April 22nd and 23rd: Students gather for Stand Up, Speak Out Conference

Stand Up! Speak Out! is the theme of the 2013 Students Leading Students Conference being presented by the Rainbow District School Board Student Senate on Monday, April 22 and Tuesday, April 23, 2013. The conference will take place from 9 am to 2 pm at the West Residence Conference Hall at Laurentian University.

Guest speakers include Andy Thibodeau on “Share Your Care” and Wes Williams on “Stick to Your Vision”. Both speakers will share their experience with setting goals and striving to achieve them. The conference will bring together approximately 90 students from Rainbow secondary schools.

“We have invited students to this conference to help guide them on their way to having a successful career in leadership,” says Michael Niven, Student Trustee with Rainbow District School Board and Chair of the Student Senate. “Our purpose is to give student leaders tools and experience to set them in motion towards achieving the goals and dreams they have for their schools and beyond.  We hope that they will come away with the necessary stepping stones to carry out their projects as student leaders now and in the years to come.”
 
“Students play an important role in creating healthy school environments where all young people feel welcome and valued. This conference will inspire students to be good role models and make a difference,” says Norm Blaseg, Director of Education for Rainbow District School Board. Director Blaseg commended Rainbow District School Board’s Student Senate for organizing and presenting this year’s Students Leading Students Conference, a key component of the Ministry of Education’s Student Success Initiative.

Chaired by Student Trustee Michael Niven of Manitoulin Secondary School, the Student Senate provides a regular forum for students to come together to network and share ideas. The Student Senate includes Michaela Paradis and April Perrin of Sudbury Secondary School; Chloe Derrenbacker and Cody Hartwick of Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School; Roberto Bagnato and Cassandra Mazzuca of Lockerby Composite School; Alex Luopa and Michael Kaufman of Lively District Secondary School; Lynn Richards and Kristina Galipeau of Lasalle Secondary School; Jamey VanHorn and Michael Niven of Manitoulin Secondary School as well as Jerrika Rydall and Jaymie Muncaster of Espanola High School.

About the Conference Guest Speakers

Andy Thibodeau
Share Your Care

Andy Thibodeau was raised and still lives in London, Ontario. He has a History degree and is on the Dean’s honour list at King’s College at the University of Western Ontario. Andy Thibodeau empowers student leaders because he was always an active student leader – Student Council Vice-President in Grade 8, Student Council President in secondary school, and Orientation Week Co-ordinator in University. A highlight of his student leadership career was when Much Music named his high school the “Most Spirited School in Canada” when he was President.

Wes “Maestro” Williams
Stick To Your Vision

As one of Canada’s most successful and influential Hip Hop artists, Wes “Maestro” Williams was selected to be the guest speaker for the former Governor General of Canada’s Summit on Urban Arts when Her Excellency visited Vancouver, BC. Wes Williams has received two Juno Awards and his albums have reached gold and platinum status. His signature song Let Your Backbone Slide remains the only Canadian Hip Hop single to ever go gold.

After establishing himself as one of Canada’s top musical artists, Wes Williams decided to expand his resume, took acting classes and pursued another artistic career. With each role his reputation grew stronger and stronger. He is one of Canada’s premier multi-media personalities. Already a Juno Award winning recording artist and Gemini Award nominated actor, Wes Williams is also the author of the critically acclaimed book, Stick To Your Vision. Endorsed by the former Governor General of Canada, Michaëlle Jean, as a plan for action, the book shows individuals how to define their vision, how to achieve it, and what to do once they are there. Wes Williams has always been community-oriented and has made a serious impact on the country in many different capacities. He continues to support several charitable organizations such as War Child, Save The Children, Covenant House, Special Olympics, Battered Women’s Support Services and The African AIDS Society.

STUDENTS LEADING STUDENTS
CONFERENCE AGENDA

Monday, April 22, 2013

8:30 am to 9:00 am          Registration
9:00 am to 9:10 am          Opening/Introductions
9:05 am to 9:25 am          Icebreakers
9:30 am to 11:30 am        Keynote Speaker – Andy Thibodeau
11:30 am to 12:15 pm      Lunch
12:20 pm to 1:30 pm        Group Activity and Workshop: Miracle Question
1:30 pm to 1:50 pm          Icebreakers
1:45 pm to 2:00 pm          Day 1 Conclusion

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

8:30 am to 8:55 am          Registration
8:55 am to 9:00 am          Welcome/Opening Remarks
9:00 am to 10:00 am        Icebreakers/ T-shirts
10:00 am to 11:30 am      Keynote Speaker – Wes Williams
11:30 am to 12:45 pm      Lunch
12:15 pm to 1:00 pm        Personal Stories
1:00 pm to 1:50 pm          Group Team Building: Making It Happen Challenge
1:50 pm to 2:00 pm          Closing Remarks

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Media Contact:

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