Members of the Lakeland Catholic School District (LCSD) board opened the door for Assumption Jr./Sr. High School students to provide their thoughts and opinions last week by attending a student government meeting.
The goal of the meeting was to provide the students with the opportunity to communicate ideas and exchange information with the board members, in hopes of improving the local educational system.
“We work behind the scenes. We are not visible to them, even though we are working on their behalf,” said trustee Margaret Borders. “We would like to become visible, let them know who we are and that we are available.”
Students were provided with a survey in advance of the meeting, which asked them to list things they liked about their school and things they would change. This allowed the board to have a basis to start a discussion with the group.
“I am pleased to see there are so many things you like about your schools, from the amount of technology, to the reading and flex blocks, to the atmosphere. There are a lot of positives you see in your school,” said Mary Anne Penner, LCSD Board Chair.
After the board members were done with the introductions they turned the meeting over to the students and were met by a rather quiet bunch. Trustees posed questions received blank stares, as the Grade 8 to Grade 12 students seemed a tad uncomfortable.
“They are loud kids. Right now they are a little intimidated because this was the first time,” said teacher James Morrison, who oversees the student government. “Once they start getting into the habit of talking to (the board) you won't be able to shut them up. It will be great.”
After some prodding a few students spoke up and offered some possible suggestions for changes that could be made in the school.
One of the ideas tossed out was around the possibility of a Grade 12 refresher flex course, that would allow the students to get a quick lesson on some of the skills they learned in earlier grades that might be helpful to them as they head out into the world. Financial skills and scholarship application help were two of the ideas suggested for the refresher course.
Along with opening up a conversation and getting ideas from the students the board also wanted to provide the kids with a better understanding of what the board does.
“We are here for the students. We want to hear from them directly, but it is also another way to educate them on what the board does,” said trustee Vicky Henderson.
Trustees mentioned the fact that they operate the school's budget and make decisions pertaining to that budget, such as approving new courses that can be taught at the school.
Earlier that same morning the board passed a motion to start offering a Forensic Science 25 course at the high schools throughout the district.
Before the meeting wrapped up the board also asked the students' input on how often the two sides should meet. Everyone in the room seemed to be in favour of establishing more regular meetings with one student suggesting three meetings per year, one a the start of the year and then another meeting at the conclusion of each semester.
“I do think we need to meet more often so the students don't feel quite so intimidated,” said Penner. “They have some valuable things to say and had some good suggestions and ideas. I think this is a good way to move forward and find out what we are doing to serve our students well and what we may need to change to serve our students better.”
While the students weren't overly enthusiastic about meeting with the board, a total of 20 students showed up for the lunchtime meeting and seemed appreciative that the board made time to talk to them.
“I think it is awesome that they are actually getting feedback from our students,” said Morrison. “A lot of the time students can feel disenfranchised where they feel they don't have a voice. The fact that our board is willing to come in and actually talk to our own kids is pretty amazing.”
