Highlights

STUDENT TRUSTEE ELECTIONS FOR THE 2013-2014 SCHOOL YEAR

Students entering Grade 11 and 12 next year are eligible to run for the position of student trustee. Information about the eligibility criteria, roles, responsibilities, and application and election process is outlined under the Roles and Responsibilities tab.

The application deadline is Thursday, April 18, 2013. Elections will take place in two stages on: Tuesday, April 23, 2012 and Wednesday, May 1, 2013. Please review the Student Trustee Elections 2013-2014 Nomination Package for additional information.

The 2011 Ontario Student and Parent Survey 2011

The Ontario Student and Parent Survey is OSTA-AECO's largest initiative to consult with the students of Ontario. This year, OSTA-AECO worked in partnership with Student Vote, People for Education and ScholarshipsCanada. More than 7,100 students and 2,500 parents were surveyed on approximately ten questions ranging from social media, mental health, to sex education. Visit www.studentsurvey.ca to download the results.

Mental Health and Well-Being Charter of Rights

OSTA-AECO published the Charter of Rights for Mental Health and Well-Being last May. The Charter of Rights for Mental Health and Well-Being for Children and Youth is a set of values that children and youth have designated as imperative in order for both schools and communities to adequately address and provide support for mental health issues. Student Trustees from across Ontario have worked hard with the Coalition for Child and Youth Mental Health to produce this document. Please follow this link to read the Charter in both French and English at http://www.osta-aeco.org/.

Sherry Shao

Sherry is a grade 12 student at Markville Secondary School. She is a member of a variety of clubs and organizations, including the School Council and the Gay/Straight Alliance. She also volunteers her time with the York Region Presidents’ Council. Sherry is known to approach every situation with enthusiasm and for having the ability to interact effectively with both adults and peers with respect, integrity and purpose.

Kush Thaker

Kush, a grade 12 student at Bill Crothers Secondary School, has a broad range of interests including membership in the Colts Council, a student governing body which leads and facilitates student-focused activities such as fundraising. He is Co-Chair of the Markham Youth Task Force and founded CanYouth, a broad-ranging blog that shares the youth perspective on modern issues. Kush is recognized as an active student-leader and is passionate about inspiring youth to care and look after their environment.