BONNYVILLE – Last month, over 50 Northern Lights Public Schools (NLPS) students from Grade 5-12 met with trustees to discuss school improvements from a student perspective.
“I just really appreciate how insightful and honest the kids are,” says Karen Packard, NLPS board chair. “It gives us an opportunity to help to provide solutions to those sorts of problems.”
For Packard, it’s important to hear directly from the kids, as they face the issues first-hand.
“They're very perceptive, and it's a different perspective than then we have around the board table. So, I think it's really important for them to share with us and I'm always grateful when they have the opportunity,” she says.
The youth from the Bonnyville, Cold Lake, Lac La Biche public school division met with trustees at the NLPS division office from the morning to afternoon on Dec. 14.
At the meeting, students were asked to identify successes and challenges, review exam data, and suggest areas for improvement. The student feedback was collected to help the school board set priorities for its three-year education plan. The board set out to collect student input and will consult with multiple stakeholder groups throughout the year.
One of the last plans put together in the 2018-19 school year strived to improve students’ mental health and wellness while improving students' numeracy skills and understanding.
At the 2022 Student Advisory Council meeting, students brought up cleanliness issues in the washrooms, which allowed the board to provide solutions like increased custodial time. Other student needs included having dedicated time with guidance counsellors who provide career guidance, assisting students in making transitions between schools, and student leadership programs.
Students and trustees will meet once more during the spring as part of the Three-Year Education plan.
