A Message From the Student Trustee

As students are returning to school, an exciting and eventful year awaits. The beginning of a school year also means new opportunities to get involved are calling out. From a student's perspective, getting involved in your schools and communities is a great way to meet new people with similar interests and learn unique skills that you will carry out in life. It also makes your Secondary/Elementary school experience richer and memorable. Students who want to have a strong voice in their school board, are involved in student councils, or want to advocate for other students in general, this message is for you.

This year, an immense number of opportunities are available to you. One of the best ways to shine and project your valued voice as a student leader is to get involved on the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board's Student Leadership Group. The SLG (Student Leadership Group) is a committee comprised of student leaders from across the board. We come together and provide a voice from the Secondary students. The SLG also plans and attends various leadership conferences. If you are interested in being inspired by people who are leaders, just like you, then this is an opportunity that cannot be ignored. It is highly recommended that you contact your Principal for more details.

There are opportunities for student leaders, even if you are an Elementary student. This year, the KPRDSB has created a committee just for Elementary students who are looking to awaken the leader inside of them. The Elementary Advisory Committee (EAC) is an initiative that will give Elementary students more say in what happens in their school board. This is also an excellent way for Elementary students to speak with Secondary students and receive advice and tips for the big transition into Secondary school. A minimum of one grade 8 student, maximum of 2, will be selected from Elementary schools that are interested, and will attend these meetings. The ultimate goal of the EAC is to give the Elementary students the chance to speak up. They are encouraged to share, and provide what is on their minds. It will not require too much time, but it will be rewarding in the end.

More information will be provided shortly on the SLG, and EAC. Again, I advise you to get involved. Even if you do not have an interest in student leadership, get involved in something that you have a strong passion for.

If you have any questions or comments on anything you have just read, please do not hesitate to email me at Christopher_Grouchy@kprdsb.ca.  I would love to hear them.

Yours in Leadership,

Christopher Grouchy
Student Trustee
East Northumberland Secondary School

The Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board recognizes the benefits that accrue when students play an active role in the day to day life of the Board, and in educational planning. The Student Senate enables students to participate in the decision-making process and allows student voices to be heard.

The Student Senate is a committee of students responsible for soliciting, gathering and collating information from secondary school students throughout the jurisdiction of the Board to determine student issues, priorities, and concerns. The Senate communicates this information to the Board through the Student Trustee. The Student Senate selects a Student Trustee, for each school year for appointment to the Board of Trustees of the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board.

The Student Senate consists of a representative from each secondary school. To qualify for the position of Student Senator, a student must be registered full time at a Board secondary school and be at least 14 years of age and no more than 21 years of age during the term. Each secondary school has a process for selecting its Student Senator. For information on how a specific school selects a Student Senator, please contact your current Student Senators or school Principal.

Student Government in Schools Policy (PDF, 37 KB)