Students’ Voices at CSBA
The closing keynote address at CSBA 2016 was a student performance titled, “Students’ Voices.” It was a performance written and designed by Grade 10-12 students from Lord Selkirk Regional Comprehensive Secondary School. The students defined what “Courageous Leadership” means to them with quotes, dance, and short skits. The performance was outstanding. I was so moved by what the students had to say. Everything that they wanted and hope for was what I want and hope for my daughter, the students I serve, and myself. I was holding back the tears throughout the performance. Thank you to the students of Lord Selkirk and thank you to the teacher who encourages these students to create and express themselves.
I love the message of the Students’ Voices performance. You have to believe in yourself, like yourself, and empower yourself. I was struck by this as three questions to self. Do you believe in yourself? Do you like yourself? Do you empower yourself? These are not easy questions to answer. My knee-jerk response would be NO times three. With a sincere self-assessment, the answers are “yes” (lower case, italicized). It’s a learning process. I’m in my mid-40’s, still challenged by my pedagogical journey. When I left teaching more than 5 years ago, I did not realize that I was still teaching. My role or title may have changed but I continue to teach. Presenting at CSBA 2016 was a good example of this. Teaching comes in different forms. The power is in me.
I learn so much from students. I am a huge supporter and advocate for STUDENT VOICE. I am proud that my school district has a student trustee. SD46 (Sunshine Coast) have updated our policies to include a student trustee. Although the student trustee does not vote, nor does he or she participate in the closed meetings, having the student perspective at the table influences how I act as a school trustee. We are one of two school districts out of 60 in BC that have a student trustee. Student voice was mentioned during my presentation as an “information source” school trustees from across Canada would like to see more of. In the upcoming school year, our board has changed the SD46 Education Committee time to 3:30pm to include students and student trustee. I cannot wait for these meetings. I chair the SD46 Education Committee and STUDENT VOICE will contribute to our discussions.