First item of business will be establishing goals for the second half of the year for the Indigenous Student Trustees Council. Members will have the opportunity to share their ideas and thoughts on how the ISTC wants to look in the next coming months. Additionally, through increasing interest in mandating an Indigenous Student Trustees in school boards across Ontario, the Indigenous Student Trustees Council is going to be discussing strategies to help non-Indigenous Student Trustees navigate this popular topic. A research period will provide brainstorming time to think of possible resources and contacts to educate ourselves on this topic and bring the knowledge we learned to interested Student Trustees within OSTA.
Step into the Dragon's Den, where bold ideas meet transformative education curriculum! In this interactive, fast-paced session, participants will pitch innovative curriculum enhancements to a panel of "Dragons" to invest in the next big idea for student success, using skills honed at the start of the session. Inspired by student trustees' experiences, this session encourages advocacy-driven curriculum designs that support student leadership, representation, and engagement.
Building Inclusive Foundations: Safe and Brave Spaces (Session #1)
In this session, student trustees will explore practical strategies for creating safe and supportive spaces within their schools and boards. They will learn how to promote trust and respect, build meaningful connections with student organizations, and collaborate to enhance their advocacy efforts. Through interactive role-playing activities, participants will practice advocating for safe spaces and promoting equity, gaining hands-on experience in real-world scenarios. By the end of the session, student trustees will be equipped with the tools, inspiration, and confidence to lead with empathy, build strong relationships, and champion inclusivity in their communities.
Led by Audrey Akharoh, Chair of the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Advocacy Interest Group at the Ontario Student Trustees’ Association (OSTA-AECO), this session will offer valuable insights and actionable strategies for student leaders committed to making a positive impact.
The promotion of student well-being requires practical strategies that student trustees can bring back to their boards to create a lasting impact. Led by School Mental Health Ontario (SMH-ON), this session will explore actionable initiatives that connect students to mental health resources and promote academic success through a well-being-first approach. With a focus on engaging parents and guardians to address stigma, as well as fostering meaningful conversations between student trustees and their peers, this session will equip trustees with tools to champion mental health in their communities.
Cultivating Conversation, a session dedicated to having group conversations to discuss the experiences they have had as students and their ideas of how meaningful Truth and Reconciliation can and should be advanced.
External Partner: Development and Peace Caritas Canada See it happen! Hear from a Catholic Education stakeholder and learn from their passions and insights, as well as how to get involved.
Incorporating the grandfather teaching of Wisdom Indigenous Student Trustees are going to think about the legacy that this years Indigenous Student Trustees Council wants to leave at the end of our term. What wisdom would we like to pass on, and what steps do we need to achieve our goals and leave a powerful and long-lasting dynasty within the future of OSTA.
Effectively Engaging your Audience, where student trustees will collaborate to create and deliver presentations about various topics in education. They will build various skills, including researching, public speaking, and giving effective presentations.
