix continued his work as chair of the French Relations working group and worked on translating the RECFO website from English to French. I continued my work on the Indigenous Relations working group, discussing and spreading awareness surrounding the barriers Indigenous students in Ontario face today and supporting the Calls to Action for reconciliation. It was also a pleasure seeing the onboarding student trustees transition into their positions: learning about moving motions, Robert’s rules and learning other boardroom etiquette. Watching Bruce and Munira, we were reminded of the excitement and joy that we felt when we first were introduced to the wonderful network at OSTA. It was a bittersweet experience at our last conference; however, we were grateful to 

Felix: Furthermore, we have been working with the York Region President’s Council (YRPC) with their upcoming elections that are taking place on the 15th of June where new members of the YRPC are going to be elected for the 2021-2022 school year. During this time, YRPC held an elections GA where students were able to learn more about their positions and what they imply. Furthermore, we held a candidate information session where applicants got to learn the rules for campaigning for their position, and learn about what it means to be a part of YRPC. Despite transitioning to fully online, we have received 65 applications from schools of all 4 CECs which is a significant increase since the founding of the council.

Ashton: I would also like to share some of my work and advocacy in regards to Indigenous education and student voice. This month, I have been hired by TVO to review Indigenous courses through the summer to October of 2021. Furthermore, the Indigenous Student Council has had its May monthly meeting. 

Ashton: Now we will be moving on to the feedback section of our report. One of our key responsibilities, as student trustees, is to serve our constituents and speak up for their wants and needs. We also recognize that providing feedback is just as valuable, to ensure that our successors are well supported to fulfil their duties and responsibilities. We cannot begin to express how thankful we are for all those who have supported us throughout the year; you all have been so integral in the work that we do, and ensuring that student voice is heard. Thank you to our support system, which consists of a comprehensive team of adult trustees, superintendents, the director and associate directors, and staff. However, with this year being online, it was much more difficult to get to know everyone and build collaborative relationships. As a suggestion, we would like to see an informal networking event at the beginning of the year to ensure that our incoming student trustees have the opportunity to get to know their co-trustees and staff in and outside of the boardroom. We believe that this would be greatly beneficial and would make them feel more comfortable and adjusted in their roles. 

Felix: With our terms only spanning a single year, this year has been quite a considerable learning experience. We have had the opportunity to expand our competencies and skills, thanks to the wealth of knowledge and resources that has been made available to us. However, we request a more comprehensive media and governance, and policy training to support our student trustees. During our terms, we found it difficult at times to speak up during board meetings about matters regarding policy and board governance. We believe that our incoming student trustees would benefit from training and more frequent, informal discussions with the Vice-Chair before and after board meetings to clarify any agenda items discussed and answer any of their questions. Furthermore, one of our main responsibilities is to answer students’ questions and raise any of their concerns to the Board. At the beginning of this year, we were enthusiastic to answer any queries regarding reopening, and to share all of the information that we were aware of. However, we found it challenging to identify which pieces of information were to be kept private and which ones to share with the public. The same applies for initiatives that we were working on: we were excited to share our work with students, but were sometimes told to keep our progress and work to ourselves. For the following year, we request that student trustees receive more extensive training on navigating media to ensure that communications are transparent, while maintaining the confidentiality of certain matters. Moreover, many of our essential training this year was pushed back to later in our terms. We suggest that all training sessions for the following terms are to be scheduled promptly at the beginning of the term, within the first two months to ensure that student trustees are well equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge right from the beginning. 

Felix: We have also recently had an election for the 2021-2022 school year and though it has turned out well, there are some areas of improvement too. Firstly, we believe it’s important to inform local principals about the election that would take place and ask them to present about it. This is mainly because this is truly the only fashion students are reached and for them to vote and have their voice heard at the board. Secondly, we believe it’s a good idea to reach out to different student trustee candidates to present the importance of voting. This video would be presented beside the principal presentation and on the social media outlets of the YRDSB. However we are still extremely happy with many initiatives the board implements such as the student trustee candidate’s video and hope to see it supported in future elections. 

Christine: This year, one of the most helpful resources available to us was by far our monthly informal meetings. We are grateful that the Vice-Chair, Superintendent of Education Leadership Development, and the Manager of Corporate Secretariat and Trustee Services were able to dedicate their time towards our touchbase meetings. At these monthly meetings we were able to discuss any initiatives that we wished to pursue, along with any general questions or feedback we wanted to bring back to the team. In addition to our monthly meetings, we were privileged to have the opportunity to speak with the Director of Education bi-monthly, which is a new addition to this year’s term. We hope that next year, these monthly and bi-monthly meetings continue to be scheduled for our incoming student trustees as they greatly support the work that we do. However, we would like to suggest that for next term, these meetings be more structured and productive, with more guidance from the team. Since the beginning of our terms, these meetings were student-led, which provided us with autonomy. However, independence proved to be quite challenging since we had to do quite a bit of research, planning and other work on our own, figuring things out by ourselves. As a solution, we would like for the Vice-Chair, Superintendent of Education Leadership Development, and the Manager of Corporate Secretariat and Trustee Services to plan and lead meetings at the beginning of our term, and slowly transition into having the meetings be student-led. Furthermore, we would like to have a longer meeting scheduled for the beginning of the term, where student trustees would be able to propose the initiatives they would like to work on for the upcoming year and map out the steps that they should take to attain these goals with the help of the team. Considering how long initiatives take to implement, we believe it would be beneficial to conceptualize all our goals at the beginning of the year. Also, this year was filled with many staff transfers, which has had an affect on the continuity of our work. We would like to see student trustees have more support between these transfers by making sure they know who to contact for specific questions and matters.

Chrisine: This year was a historic year in regards to Indigenous equity and representation, with our first indigenous student trustee, Ashton, being elected to serve the indigenous student population. We were truly amazed at all of the work and progress Ashton was able to make during her term—from the introduction of the traditional indigenous student council, to her advocacy on MMIW and other inequities affecting the indigenous student population in the YRDSB. However, much of the work we have done this year has been separate from that of Ashton’s and we wished that we could have been more involved with her work and advocacy. For the following term, we would like to see even more collaboration between the indigenous student trustee and the other two student trustees, through more joint meetings and initiatives. We would like for student trustees to be invited to the meetings with the indigenous student trustee and the indigenous education support team. We strongly believe that our work and advocacy is intertwined and it would be more productive and impactful when directly working together. Student trustees would also be able to better understand the needs of indigenous students, and how they can address them. 

Ashton: We know that was quite a lengthy report of feedback but this in no way diminishes the incredible support we were so privileged to have received throughout our terms. The board's work this year has reflected its dedication to student success and student voice, and we are so grateful. We are confident that our incoming student trustees will be supported well in their roles, enabling them to succeed and achieve even more. We thank you all for giving us this opportunity to learn, grow and serve our fellow students. 

Ashton: The month of March has been a pivotal month for our work as Student Trustees as we were involved in quite a few major events. We continued to work with the YRPC in planning for our April Symposiums, in collaboration with the mental health and wellbeing department. We have also been working on a board-wide Menstrual Hygiene Equity initiative.

Felix: During the month of March, the executive team at the YRPC has been hard at work planning for their April Symposiums. We have three workshops lined up for the month of April as follows: COVID-19 and Mental Health on April 8th, Mental Health Awareness and Identification on April 22nd, and intersectionality and Mental Health on April 29th. Our intent was to cover a broad range of topics in the realm of mental health and wellbeing and to provide students with valuable mindful learning experiences. We have an impressive lineup of speakers for our workshops, along with prizes, activities and resources for students. Also, social workers will be present at each of our workshops, thanks to mental health lead Ms. Marra-Stapleton and her team. 

Ashton: The Indigenous Student Council met in March at our Monthly Regular Meeting to discuss our goals for the future. I am amazed at what our council is able to achieve in the short period that we have been meeting. Our goal has always been to give Indigenous students a meaningful platform to voice their opinions and learn more about topics that pertain to the Indigenous student body.

Christine: I had the pleasure to attend the Intensive Human Rights Program for School Board Leaders developed in consultation with OPSBA and the Public Board Council of OSTA-AECO by the Osgoode Hall Law School Professional Development, on March 22. I had a wonderful time learning about effective board governance and the history of Anti-Indigenous systemic racism in our institutions from several FNMI educators and advocates. The professional development session was a refreshing learning opportunity to meet school board leaders from across Ontario and to become more aware of Anti-Indigenous racism and how to address it on a board level.

Christine: I am incredibly excited to share the progress on the Menstrual Hygiene Equity initiative that I have been working on for the past couple of months. I worked closely with health and physical education curriculum consultant, Julie Anderson, as we developed a rough plan and began our early research. My research and planning was guided with the help of several community and student affinity groups such as Period Ontario, Bleed the North, the Toronto Youth Cabinet, and my colleagues at the Ontario Student Trustee Association. Julie also reached out to several of her contacts at different boards to collect their advice and suggestions in terms of implementing the program. After extensive research, we knew that this was an important and worthwhile initiative that we wanted to implement at the YRDSB. After the jurisdictional scan, we also realized that many other boards have already implemented and passed a motion in regards to the program. Now, we are working with several board departments (communications, plants and services, mental health and wellbeing) under the leadership of Superintendent Todd Dungey to realize the initiative. Our goal is to make menstrual hygiene products more accessible to all students in the public washrooms of schools across the board, and to break down the stigma associated with menstruation and personal hygiene. Once again, I would like to thank everyone who is involved in the planning of this initiative. From the students that I have met with, to the staff and trustees who have been working on this behind the scenes, I am incredibly grateful for your time and dedication. Also, I want to thank Felix, my Co-Student Trustee, for being there every step of the way. He has also been attending meetings with external groups and he is a firm advocate about the topic, as well.

Ashton: The month of March was a hectic month for all students, as the break was postponed. However, we hope that you all have the opportunity to recharge and enjoy the warm spring weather during the April break, next week. We want to remind students to remain optimistic despite the situation with the spread of the pandemic and to always remember to practice social distancing as per the public health recommendations. We look forward to the month ahead and to continue conducting our work and responsibilities with enthusiasm.

Good evening Madam Chair, Madame Director, Fellow Trustees, Staff, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It was more than 1 year ago since Christine and I were elected and a little less than a year since Ashton was elected to become Student Trustees for the York Region District School Board, but it feels like we were just elected to the position yesterday. This has been a time of self-reflection and understanding for us as we look upon our final months not only as student trustees but also as students of a school board we have been a part of for almost 12 years. 

I am thrilled to announce that the Indigenous Student Trustee elections have been completed, and the 2021-2022 Indigenous Student Trustee is Chelby Milton from Newmarket High School. Congratulations Chelby, we are looking forward to working with you and seeing the great work and advocacy that you will contribute in your position.

We would like to congratulate our 4 student trustee candidates for the 2021-2022 school year. As last year’s election, each candidate represents a different corner of the YRDSB meaning the West, Central, East and North parts of our board. Our west candidate is Anissa Rampersaud, our central candidate is Bruce Yu, our eastern candidate is Hanifah Johnson, lastly, our north region candidate is Munira Chakera. 

Within the Ontario Student Trustees Association, we have gotten the opportunity to attend the Board Council Conference from the 18th of February until the 22nd of February. Learning more about how to form motions, working with our different working groups in support of the students of Ontario and much more. We were able to listen to numerous speakers, ranging from our own executive council, as well as guest speakers such as Patrick Lalonde, someone who pitched on Dragons Den. During the Board Council Conference we had the opportunity to meet Annie Kidder who is the president of People for Education, in regards to managing student wellbeing as well as equity and inclusivity. Also we had the opportunity to meet some Student Trustees from the francophone school boards across Ontario during our meeting about managing our professional development budget. 

At the YRPC we have completed our February general assembly in which our 4 student trustee candidates for the 2021-2022 school year had a debate. During this debate, the candidates had the opportunity to present themselves to the wider student body population of the YRDSB. Also, during the month we have been preparing for our Student Outreach Meeting in the spring that will focus on the topic of mental health. 

On the topic of mental health, I have had the pleasure to work with mental health lead Ms. Marra-Stapleton, consultant Ms. Anderson, and vice-principal of Miliken Mills High School Ms. Imada-Chan on various initiatives that strive to promote positive mental health and well-being amongst students. This past week, alongside executives from the YRPC, we reviewed and provided feedback on the Positive Mental Health Daily Student Activity Resource. This  K- 12 guide was developed by the team to provide a variety of activities to engage in with students in both face-to-face and virtual settings. The activities can be implemented at the start of the school day, as a closing exercise, or integrated into the learning of any subject area. Our executive team did a thorough review of all of the activities in all age groups to provide a student perspective in hopes of enriching the resource. 

Over the past couple of months too, I had the opportunity to speak to the many different students that attend Hodan Nalayeh S S. We have learnt a lot during this entire renaming process and we are excited to present our findings to the Policy and By-Law committee. 

Overall, after reflection from our first couple of months as Student Trustee have been quite eventful and an experience like no other. From renaming a school in our region, an event that hasn’t happened in over 10 years, being a student trustee during the COVID-19 epidemic. We are excited to face different challenges in the second half of our terms head on. 

Christine: Good evening Trustees, Madame Director, Staff, Ladies and Gentlemen.

Christine:  During the month of November, we are happy to share all of the work we have done with the York Region Presidents Council, Ontario Student Trustees Association, and the board.

Christine: At the York Region Presidents Council, we have had our November General Meeting where many students from across the York Region District School Board have attended. Last month's topic was about preparing students for their post-secondary careers and we have had many speakers from across Canadian and even American Universities coming to speak to us about their experience at their respective college/university. We have also had the opportunity to cover most subjects in university: from the STEM fields, Business, Art/Design, and Social Science.

Christine: Furthermore, we have also participated in the development in this month’s General Assembly meeting with a festive themed GA about how to effectively present and develop self-confidence. In this GA, we will be asking students to pitch ideas to the YRPC and we have invited a special guest speaker who is a speaking coach, author, and alumni of Princeton University. It has been such a rewarding experience being able to meet students from all across the YRDSB to talk about relevant topics that pertain to the student body.

Felix: At the Ontario Student Trustees Association  level, we have had the opportunity to work with our respective Working Group on activities and tasks related to the education of students across Ontario. Whether it is in the French Working Group, Wellness Working Group or the Indigenous Working Group.

Felix: Lastly, at the board level, though sadly we were unable to attend the QUEST conference like the student trustees before us, we were very pleased to present our invocation speech to the board when the board selected new chairs for their respective Committees and new officers for the 2021 calendar year. As well as saying goodbye to some of the staff that have mentored and supported us during our role as student trustee. 

Felix: Thus, November has been a very exciting month for us, being able to have the opportunity to speak to students from across the York Region District School Board with the amazing people at the York Region Presidents Council, to the hard work we give to our groups at the Ontario Student Trustees Association, and at the board level, we excited to see what the future has in store for us and have the opportunity to participate more at the board and represent the 128 000 students at the York Region District School Board.

Good evening Trustees, Madame Director, Staff, Ladies and Gentlemen.

Unfortunately, our colleague and Indigenous Student Trustee, Ashton Wood, is unable to join us today.

Thank you all for joining us here this evening on this special occasion. This day marks the beginning of a new year and a new chapter. Although the times change, one thing remains the same and that is the Board’s dedication to the well-being, success and safety of all students. Each and every day, we are motivated by the bright young students of the YRDSB, the very ones that will go on to shape our society and future. We work hard to ensure that all students are safe, healthy and receiving quality education. From the deep late night discussions, to the early morning training sessions, everything that we do is in the interest of our students. 

It is unbelievable how the time has flown by and we are almost a third of the way through our terms as Student Trustees. Despite missing out on many in-person events, just being able to participate through our screens has been an experience like none other. 

It has truly been a unique, enriching and eye-opening experience to be representing the diverse students of the YRDSB, the largest group of stakeholders in the organization. We hope that we were able to provide an insightful student perspective engaging in all of the important conversations at the board table. We will continue to be vocal by advocating for students’ needs; which include high quality instruction and assessment, proper mental health supports, equal access to learning and leadership opportunities, and inclusive school environments. We have been working diligently on various initiatives, speaking at different events and we cannot wait to see our vision, and the vision of the 128 000 students of the YRDSB, come to life. 

Of course, none of it would be possible without the strong support system that is the wonderful staff and trustees at the Board. As members of the community, Trustees, you inspire us to be stronger advocates for our constituents. Staff members, your tireless dedication is unparalleled and you are the reason that the YRDSB continues to be a leader in public education. Each and everyone one of you should be proud since you all are vital parts to the whole that is our Board. 

Despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Board was able to continue delivering quality learning experiences to students, whether it be virtually or face-to-face. From the teachers and school administrators working on the frontlines, to the Board staff who are working around the clock on timetabling and scheduling, to the communications team who continues to send out important messages and of course to all of the students who continue to learn - it is remarkable what we are all capable of in the face of a global pandemic. We encourage everyone to continue being strong and to not lose sight of the ultimate goal. Although we may be physically separated, our passion for education and for the well-being and success of our students brings us together.