Rainbow District School Board welcomes Student Trustee for 2020-2021

Ava Lafrance, a Grade 12 student at Confederation Secondary School, will lead the Student Senate and serve as Student Trustee on the Rainbow District School Board for the 2020-2021 school year. The Student Senate includes representatives from all secondary schools.

“The Student Trustee brings an important perspective to the board table,” said Chair Doreen Dewar. “We value student voice and look forward to having Ava Lafrance join us to engage in the discussion, provide insight, gain leadership skills, and get a first-hand look at democracy in action.”

Ava Lafrance balances her academic studies with school life to enjoy the full student experience. Ava is also passionate about playing the piano, which she finds calming. She says students can help each other find ways to focus on well-being.

“I am very excited and grateful to lead the Student Senate,” said Ava Lafrance. “I am also looking forward to meeting new people and making a contribution as Student Trustee.”

Ava said being a Student Trustee will give her more responsibility, a stronger voice for students, and an opportunity to be a role model.

“Student voice promotes positivity and participation in schools,” she said. “When one student is heard, it compels others to speak up and more and more students become engaged.”

She added: “As Student Trustee, I will work alongside my peers in the Student Senate to create safe spaces for students. This is particularly important this year as we go back to school amidst the pandemic. We want students to feel confident and supported.”

In her role as Student Trustee, Ava will also represent Rainbow District School Board at the provincial level as a member of the Ontario Student Trustees’ Association (OSTA).

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Media Contact:

Nicole Charette, Senior Advisor,
Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning,
Rainbow District School Board, 705-674-3171, ext. 7217.