Rainbow District School Board welcomes Student Trustee for 2019-2020

Colleen Gauvreau, a Grade 12 student at Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School, will serve as Student Trustee on the Rainbow District School Board for the 2019-2020 school year. She was sworn in at the Board meeting on Tuesday, August 27, 2019.

“Rainbow District School Board values student voice,” says Chair Doreen Dewar. “Colleen Gauvreau will bring this important perspective to the table as a Student Trustee. She will also have an opportunity to gain a first-hand look at the role of elected officials in a democratic society as well as develop leadership skills.”

Colleen Gauvreau is President of the Athletic Association at Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School. She also contributes to the mental wellness group at the school. This past spring, she organized a prom for seniors, the first of its kind. The event was a tremendous success.

“I’m very excited to be Student Trustee,” says Colleen Gauvreau. “Student voice matters. Students are the future and it’s important to hear their opinions and recognize their challenges in order to create a better learning environment and overall education.”

As Student Trustee, Colleen Gauvreau will work with the Student Senate to continue to focus on mental health and well-being, which are fundamental to student achievement.

“To foster a safe and positive space, we need to give students opportunities to be heard and listen to what they need.” She adds: “Student voice also promotes peer-to-peer interactions. Students often digest information more clearly when it comes from other students.”

In her role as Student Trustee, Colleen Gauvreau also represents Rainbow District School Board at the provincial level as a member of the Ontario Student Trustees’ Association (OSTA). She is the Northern Regional Representative of the Public Board Council as well as the Co-Chair of the Student Achievement Working Group.

The first day of school is Wednesday, September 4, 2019. There will be no early dismissal on the first day.

-30-

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