Student Trustee Michael Niven appointed to Minister’s Student Advisory Council

The Rainbow District School Board’s Student Trustee has been appointed to the 2013 Minister’s Student Advisory Council (MSAC). Michael Niven of Manitoulin Secondary School, who chairs the Board’s Student Senate, is among the student voices from across Ontario who have been invited to provide input to the Minister of Education.

The Minister’s Student Advisory Council, Cohort 5, met for the first time on Monday, May 6, 2013, and will gather again from August 18 to 22, 2013. This year’s MSAC will build upon last year’s cohort, which was consulted on many ministry topics ranging from accepting schools, approaching student behaviour from a human rights perspective, career planning, and 21st century learning.

“On behalf of Rainbow District School Board, I would like to congratulate Michael Niven on this important appointment,” said Board Chair Doreen Dewar. “I know Michael will embrace his new role and be an excellent ambassador for the Board at the provincial level.”

Rainbow District School Board Trustees Judy Hunda and Grace Fox, who represent the Board on the Student Senate, commended Michael Niven for his leadership. The Student Senate provides a regular forum for students from Rainbow secondary schools to come together to network and share ideas.

“Michael has proven to be a strong voice for students across Rainbow Schools,” said Trustee Hunda. “I have had the pleasure of serving as a mentor to our young leaders for many years and continue to be impressed by their contribution and commitment. Michael is an incredible young man and I have really enjoyed working with him this year. I am delighted that he has been appointed to the Minister’s Student Advisory Council.”

“As Chair of the Student Senate, Michael has worked with a dedicated group of young people on what matters to students,” said Trustee Fox. “He has been an enthusiastic representative for youth across the Board. We are certainly very proud of him and wish him well as he assumes this new role.”

Michael Niven is a Grade 12 student at Manitoulin Secondary School who has served as Student Trustee on the Rainbow District School Board for the 2012-2013 school year.

He has been a member of Student Council at Manitoulin Secondary School since Grade 9 and is currently Treasurer of the Student Council.

“I have always wanted to make school life more enjoyable and all-encompassing for students,” he said. “I am now able to share my ideas not only with the Board, but also with the Minister of Education to really help my peers.”

He added: “As a Student Trustee, I have had an opportunity to listen and learn while working alongside trustees who have been involved within the education system for many years. I value their experience and will continue to strive to enhance the wonderful education system that we have.”

The Minister’s Student Advisory Council is a group of 60 students from all parts of the education system and regions of the province. Members share their ideas with the Minister of Education on how to ensure Ontario’s schools remain the best in the world.

The council is about empowering youth to help other students across the province. They share perspectives and act as change agents by expressing their views directly to the Minister of Education.

Minister’s Student Advisory Council members have been invited to join over 150 former MSAC members in a closed Facebook community that began with the launch of the very first advisory group.  This large network of young people provides support to each other as they offer advice on various resources and supports.

-30-

Media Contact:

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