Written by Carter Watkinson, Student Journalist

This month, students at Jean Vanier Catholic High School in Collingwood will congregate to discuss issues they feel are important in education. A student-led initiative encourages students to make their voice heard. This decision was made following a student senate meeting in March, in which it was announced that the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board is reviewing its strategic plan. Student senators Rhea V. and Sam M.C. will lead the exercise. Students will be encouraged to consider and respond to four questions, and their answers will be sent to the school board for review.

The four questions are:
What is something great about your school?
What can be done in order to improve your learning experience?
Have you ever faced any barriers to your learning?
What are issues that will affect your education in the next five years?

This exercise will give students a voice, as their concerns will be sent directly to staff at the school board, and factored into the board’s new five year plan. “I’m looking forward to seeing how our opinions are used to create change,” said Rhea V.