New Student Trustee Elect Sworn in at Catholic Board

New Student Trustee-Elect Sworn in at Catholic Board
Posted on 01/16/2020

JANUARY 16, 2020 - BARRIE, ON: At the January 15, 2020 Board meeting, the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board (SMCDSB) welcomed Laura Bateman as the 2020-2021 student trustee-elect.


The Grade 11 student from St. Joseph’s Catholic High School in Barrie was elected by the Student Senate in November and has begun a six-month term as student trustee-elect alongside current student trustee Isaac McClelland. Laura is the first student trustee from St. Joseph’s since Sergio Morales (current City of Barrie Councillor for Ward 9) served ten years ago in 2010-2011! 


“The student trustee position on our Board of Trustees is an important one,” said Joe Zerdin, Board Chair. “Laura will learn valuable skills when she attends our meetings and participates in discussions. We are also enthusiastic about what we will learn from her, as she represents the collective student body, and student needs are at the heart of everything we do.” Laura will also have the opportunity to represent the SMCDSB student voice at various provincial conferences for trustees and student trustees.


Laura currently represents her school as a member on the SMCDSB Student Senate and serves on the Student Council at St. Joseph’s as the Spirit Coordinator. “Laura is admired and respected by her classmates and teachers alike, and will certainly represent the secondary students of SMCDSB with enthusiasm and grace,” said Joe Timmins, Principal at St. Joseph’s.


Laura is eager about her new role. “As student trustee, I am excited to grow in my own school, school board and my faith. Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board is full of unique and special students that have a bright future ahead!


Laura will be officially commissioned as the 2020-2021 student trustee at the first Board meeting in September and will serve until July 31, 2021. 


-30-


Media Contact: Pauline Stevenson, Communications Manager 705.722.3555 ext., 229 [email protected] 

laura batemanLaura Bateman
Student Trustee-Elect